They say bad news travels fast, and news this bad certainly travelled fast enough. It was barely half an hour after I'd had the phone call from Terry that Digital Blues DJ Ashwyn Smyth's tribute hit the internet, and by now I'm sure that everyone must be aware of the passing of our jam progenitor, his partner Sue's 'beautiful man,' Ray Bartrip. Ray battled ill health of one form or another for a great part of his life, but his indomitable spirit and great love for music has left a legacy to The Blues in Essex and East London that will long be remembered.

Ray's list of achievements include Bad Moon Records, the Essex Delta Blues albums, Bad Town Blues, Steve's Green Onions, The Customtones, Back To Blues, the Richard Dobney Blues Engine, the Hobgoblin and Hot Hob Jam House Bands, the Loaded Dog ...and, of course, the Heathcote Blues Jam, forerunner of the Coach & Horses. But those who knew and worked with him will, I'm sure, remember Ray most of all for being a talented musician and darned nice guy in a business where it's hard for those two qualities to go hand in hand. So rest in peace, Ray: the Blues Community won't forget you...

And before I go on to this week's review, I'd like to say a word in appreciation of the man to whom the mantle was passed: our current Jam Boss and House Band bassist Terry Duggan. It's been five years now since Ray withdrew from the Heathcote Jam and handed the reins over to Terry, and in spite of venue difficulties, countless car and computer problems and a number of personal bereavements, Terry's worked steadfastly to keep the jam running and to ensure it remains a "jam for jammers." If there's any one reason why The Coach & Horses Blues Jam is one of the friendliest jams in London, that reason would be Terry Duggan. So here's a big thank you to him, and his supportive other half Vera, for giving us a home-from-home for the last five years. Long may they continue.

And they will if this week's turnout was anything to go by. I'm happy to say our German invaders were very appreciatively received. Guests Horst Nigge Meyer and H.B. Hoevelmann turned in a very relaxed and tasteful set with some top class guitar playing. It was so enjoyable to hear them that it was a pity to cut the first set short after only four numbers, but we had a lorra lorra jammers to get through and time was at a premium. Fortunately we managed to present six sets of rockin' Blues and still have Horst and HB return to the stage for two more numbers to close the night. But it's many, many thanks to this highly talented pair for their excellent performance, we hope to see you both again soon.

And our thanks to this week's bumper crop of jammers, including newcomer Tim Harris, helping us maintain our international flavour by coming all the way from Australia. Now that's what I call going walkabout! Anyhow, a resounding G'day! to you, Tim, and do drop by again if you get the chance. Tim wasn't the only one going walkabout: Richard Stenhouse played both his sets on the floor, doing his best to get in front of the fans and, as Donovan would say, catch the wind!

Still, let's take the opportunity to credit all this week's great jammers, and call...

The Roll of Honour:

• Vocals - Ian Carvell
• Harp+Vocals - Phil Hughes and Ray Wallen
• Guitar+Vocals - Steve Collins, Tim Harris and Werner Lindner
• Harp - Leo Titkov and Oisin Clancy
• Guitar - Richard Stenhouse and Dave Piggott
• Sax - Peter Harvie and Alan Elliott
• Bass - Steve Taylor and Pete Speller
• Drums - Paul Bartosik, Dave Pankhurst, Marita Lindner and (just in the nick of time!) Mark Sevel

Well done you lot, and a big thank you to Peter Harvie for helping us pack up all the gear. Highlights will appear over the weekend courtesy of hardworking Webmaster Ken Cumberlidge.

This weekend, while Terry & Vera go off to the Dundee Blues Bonanza with Werner and Marita, bassman Dave Stein will be holding the fort with Damien McCabe and Holly Roberts at the Last Project gig between 3 and 6 pm this Saturday afternoon at the Manor Arms 150 East India Dock Road E14 0BP. Don't worry, though: T and V will be back in time for next week's jam, when the German Invasion goes into its second wave with a guest appearance from The FlamingStratman, Werner Lindner.

Look forward to seeing you all then,

Stevie