Belfast's pivotal modern jazz session on Saturday afternoons at McHughs on Queen’s Square is coming to an end this weekend, in a body blow to the city’s jazz scene. Trumpeter Linley Hamilton announced the news earlier via his Facebook page. Hamilton commented: “Alas that time has come, McHughs have given notice that this is the last Saturday afternoon jazz slot. They have been very supportive for two years and have created a great opportunity for a nucleus of musicians and fans to meet up and have the craic playing the best that we could and generating an atmosphere that we think at times was pretty special.” Hamilton expressed an intention to take “this venture somewhere nearby in November,” and thanked the venue and fans. The last gig is this Saturday from half past four, when the trumpeter is joined by the great bluesman, guitarist Ronnie Greer, bassist Rod Patterson, and drummer David Lyttle recently back from recording in New York, in what promises to be a super session bidding the basement space a fond farewell in suitably epic jazz style. SG
Linley Hamilton, above