DAVID Porter, the long-standing promoter of J Night jazz events, may be leaving Yapham for pastures south western this year, but his jazz momentum will live on at the National Centre for Early Music in York.

Centre director Delma Tomlin has picked up the jazz mantle to present four concerts, led off by pianist and composer Tim Richards and his nine-piece group from Bristol, Great Spirit, on April 15, when the earthiness of blues and funk meets the harmonies of contemporary jazz and rhythms of Africa.

Stan Tracey, the godfather of British jazz, follows up last night's Shed show at Hovingham Village Hall with a return to North Yorkshire on May 6 to play with saxophonist Peter King at the NCEM. These musicians last worked together in the 1970s but have reunited to record the album The Last Time I Saw You.

For the first time, the University of York's undergraduate jazz band, Alonza Quartet, is booked into the National Centre for an evening of free-wheeling jazz that takes in the curious and the unexpected on May 21. "They're also working with us in senior schools to encourage youngsters to consider pursuing jazz studies at college," says Delma.

From Scotland comes the Cathie Rae Trio for a 7pm concert of original compositions and lesser-known jazz standards on May 22, performed by vocalist Rae, pianist Steve Hamilton and saxophone player Martin Kershaw in their York debut.

The NCEM's alliance with the Black Swan Folk Club continues this season. Robin Williamson and Last Night's Fun have already been and gone this month; Scotland's Blazin' Fiddles play on March 15 at 8pm; and Dr Faustus, the spearhead of a new wave of young English performers, make their debut visit on April 13 with Waterson:Carthy's melodeon player Tim van Eyken in the line-up.

Irish music is represented by the youthful Danu, performing traditional Irish songs on bouzouki, fiddles and squeeze boxes on May 17, and harpist Maire Ni Chathasaigh and mandolin player Chris Newman, who incorporate jazz, bluegrass and baroque on June 3.

Not to be forgotten at its national headquarters, Early Music is the subject of a Baroque Day on May 14, promoted for a third year in association with the University of York.

Following last year's Bach day, the focus turns to Italian influences on German Baroque. Crispian Steele-Perkins, trumpet, and Peter Seymour, harpsichord, present an introduction to the trumpet at 10.30am; Simon Jones leads Rjouissance in Hamburger Relish and A Spice Of Italy at 1pm and link up with the University Baroque Ensemble and University Chamber Choir for Vivaldi's The Four Seasons at 7pm. In between, at 4pm, Crispian Steele-Perkins and the University Baroque Chamber Ensemble play Vivaldi's La Follia and Corelli's Sonata in D.

Young music makers can join York's young Early Music ensemble, the Minster Minstrels, on April 16 for a workshop day on music from the Middle Ages from 10am to 4.30pm.

Telling Tales, a week-long summer school in music and drama for nine to 13 year olds, celebrates the bicentenary of Hans Christian Andersen from August 15 to 19, 10am to 4.30pm daily.

All events start at 7.30pm unless stated. Box office and brochures: ring 01904 658338.

Updated: 16:20 Thursday, February 24, 2005