Eastern European, Balkan, Mediterranean and Klezmer music rocked at Fat Pig, 2 John Street, Exeter session Sunday 16th January 2011

Yesterday, Sunday 16th January 2011 at 3pm, I attended a highly enjoyable Eastern European, Balkan, Mediterranean and Klezmer music session at The Fat Pig, 2 John Street, Exeter, Devon. It was the second session to be hosted by local violin makers and restorers Becky and John Springall and one they hope might become a regular feature this year in Exeter.

Sadly, my soprano saxophone developed a problem in a couple of the keys of the upper register so my contribution was limited but I still managed to join in with many of the tunes (albeit rather quietly) when several of the friendly and highly accomplished musicians there led tunes I had been preparing.

So today (Monday 17th January), inspired by some brilliant clarinet playing by one of the other musicians at the Fat Pig, once I had arranged to visit the excellent saxophone repair expert Gill Baker in Taunton, Somerset on Tuesday, I decided to try some Klezmer, Eastern European, Balkan and Mediterranean music on my clarinet which I haven't played for years. Magic! It was like welcoming an old friend and my sax had kept my lip in good order for the single reed.

So, if you enjoy playing Klezmer, Eastern European, Balkan and Mediterranean music and are local, keep your eyes open for advertisements for musician sessions at the Fat Pig at 2 John Street, Exeter, Devon which, based on my experience, are well worth checking out.