East Sheen is developing a lively music scene. You will have read on this blog about the monthly Sheen Live Jam sessions at the Barnes Home Guard Club. But there’s more.

Another initiative which shares the same vibe and many of the same musicians is called Rock ‘n’ Roll Recruits – and offers anyone a chance to play.

When you enrol, you join a band, learn a few songs over several weeks of evening rehearsals and then play a gig to friends and family at a local venue such as the Half Moon in Putney or the Bull’s Head in Barnes.

There are also courses for children, but for adults it’s a mix of evening classes and performance.
Players are assembled and taught by Richard Coulson, a professional musician and graduate of the London College of Music. Richard can play most of the instruments himself and knows how to direct all of them, while making the sessions productive and fun.

“All people need to be eligible is the willingness to commit to the rehearsals for one term and be able to work as part of a team,” Richard says. As well as making new friends, the classes create a real sense of achievement. “I want people to have an experience that gives them a renewed confidence, both on and off their instrument”.

It’s an unusual chance to “experience the joy of making music as part of a group and seeing progress happen together”.

Some of Richard’s players sign up for one term after another, so each band is made up of both new Recruits and more experienced players. They are carefully put together by Richard so nobody feels out of their depth or is asked to do more than their musical skills can cope with.

Last month saw the second of two gigs from bands completing the Recruits’ latest term (above and top). The atmosphere at the Bull’s Head was great and the music was impressive, ranging from Motown to Primal Scream, via Blondie and TLC.

A couple of the bands will be reprising their songs at the next Live Jam session at the Home Guard Club on Thursday February 12th.

If you’d like to find out more about Rock ‘n’ Roll Recruits, you can make contact through their website – http://www.rockandrollrecruits.co.uk/

Contributed by Charles Miller