Jazz with jingle bells seems to be pulling in the punters last Sunday Bexleyheath's Marriott Hotel had to turn people away for a sell out session with singer/sax man Jonny Boston as my star guest.

Elsewhere, business is reported to be booming for musicians at some of the regular dates on the News Shopper circuit, including the Novotel at Greenwich, the King's Head at Bexley, Sidcup's United Services Club and Catford's Rutland Arms.

This is all good news in itself, so let's hope that the crowds don't forget once 2006 is under way.

One happy-sounding rumour is that the Government may consider an amendment to the new entertainment licence regulations about which I wrote last month. If it happens, this would allow complete licence exemption for acoustic music gigs of up to three musicians. Let's make that a Christmas wish for all of us and a Whitehall new year resolution. Watch this space.

Two extrovert favourites will be supplying musical mirth and magic and should not be missed over the next two weeks: trombonist Jeff Williams injects his irrepressible spirit into the Halstead Jazz Club's Christmas party in the village hall this Sunday, December 11.

The following week, bluesy vocalist Gordon Mark Webber keeps us all happy when he joins my trio at Beckenham's Pizza Express on December 21 and at the Rutland Arms on December 27. Hope to see you there.