GOVERNMENT cut-backs in arts funding will start to bite later in the year and the region’s jazz clubs will need support from punters to survive.

Wakefield Jazz has hit on a subscription scheme to help in funding and subscribers can save money over the year with judicious planning. For details, phone the Friends of Wakefield Jazz on 01924 253202.

Jazz Notes colleague Don Lodge reviewed the new CD from the Tomasso Starace Quartet last week and the band now appears at Wakefield Jazz tonight (01977 680542).

Italian-born hot saxophonist Starace is now based in the UK and his quartet features top-line musicians Frank Harrison (piano), Laurence Cottle (bass) and drummer Chris Nickolls.

Jazz in the Spa also survives through the support of loyal fans and the even more loyal volunteers who organise the hall each week with stage, PA system and seating. The club welcomes the return of one of their favourite bands, the Dave Donohoe Jazz Band, tomorrow night (01937 842636).

Any band featuring Frank Brooker on reeds is bound to be a favourite and you are reminded that the Trustees Hall, High Street, Boston Spa is unlicensed, so take your own tipple.

York is blessed with two top-class sessions every Sunday, beginning with the Zezo Olimpio Trio at Kennedy’s Café Bar, Little Stonegate, from 1pm (01904 620222).

On Sunday evening, Ian Chalk’s Quartet plays at the Phoenix Inn (01904 656401). Two more tempting gigs next week will be the regular Wednesday night Jam Session with Chris Moore (piano) and James Lancaster (trumpet) and the 5 Pieces of Silver on Thursday. The 5 Pieces play the music of Horace Silver transcribed by demon bass player Paul Baxter and with Zezo Olimpio on piano and a second night at the Phoenix for James Lancaster.

REVIEW

James Farm is a collaborative band featuring saxophonist Joshua Redman, pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Eric Harland. On its self-titled debut album, James Farm (Nonesuch Records), the group uses the acoustic jazz quartet format in compositions by Redman, Parks and Penman.

An occasional synthesiser features on Redman’s quirkily playful Polliwog, Penman’s funky Coax and the Eastern-tinged melody of Parks’ Chronos. The Fender Rhodes piano also crops up on Chronos and Unravel, plus the occasional Hammond organ.

Redman’s saxophone is in the forceful tradition of Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, with undeniable elements from his late father, Dewey Redman.

Music on the album ranges from rock-influenced up-tempo, through to Latin American and the stately jazz waltz of Aaron Parks’ Bijou. Redman’s dreamy ballad Star Crossed is particularly effective and Parks displays influences of soul, folk and classical music in his compositions and improvisations.

This is an important example of the far-ranging musical influences in contemporary jazz and is making some waves in the jazz media.