THE far-sighted committee of Leeds Jazz delivered the goods once more at the Wardrobe, with a date from the US piano trio, The Bad Plus.

Word had got out after last year's Wardrobe date by the band, plus many must have seen them on BBC2's Later With Jools Holland, because the club was heaving.

Most encouraging, 60 percent of the audience looked under 30, evidence that though the Golden Age of Jazz may be long passed, younger people are coming into the jazz fold and the future looks secure.

Unlike the traditional piano trio, The Bad Plus is a truly democratic ensemble, in that the music is led alternately by bass, drums or piano.

Double bass player Reid Anderson, looking un-nervingly like Little Britain's David Walliams, kicked things off with a four minute solo recital, to be joined by the explosive, unconventional drums of David King and the sub-symphonic piano of Ethan Iverson.

The trio cherry-picked selections from their two albums on Columbia, These Are The Vistas (2003) and Give (2004), sent the audience scurrying for the CD stall at the end of the night.

The National Trust often presents jazz and associated music and tonight and tomorrow night in the Oak Hall at Nunnington Hall, the attraction is jazz/flamenco guitarist Juan Martin.

Martin has played with stars as diverse as Peter Gabriel, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. Doors open at 6pm for the 7pm concerts. Details on 01439 748283.

Tonight's presentation by Wakefield Jazz was unfortunately sold out some time ago - Alan Barnes, Clark Tracey, Guy Barker, etc, as the No No Nonet. Hopefully, they will be back in Wakefield in the New Year.

In the meantime, the opening concert at Wakefield on Friday, January 7 will be by the eight-piece band, Snake Davis And The Suspicions. This will be a ticket-only gig, so send your cheque (£12.50 per ticket) to Judith C Waterhouse, 3 Bramley Park, Church Lane, Bramley, Rotherham S66 2RU.

York's Bettys Caf will present another jazz dinner tonight, upstairs in the classy Belmont Rooms. The four-course meal is accompanied by the Mardi Gras Band and doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start.

Tomorrow night Jazz in the Spa presents Trad with Phil Mason's New Orleans All Stars with Christine Tyrell. The venue is the Trustees Hall, High Street, Boston Spa, more details from 01937 842544.

Also tomorrow night , Howden Live at the Shire Hall welcomes blues with the Spikedrivers. Details on 01430 431535.

The jazz jam session continues on Sunday night at the Black Swan, Peasholme Green.

Scarborough Jazz continues longer than many venues in the region and next Tuesday the Italian saxophonist Renato D'Aiello will be the club guest. His top-class backing band includes Phil Lee (guitar), Nicola Murescu (bass) and Dylan Howe (drums). Call Marian and Mike on 01723 379818 for details.

Wednesday sees the second weekly jam at the Black Swan and the Mardi Gras Band will be at the Old White Swan, Goodramgate on Thursday, December 16.

Updated: 10:17 Friday, December 10, 2004