I do hope the need for a very private funeral for Ray will be understood by everyone. Everything is so very painful and unreal. Although I do sincerely hope that you will join me at St.Sepluchres-without-Newgate - the National Musicians' Church opposite the Old Bailey - for a memorial service for Ray when, I also hope, there will be a great deal of noise, happiness and playing to celebrate Ray's life. I have not arranged an exact date but I have been informed that they will be pleased to arrange a day and time when it is right for everyone. I know that Terry will let you know when this will be taking place. Ray was my very best friend and protector at infants school and that never changed except our friendship grew into the greatest love and caring for one another. I adore and love Ray, it has been that way every day of my life and nothing will change. Thank you again for all your kind words, your expressions of affection for Ray and the appreciation of his work. I think he is brilliant too.
Yours, Sue

I can only say again what I've said elsewhere; that Ray managed to be both a talented musician and a darned nice guy in a business where those two qualities don't always go hand in hand. Thanks Ray for giving me the opportunity to jam and play and learn my craft, you left me some big shoes to fill. Let's make sure the Blues keeps rolling on!

I never knew Ray but I owe him a lot. I have recently got to know the great people at the Blues Jam he started and I thank him for bringing the local blues community together.

I was in awe of Ray before I knew him. When we did meet and played together, there was no "side" to him. He was a real joy to play with and easy to know.
He will not be forgotten by anyone who came across him. We miss him but he's just down the road apiece.

Sorry to hear about Ray's passing. I only met him a few times at the jams but I always got on well with him and liked and respected his playing.

Ray was `the` `gentle man` of blues and boogie. It was an honour to know him, hear him, talk to him. I know he never forgave me for not at least trying his Hammond.. but it had been 20 years since I played one. Scared? Yes.. But.. god bless Ray, rest at last, and keep an eye on us. Your spirit will live on.

Ray Bartrip. One of the nicest guys I have had the privilege to know and play with over the past 15yrs or so. A very sad loss. It was an honour to work with Ray. A great musician and a great chap as well.

I will miss him.

Daryll C.

Dear Ray,

As a relative newcomer to this scene, I only got to meet you a few times. You left a big impression, though: thinking of you will always make me smile.

If it weren't for this Blues Jam, my life would be a much smaller and less interesting place - and if it weren't for you, this Blues Jam wouldn't exist.

Cheers, Mr. B. It's been a privilege.

Ken

Steve/Terry/Reg/Vera....so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. I only met him a few times at the jam but he was a lovely bloke and a great keyboard player and the guy who got the jam going in the first place.
He will be a big loss to the Blues community and Bad Town Blues. Thoughts are with his family and Reg and the guys.

Oisin

Special guest for my birthday? If it's MY birthday then I'M the frigging special guest! Where's my cake anyway?(Whoops- started celebrating too early again!)

If last night was anything to go by - it ain't! ;-)

Steve...just read your news about John O'Leary...can't believe it. I've dropped him a line to find out what the crack is. If I get a reply I'll let you know. I know we'll all be gutted if it's true.

Oisin

I bet your right Richard but imagine how pissed off they would be if they knew we also could get a kebab at 12:00 at night, or a vindaloo or a 6 cans of special brew.
Is it any wonder they're singing the blues... while choking on their lobster.

Ken,
Thanks for bringing the new cash machine facilities to our attention.
I bet that American Blues jam that has the beach right outside are jealous now that they know that the Coach & Horses Blues Jam has now got a cash machine outside. Boy - I bet they are well pissed off.
Regards Richard

Good on you Steve and Terry for getting Ray to guest next week. That man justs get better every time I hear him.

Shadbolt - back again? God dammit! I thought we'd got rid of him. Little sod must be on elastic!

Had a great time wednesday thanks to the fab Mr King for letting me play his guitar.

I might be back in two weeks time, to visit family but also for the jam.

BEN

Great night again last Wednesday. Felt sorry for Reg having to do the whole night on the drums but I expect he enjoyed it. Brought an old mate this time who was very impressed.

Keep it up, it's a wonderful place for old Blues fans like me. Will get down as many times as I can.

Cheers

Thank you to all of you for such a great jam on Wednesday. See you in the next year. Peace. Joel.

Why can't we have a beach outside our jam?. Ken..you need to sort that out mate. I have some mates can give you a good price on a lorry load of sharp sand.

Hi Jeff - good to hear from you. Thanks for dropping in to say hello! I've just been having a look at your website and enjoying the mp3s.

Sorry to hear that your jam has been in the doldrums of late. We've had our share of ups and downs, too, over the years, so we know how it is. I see from your website that the new bar management has agreed to let you carry on, though, so here's to the future. Have a good one on the 29th!

That settles it. Our respective Blues Jams should be officially twinned. Just think: we could do exchange visits! This bunch of pasty-faced old Cockney lags could do with some Florida sunshine. Put a beer in the chiller for me - I'm pumping up the rubber dinghy as I speak...

Cheers,
Ken

Greetings from across the pond! I was doing a web search for blues jams like ours here in Florida and finally found yours. Sites like this are very rare for blues jams, so congrats!

Our jam is in limbo at the moment (inconsistent management - what else?); we're right on the beach on Sunday afternoons (so, granted, we're not EXACTLY like yours). :)

The jams are recorded live and posted on the webpage by the next day. I've been recording the jams (for free) since 2005, and love doing it.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know you have a counterpart in the US!

=Jeff=
www.blueartharts.com/bluesjam.htm

Hi Guys,
I just came back from Bristol where I took part in Harmonica Player of the Year competion. This an annual event organised by National Harmonica League, wich started off prefessional careers of player like Lee Sankey and Julian Jackson
I competed in 3 different categories: Diatonic Harmonica Melodic, Diatonic Harmonica Blues, and Jazz (any type of harmonica).
The results are as follows:

* Melodic - 2nd place
* Blues - 2nd place
* Jazz - 3rd place (I had to compete against chromaic players and still done most of them. I have been told that no diatonic harmonica player reached 3rd place before)

Also, there was no other player who managed to get a place in more than one category.

Thats is all, I just wanted to share my joy :)

Cheers,

Leonid Titkov

Thanks for the kind words. when I ever come to london I will always pay you guys a visit.

Great site and keep up the good work at the Coach and Horses, one of the few places left for Blues in East London.

Must pay you another visit soon!

Another great jam night, always good to get up with different people. Will miss it when I move which very soon. October 23, if I cant find a jam I may have to start one myself.

Superb night chaps. Only sorry that home live is keeping us away so long but hope to see you all soon.Everyone played a blinder last night.

Oisin

Glad you managed to keep the jam going..too many are dieing at the moment.

We have been meaning to pop over for some time but other things keep getting in the way, but should you need a guest act then please seek us out. we can be contacted through www.myspace.com/thelucifers1 or the-lucifers@hotmail.co.uk.

Take it easy Reg, hope to se you soon.

Steve

Looking forward to our big fundraiser bash tomorrow. Must dash - still got some songs to learn! ;-)

Oi!
Who're you calling Shy and Reserved; it's just an ugly rumour put about by Shy and Reserved people who want me in their gang
Lord C