Blue Train at 56 Stamford Street SE1 is opening this Friday 2nd with Natalie Williams. The next night features Jacqui Dankworth (above with husband Charlie Wood) who writes for LondonJazz:
“I’m really looking forward to performing with my trio at the Blue Train this Saturday and great that my husband Charlie Wood is going to be with us that night. It’s encouraging to see a new jazz venue opening in London, and I wish it every success. Keep music LIVE!”
With a nod to a different Blue Train, here’s hoping that Blue Train becomes “a window to the soul of South London.” We will be reporting on the opening night.
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Great to hear there is a new venue.
Very disappointing to see its schedule– very obvious choices and same old same old. These singers are playing at all the london clubs on a monthly rotation. Sure, they're probably good for trade, and the passing public and tourists like to hear vocals so it will be a good sale– but it's disappointing to see a new club jump in with the same old acts that are literally playing everywhere else in the capital on such a regular basis, it's almost like these singers are running a racket…
It seems they have put no real thought at all into their programming. My guess is this club will be short lived in the grand scheme of things as they have no vision other than programming much of the same acts that are always being programmed in London, safe, middle of the road. I think this is a real opportunity lost to present a unique addition to the london jazz landscape. Jazz clubs need to have a vision with the music they present.
We can hear Natallie Williams sometimes almost every week at Ronnies (in December literally ever day!!), why go to the Blue Train to see her? Very disappointed.
Fred, as if the costs, the rent, and having to deal with all the regulatory bodies who need convincing when one opens a new venue weren't enough….
People starting new things in London have to cope with the relentless negativity of people expecting them, willing them to fall flat on their faces and fail.
Perhaps you'd like to do something positive.
Maybe you could underwrite evenings presenting what you would consider more adventurous and worthwhile programming.
If so, I would gladly introduce you, your potential positive energy and/or your chequebook to the promoters.
If not, let's give them the benefit of the doubt and agree that we wish them well in a new venture.
Hi Guys
Fred we appreciate your views and comments and we want to listen to music and jazz fans when they voice their opinions.
As a new club and business we have chose to book established artists for our december listings who are playing reguarly on the london jazz circuit but we can assure you we have a passion and vision to bring in exciting new jazz acts and up and coming artists our dedicated events team as we speak are sourcing and speaking to many acts we plan to book for the new year! with live music everynight there is plenty of opportunity to broaden our range of acts that will be peforming at the Blue Train,
keep an eye out for whos on and when on our site http://www.bluetrainjazzclub.com and we hope to see you soon!
You may now eat your words London Jazz. It was obvious from the outset that this was going to fail, based on their program.