Jazz notes

Meanwhile, a great favourite at Wakefield Jazz is the Dylan Howe Quintet, returning tonight.

"This is fresh, energetic jazz played with brio and luxuriant swing, " said Andy Robson in Jazzwise magazine. Phone Wakefield Jazz on 01977 680542.

Incidentally, Jazzwise magazine this month has a free cover-mounted CD of sharp end jazz from the Babel label. Not to everyone's taste perhaps, with occasional "fire in a pet-shop" tracks, but worth sampling as a bargain snapshot of elements of jazz in Britain today.

No animals will be harmed tomorrow night as Jazz In The Spa presents the Savannah Jazz Band with a programme of Trad. The venue is the Trustees Hall, High Street, Boston Spa. Phone 01937 842544.

Also tomorrow night, there is jazz-related music at Pocklington Arts Centre. Black Umfolosi 5 hail from Zimbabwe and specialise in a capella harmonies, African rhythms and gospel influenced songs. Also strongly jazz-related is Spanish composer/guitarist Eduardo Niebla, who comes to the Pocklington venue on Thursday.

There are 20 £5 seats for under 16s at both concerts. Phone 01759 301547 for details.

Late bandleader Geoff Laycock employed many York musicians over the years to entertain thousands along the seaside resorts of the Yorkshire coast.

Bass player Bob Malinowski has reformed the Laycock Big Band to play some of the old favourites, plus a few new ones, and the band will be at the Bell Hotel, Driffield, on Sunday, at 8pm. Supporting band will be the RevRay Quartet.

Phone 01723 351546 for details.

Bob has also organised a special tribute night to much-loved Scarborough pianist Van James, who sadly died a few weeks ago.

Many of the region's favourite musicians will perform - Frank Brooker, Mike Riley and Alf Stevenson to name just a few.

Book for Thursday, an evening of live music, with a meal (starting at £15), in the restaurant of Beiderbecke's Hotel, Scarborough (01723 365766).

Don't forget the regular Scarborough Jazz night on Tuesday at Scholar's bar (01723 379818). The guest will be Thom Whitworth, a virtuoso fluent on two instruments, trumpet and guitar. Listen and marvel.

For jazz on Tuesday in York, the Last Drop Inn, Colliergate (01904 621951), presents pianists Nina Zagorski and Karl Mullen, who alternate weekly with guests.

The jam sessions at the Black Swan, Peasholme Green, York, continue on Wednesday. Phone 01904 686910.

Jazz accordion is a rare beast, heard to great effect on Curtis Stigers new album. It is not often encountered outside of dear old Jack Emblow on BBC Radio's Sing Something Simple (yes, I know its not jazz, give me a break) and Astor Piazzolla, much-regarded by jazzers and classical followers alike.

Two albums by French/Italian Richard Galliano have landed on the Jazz Notes desk, Solo and Luz Negra, both on the Milan label.

Guest reviewer, York guitarist Don Lodge, said: "Accordion enthusiasts will know the name, but for the rest of us: he has spent most of his 56 years playing with artists ranging from Juliette Greco, Charles Asnavour, Chet Baker and Toots Thielmans. I understand Galliano has spearheaded the development of music of the Tango in France in much the same way that Astor Piazzolla has in Argentina.

"Solo demonstrates Galliano's ability as a virtuoso as he pays tribute to Piazzolla. The compositions range from sad, through to bravura. The album, recorded in 1999, has been remastered: the men in white coats have added a touch too much reverb for my tastes.

"Luz Negra was made in 2006, with percussion, bass, violin and the occasional mandolin of Brazilian virtuoso Hamilton de Holanda. The playing by all is superb.

"Six of the 14 compositions are by Galliano and although the sentiment of the tango is never far away, the swing feel of the album will appeal to lovers of gypsy jazz.

"Again a full range of emotions are conveyed, from the grave and thoughtful to the light and sunshine-evoking, ample material for remakes of TV's Bergerac."