A QUICKIE entry into the jazz diary is the Bellerophon Ensemble at the University of York at 1pm today, playing fresh and original compositions by members of the band (01904 322439 and yusumusicsoc.co.uk).

Tonight’s jazz at the Old White Swan, Goodramgate, is with Bejazzled and Mike Riley, plus guest saxophonist Martin Boyd from 8pm (01904 540911). Martin usually plays the alternate Thursday night with the Mardi Gras Band, but he is stepping in for Tim New tonight and will have a great deal more solo space with the quartet as well as enjoying the privilege of partnering the melodic guitarist Mike.

The classy Lady Anne Middleton’s Hotel, Skeldergate, continues its programme of Friday night jazz with the Mr Chris Moore Jazz Trio at 8pm (01904 611570). Chris is joined by Christian Topman (bass) and Paul Stipetic (drums). An unfortunate double booking has Jazz In The City at the Basement, City Screen at the same time, with a Latin jazz trio of Neil Morgan (guitar), Mark Hutchinson (piano) and Vanessa McWilliam (double bass).

Jazz In The Spa usually features New Orleans jazz, but followers of that music will have their horizons expanded tomorrow night by two of the UK’s most sophisticated saxophonists, Karen Sharp and Robert Fowler, who will concentrate on jazz standards from the great American Songbook (01937 842636). Further sophistication will be provided by an outstanding rhythm section of Ken Marley (bass), Chris Holmes (piano) and John Perry (drums).

Outside of York on Sunday, former University of York percussionist/composer Dave Smyth will bring his Timecraft octet to the Pave Bar, Princes Avenue, Hull at 2pm (01482 333181). This will be the opening gig of an extensive UK tour before the band heads into the studio to record its first album.

Sunday is the big day for jazz in York, beginning at Kennedys Café Bar, Little Stonegate, at 1pm, with bass player John Marley, drummer Paul Smith and a guest soloist (01904 620222). Karl Mullen and Jen Low are a great piano/vocal duo playing jazz, blues and soul at the Waggon and Horses, Lawrence Street, at 7.00pm (01904 637478).

The weekend winds up in fine style with Ian Chalk’s Quartet at the Phoenix, George Street, at 8pm. Trumpet/flugelhorn player Ian is also a renowned jazz educator and his new project is the York Jazz Initiative Course in September. The course will run for ten weeks (one hour per week) on Monday at 6pm and is designed for those who have little or no experience in jazz improvisation. You will get loads of stuff to take home for further practice and you can learn more, hear Ian’s own playing and look at the Initial Course syllabus at ianchalk.net

The big jazz week at the Phoenix continues on Monday at 8pm with the fabulous Kate Peters Quartet and on Wednesday night with the celebrated jam session open to all. An early arrival is recommended for both sessions due to Kate’s growing fan base on Monday and the opportunity of trying your skills by playing with a great band on Wednesday.