BRIDLINGTON-born pianist Gerry Spencer met the sensational young singer Esther Miller during a stint working as on South African television.

Esther returns to Jazz at the Cairn Hotel, Harrogate, tonight (Friday, May 28) with Gerry and his quartet.

Esther will be appearing at jazz festivals around Britain and we are fortunate to see her again in Harrogate after last year's sell-out gig. Gerry's quartet comprises Ken Marley, John Perry and Karen Sharp, an exciting newcomer on tenor saxophone. Karen caused a stir at Boston Spa last month - how does such a slight young woman produce such a big sound? One hearing was enough for Humphrey Lyttelton and now Ms Sharp is a full member of the Humph band. For more details on tonight's Harrogate treat call 01423 504005.

The remarkable York J Nights have become a highlight of the city's musical calendar and this weekend the organisation spreads to Pocklington and Goole. Trombonist Dennis Rollins Griots t' Garage presentation is a musical history of the African diaspora, with JazzCotech dancer Perry Louis. The Pocklington venue is the town's Arts Centre tonight (01759 301547) and the Goole show tomorrow is at the Gate Theatre (01405 763652). Both shows are at 8pm.

The penultimate day of the York Live Music Festival sees the third gig in a row by Dennis Rollins, but this time he will bring his jazz/funk Quintet, Bad Bone & Co to the Temple Hall, College of York and St John on Sunday.

Originally from Doncaster, Rollins has played with Courtney Pine, US3, Blur and The Brand New Heavies and is "the most exciting British trombonist for decades", according to Jazzwise magazine. Early booking is recommended - call 01904 658338.

Tomorrow night, bass player Paul Jackson will be bringing his Headfirst band to the Black Swan, Peasholme Green. The quintet is led by two saxophones and they will be diving into tunes by Mingus and Monk as well as originals.

The family music picnic brings things to a rousing close on Monday in Rowntree Park from 2pm. The opening group, the Hands and Voices Choir, ventures into every genre of music, including jazz and they are followed by the York Youth Jazz Orchestra. York's rock musicians come together for the finale in Tune With The King, based on the writings of Martin Luther King. Entry is free, bring a picnic.

In York tonight, Carol Addy and Finesse play for a jazz dinner in the Belmont Room at Bettys. Call 01904 659142 for reservations.

Saxophonist Jools Slater has sent me news of Jazz In The Sticks, which has a launch party on Sunday at the Farmer's Inn, Brafferton Helperby. Music will be jazz standards, blues and boogie woogie from Jools and Dj:2 as well as Nina and Karl's Fine and Mellow. Jazz in the Sticks proper begins on Thursday.

The Shed at Brawby may be small but it is not afraid of big names. Tomorrow night it will be hosting a Contemporary Music Network tour by two groups, the Renaud Garcia-Fons Quintet and the Mirabassi/Biondini Duo. The quintet is a star fixture on the European festival circuit, with an unusual line-up of flamenco guitar, clarinet, accordion and percussion joining the leader's five-string bass. The Italian Duo play clarinet and accordion. More details from the Shed on 01653 668494.

Jazz at the Spa tomorrow night presents New Orleans and Dixieland jazz with the Old Fashioned Love Band at Trustees Hall, High Street. More details from 01937 842544.

On Tuesday, Scarborough Jazz at Scholars Bar will present Tony Burcherello, one of the best saxophone players in the north. Details from 01723 379818.

Updated: 08:51 Friday, May 28, 2004