THE SESSION BAND WITH LEENA SALIM

On Sunday 19th July 2026, The Session Band (Russell Bayne - guitar; Peter Upman - vocals & trumpet; Paul Williams - saxophone & clarinet; Jo Bloomfield - piano & Pat Robbins - vocals & drums) proved why they are so popular delivering an afternoon of entertainment with special guest vocalist Leena Salim, whose powerful voice, warmth and charismatic stage presence blended seamlessly with the band.

The afternoon opened with Peter’s warm rendition of "Oh What a Beautiful Morning”. Pat followed with the beautiful "Amigos Para Siempre", the unforgettable theme from the Barcelona Olympic Games. Leena then joined the band, immediately captivating the audience with her strong vocals and engaging stage presence. Her opening trio of songs were "Blue Skies," "I Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and the ever-popular "Slow Boat to China." The rest of the first set comprised of popular jazz standards – “Hello Dolly”, “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and “Goody Goody”, as well as songs by Elvis (The Wonder of You) and the Beatles (Michelle) and a request from audience member Max brought an unscheduled but thoroughly enjoyable up-tempo version of "Blue Moon".

The second set began with Peter’s "Just a Gigolo," before Leena paid tribute to Nat King Cole with "When I Fall in Love" and "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps," cleverly weaving a touch of "Sway" into the latter. The second Elvis number - Blue Suede Shoes - provided one of the highlights of the afternoon as Russell opened with a magnificent slow, "dirty" blues guitar introduction complemented by Peter's expressive trumpet playing following which Jo changed the tempo with some superb boogie-woogie piano driving the performance into a rock-and-roll finale. "Knock on Your Door," came next, before our President Julie delighted the audience by joining the band for her signature song, "Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home" receiving warm applause from the appreciative crowd.

More favourite songs followed with the audience joining in, including “Puttin' on the Ritz", “New York, New York” and some spirited scat singing by Leena, Peter and Pat with "Lady Be Good" - a joyful display of talent, spontaneity and fun that perfectly captured the band's infectious rapport.

The afternoon concluded with "Sweet Caroline." The audience enthusiastically joined in, singing the chorus line and waving creating a fitting finale to an afternoon filled with genuine entertainment where the band’s versatility shone as they effortlessly moved between jazz standards, rock and roll, country rock, ballads and classic crooning, all delivered with their trademark humour.

Thank you, Leena, Russell, Peter, Jo, Paul and Pat and thanks also to our wonderful soundman Ben.

Jules Verity