THE Wakefield Jazz Christmas Party is tonight (5th) and the star guests, who have been Christmas-ing at Wakefield for many years now, are the well-loved vocalists Claire Martin and Ian Shaw.

Ian Shaw has achieved a remarkable coup, being a British singer signed to an American record label. Also remarkably, he is also the personal vocal coach for opera singer Charlotte Church, but tonight promises to be an aria-free zone. Please note that tonight's special session starts early, at 8pm, call 01924 782339 for details.

The hard-swinging Scottish saxophonist Tommy Whittle is one of our most respected players. Since his early days with the Ted Heath Orchestra he has played with such stars as Bing Crosby, Barbra Streisand and Peggy Lee and runs the Pizza Express All Stars in London. Tomorrow night, together with his singer wife Barbara Jay, Tommy comes to Jazz at the Shire Hall, Howden. Call 01430 431535 for details.

Piano player John Herbert tells me that he will be at the White Horse, Poppleton, on Sunday evening (7th), with Joan Whitehead and Friends. Sunday's concert will mark the 15th anniversary of Joan and the Friends charity events and all profits will go to St Leonard's Hospice. Original members of the band joining Joan and John Herbert will be David Kendall (guitarist and raconteur), John Terry and Alan Craven (saxes), plus Chantal Lancaster (bass). Details from 01904 797862.

The varied weekly programme at Scarborough Jazz mixes local performers with visiting national and international artists. On Tuesday (9th), their guests will be Naples-born clarinet player Luca Luciano and pianist Franco Piccionno. Details from 01723 379818.

A series of concerts has been running since September as a taster for FuseLeeds04, which runs next March. On Tuesday, Paris-based Algerian singer Souad Massi, who has been described as "the Arabic Tracey Chapman", will be at the Wardrobe. Details: 0113 222 3434.

Pickering Jazz Club presents Trad at the Beansheaf on Wednesday. Details: 01723 859495.

The Leeds College of Music Concert season continues on Thursday (11th) with Alan Barnes returning to his old college as a guest of the College Big Band, directed by Al Wood. (0113 222 3434).

Q: What's the difference between a banjo and a trampoline? A: You take your shoes off to jump on a trampoline. Such is the status of the banjo in the jazz world, which is why American Bela Fleck is something of an anachronism, with his rock-influenced, banjo-led band filed under jazz.

His latest album Little Worlds demonstrates his phenomenal technique. He is a virtuoso finger-style player and his dexterity is matched by mandolin player Chris Thile on Off The Top.

Regardless of the banjo gags, there are still aspects of the instrument which are enjoyable, particularly the Appalachian or Blue Grass style. What is disappointing is that Fleck not only amplifies his banjo, he also synthesizes it. Thus, its timbre is lost, becoming like an electric guitar, and many of the tunes degenerate into heavy metal bash. A delight for air guitarists, but a turn-off for the jazz fan.

As well as metal, comes the finger in the ear, pop/folk sound of The Leaning Tower. The Fleck tune Next becomes an Irish jig.

If the Incredible String Band had survived from the 1970s, this could be what they would sound like today. However, I hope the Incredibles would have steered clear of Ballad Of Jed Clampett, from the Beverley Hillbillies TV show. Unfortunately, Bela does not.

Updated: 15:56 Thursday, December 04, 2003