Homepage News Reviews - Acts - Shows - Screen - Radio - Books - Clubs Interviews Awards 2006 Edinburgh 2005 - Reviews - Blog - Previews Features Archive Awards 2005 Edinburgh 2004: - Previews - Shows - Diary Guestbook Forum © Emporium Of Mirth 2004 Editor: Lauren Murphy Reporters: Fiona Wilkie Natalie Joanne	Emporium of Mirth Jammin' The combination of music and comedy dates back to the music-hall days of entertainment, and is usually a decided winner. This Radio 2 show attempts to do just that. As you listen, you realise the title doesn’t refer to the Bob Marley song, but to the relaxed and improvised way in which five talented musicians… well, make music. Certainly, the musical element of this show is its strong point. To hear regulars such as host and drummer Rowland Rivron, bassist Mitch Benn and keyboard player Richard Vranch, along with guest stars including comic musician Rich Hall and Squeeze’s front man Glenn Tilbrook, construct great instrumental pieces from nothing more than shouted words from the audience is inspirational. Its failing is probably its lack of comic material. While undoubtedly fun, Rivron’s desperate attempts at humour throughout the recording are obvious… fair enough, occasionally he will come out with a fantastic come back to a silly comment by Richard Vranch, for example, but on the whole, what may not come across in the edited show is that he tries too hard. The format of the show is nonetheless great, with original musical concepts such as restyling existing songs (Kylie’s “I Should Be So Lucky” Hedrix style, anyone?), and a section in which the cast attempt to guess which bassline Mitch is offering. To me, while running the risk of defying the show’s entire concept, it would benefit from slightly tighter scripting, and perhaps a replacement host! Jammin’ is on Radio 2, 10pm, every Thursday from April 1st, 2004 Reviewed by Nat, Queen of the Air Waves RSS  Printable version	Visit our Siamese Twin Sister Site!