The Hat is occasionally taken to task for lacing his writing with an overly mordant sense of humour. Be warned. The wonderful Peter Ustinov used to say that comedy was just a funny way of being serious. However, The Hat accepts that regular readers may have noticed that he does occasionally veer towards those painful 'Always Look On The Bright Side' moments rather than the slap-your-thigh fall about stuff - but even that would have been tested to breaking point last month with its overload of 'Charity' ventures. The Hat knows that he is not alone in finding it quite easy to refuse to give money to someone who wants to walk a mile dressed as a Letter-Box or being impressed by a fifth-rate comedian tap-dancing whilst rattling a collection box. No guilt-wracked sleep was lost but it did get me thinking about those it would be really good to give to should the magic line of lottery numbers come up.
There are many things about the blues that remain constant. One is its amazing and magical spread of style and genre across youth and age and continent, constantly evolving– and long may that continue - and another, I would suggest, is the never-ending commitment of those behind the scenes. Recently Blues in Britain payed a well-deserved and timely tribute to Fran Leslie. Her optimism has never waned down the years as she trekked from venue to venue eating rubbish pub and festival fare and writing up-beat encouragement to blues musicians all over the country as they plough their lonely furrow. If ever there was a need for a grant and some charity munificence it is for that collection of dedicated small magazine, news-sheet writers and local broadcasters who, often self-funded, carry on carrying on keeping the blues alive..
And then there are those, quite mad, but dedicated and joyful spirits who run the clubs and venues. Ealing, Eel Pie, Shakedown, Crawdaddy, The 100 club – the list goes on and on and around the country and despite ludicrous economics and financial melt down these guys carry on driven by their own unquenchable love and commitment. Most of you will know that recently, they got round to putting a plaque outside the Ealing Blues Club – where Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies kicked off in 1962. Fifty years of barmy stress, penny counting and unreasonable demands. No room for a list of the famous names but how nice that Bobbie Korner was there to enjoy the moment. Her husband and John Mayall have both had a profound effect on the survival of the blues in the UK and we owe them much. They nursed and loved talent. It's no accident that when they held a commemorative concert for Alexis the organisers couldn't accommodate all those who wanted to play or that the list of those that owe John for his support is a mile long.
What is so exciting is the range of blues experience covered by these mentors and all the barking entrepreneurs beavering away throughout the land on a pittance. The Pub Landlord in the Midlands who once played blues slide guitar and now runs a monthly subsidised blues gig gets a terrific kick from seeing a young gun given a rapturous stage. Similarly, drop into Castor in Cambridgeshire on the other side of the country and you will find Gerard Homan at Shakedown getting equally beside himself at the steady procession of fabulous blues talent he persuades to turn up at the village hall. If Mud Morganfield sends you a personal message of thanks you know you are doing something worthwhile.
Here is a small parable for those of you in this crazy business. Years ago The Hat was talking to a famous musician about playing at a modest charity venue in Surrey. The musician was in America but was quite happy to do a small diversion by flying in to Gatwick just fifteen miles away. And then The Agent appeared on the scene. This was in the days of Concorde to Heathrow and what had begun as a local gig for an old friend suddenly turned into a first class flight and hotel. The gig didn't happen. Anyone who has and is still doing this for love will know that and similar stories well. You know who you are - so please line up for The Hat's Virtual Lottery Handout and may all your Venues be bursting.
Of course, in the unlikely event of you cracking the lotto code, you would expect The Hat to be putting in a bid for those Heroes of Hebden and their drive for live blues music. Once you've got the house, the car and the queue of dependant relatives out of the way, what better way of feeling good than by sponsoring a fabulously exciting blues event. I know many mad promoters and they are awaiting your call as we speak .On the up side, you will be surrounded by adoring musicians, people will talk about your good looks, charm, excellent taste and buy you small drinks. But. It goes without saying, that as well as being generous, you will, like all those committed blues friends behind the scenes, have to be slightly mad. Don't let that put you off though. Take my word - it's quite fun.
I must go now as my Luck Is About To Change and I have appointments with Mystic Meg, Russell Watsisname and a horse with a spare shoe...
Pip Pip!
The Man in The Hat.