The Bull’s Head at Barnes last night celebrated its 50 years in jazz, presenting the music seven nights a week down the years. To mark this outstanding achievement landlord and jazz promoter Dan Fleming, together with his family and staff, threw a great party for musicians and jazz fans.

Saxophonist Vic Ash, the first musician to step on to the stage at the Bull five decades ago, returned to play a set with the classic rhythm section of John Critchinson, Andy Cleyndert and Martin Drew. Vic was to be seen later in the evening sitting listening intently to composer/producer/saxman Jason Yarde duetting with pianist Andrew McCormack.

Also in the audience for that set were John Cumming and Amy Coombe of Serious, the organisers of the London Jazz Festival, looking cool and relaxed on the eve of their biggest ever event which began today.

Other performers included the voice-and-guitar duo of Elisa Caleb and Jo Caleb, the Yolanda Brown Quintet, blues man and UK Jazz Internet radio producer Brian Soundy.

The evening was MC’d by trumpeter Paul Eshelby who joined forces at the end of the evening with tenor big hitters Don Weller, Simon Spillett and Simon Bates together with Ben Soundy (clarinet), Ed Ritchie (guitar), Andy Cleyndert (bass) and Geoff Castle (piano) for a rousing, riffing Tenor Madness. The anniversary season continues until December.

– Charles Alexander

For more go to www.thebullshead.com