TONIGHT’S Festival of the Rivers Party sees the end of an exciting experiment in York, the floating Arts Barge Project, which has hosted music, drama, art workshops and exhibitions every day for three weeks.

Several sold-out nights are a tribute to the small band of organisers who masterminded the project and bear witness to the urgent need for an all-year-round venue for the arts in York, bringing back fond memories of York’s Micklegate Arts Centre. Call in at the Skeldergate Landing tonight to celebrate with musicians who have played on the Barge over the weeks, before the old girl is towed back to the Waterways Museum in Goole.

The closing nights of the 24th Pickering Jazz Festival includes tonight’s WirrOrleans Jazz Band and tomorrow night’s Gambit Jazzmen (01924 376967).

The award-winning Jazz in the Spa brings the Savannah Jazz Band to the club tomorrow night (01937 842636). The Trustees Hall is unlicensed, so bring your own tipple.

Sunday live jazz in York is the envy of neighbouring cities, with top drawer music at Kennedy’s Café Bar, Little Stonegate, from 1pm and at the Phoenix Inn, George Street, from 8.30pm. Brazilian pianist Zezo Olimpio brings his Trio to Kennedy’s (01904 620222), while the Ian Chalk Quartet rips it up at the Phoenix (01904 656401).

York’s tallest bass player Paul Baxter is now officially head and shoulders above the rest since winning Best Soloist (double bass) Award at the 2011 European Jazz Contest in Rome. Paul’s Eyes Shut Tight Trio was invited to Italy for the competition organised by the prestigious St Louis Music Conservatory. The Trio has a new CD in the offing, a live set recorded at York’s National Centre for Early Music. In the meantime, catch the award-winner live with a special seven-piece version of his Horace Silver tribute band on Thursday The Phoenix.

The Dean Court Hotel promoted the First Tuesday Jazz Suppers some four years ago and the success of the concept is down to the charismatic Andy Hillier Jazz Trio accompanying great food. Dean Court General manager David Brooks has extended the Jazz Suppers to include guest musicians every three months or so. Next week’s guest, saxophonist/clarinettist Frank Brooker, should ensure biffo biz (pardon the ever-creeping Americanism, call reservations 01904 625082).

A new rival attraction is jazz at the Pavilion Hotel, Fulford, which on Tuesday offers a second helping of the Ian Chalk Quartet after the band’s Sunday’s session at the Phoenix.

Scarborough Jazz at the Cask, Cambridge Terrace, runs every Wednesday (01723 500570) and next week’s guest will be saxophonist Mick Donnelly (Sting, Tony Bennett, etc).

Thursday jazz in York has been running for over 16 years at the Old White Swan, Goodramgate, with the Mardi Gras Band and Bejazzled alternating weekly. Next Thursday will be Mardi Gras night (01904 540911).

The last few tickets for the Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival (August 5 to 7), are being snapped up; featured acts include Alan Barnes, Jacqui Dankworth and Claire Martin; details from 01262 490324 and burtonagnes.com

Review

Up And Down is Liane Carroll’s new CD and her first studio-recorded album after a series of award-winning live albums.

In typical Liane mode, the music ranges from jazz and swing classics (Moanin’, My Funny Valentine, Old Devil Moon/Killer Joe) to re-workings of favourites from Laura Nyro (Buy And Sell), Tom Waits (Take Me Home) and Michael MacDonald (I Can Let Go Now). Witchcraft hurtles out of the speakers like a bebop bullet, an exciting new take on the Sinatra classic. Guest musicians include James McMillan (flugelhorn) on My Funny Valentine, Kirk Whalum (saxophone) on Moanin’ and What Now My Love. Kenny Wheeler’s lyrical trumpet enhances Turn Out The Stars. Liane has carried her charged live performance into a studio recording as good as anything you will hear this year.