The licensing laws governing live music performances have been a nightmare for musicians and venues alike for years. At times they have been open to interpretation by councils that have been allowed to impose conditions and, more worryingly, demand a range of fees for licenses.

The Coalition Government promised a c ommitment to cutting red tape in the music licensing laws to encourage live music and to review the situation concerning smaller venues.

A consultation on live music was closed in March 2010. In May, an amendment from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee recommended exemption for venues up to capacity of 200 and for unamplified performances by one or two musicians. A year on, there has been no further response from the Government.

Last month, The Press reported East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight was calling on the Government to scrap the current legislation. “Allowing live acts in the local pub or club is crucial for the development of our young musicians,” said Mr Knight. He went on to say we should “once again allow creativity to flourish... and unlock a vital income stream for many licensed premises.” Our breath remains un-held.

Marlene VerPlanck is a classic American jazz singer with an impeccable back catalogue.

She is on a 16-date tour which includes Ronnie Scott’s, the London Pizza Express Jazz Club and the Stables, Wavendon. Those canny Wakefield Jazzers have capitalised on her current British trip and have booked her for tonight’s session at Wakefield Jazz (01977 680542).

Matching Wakefield for their booking vision, Jazz In The Spa brings two of the finest string virtuosi to Boston Spa (01937 842636). Tim Kliphius is a violinist from the Netherlands who made his successful debut on the Continent in the footsteps of the legendary Stephane Grappelli. Guitarist Jim Birkett is a Doctor of Jazz Education from Newcastle and an inspired performer over a wide range of the music. Bruce Rollo on bass completes an inspired combo.

Sunday lunch in York has an exotic jazz flavour at Kennedy’s Café Bar, with the Brazilian pianist Zezo Olimpio and his Trio playing at the chic Little Stonegate venue from 1pm (01904 620222).

The Kennedy’s Sunday lunch session is rivalled by an intriguing offering, a Rat Pack Lunch at the Royal York Hotel. I am promised this has nothing to do with arcane menus from the siege of Paris, but is a delicious carvery menu, accompanied by a musical tribute to Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. There will be a 20 per cent discount for over 60s, call 01904 653681 for details.

Sunday night’s jazz delight in York is with the Ian Chalk Quartet at The Phoenix, George Street (01904 656401), and the band has been killing them at jazz clubs around the region. Check on the band’s new CD, First Days, from info@ianchalk.net

The Phoenix is also the focus for up-and-coming jazz singers and players at the celebrated Wednesday night jam session. With the capable and friendly backing of James Lancaster (trumpet) and Chris Moore (piano), budding performers can take that first step into the spotlight.

Scarborough Jazz at The Cask, Cambridge Terrace, also runs on Wednesdays and next week’s guest will challenge Boston Spa for fleet-fingered fretwork on the guitar, with the John Etheridge Trio North. Soft Machine, Yehudi Menuhin, Nigel Kennedy, Stephane Grappelli and Pat Matheny are just a few of guitarist Etheridge’s collaborators and on Wednesday he brings Ben Crossland (bass) and Dave Tyas (drums) to play a mix of standards, originals and blues/rock material.

The Old White Swan, Goodramgate, York, has been promoting jazz for 18 years and paying a substantial licence fee for the privilege of entertaining all-comers without an entrance fee. Next Thursday’s band will be the Mardi Gras Band at 9pm.

DIARY DATES:

• Friday, March 18, Disassembler, Hovingham Village Hall (The Shed 01653 668494) with Annie Whitehead and Mark Lockheart.

• Wednesday, March 30, Courtney Pine, York Theatre Royal (01904 623568).