WHAT’S ON: Tonight, Liam Noble Trio plays Brubeck, Gateshead Old Town Hall, 0191- 433-8420; Saturday, Portico Quartet, Sage Gateshead, 0191-443-4661.

CD REVIEWS: Osian Roberts/Steve Fishwick Quintet...meets Cedar Walton (Hard Bop Records 33006) For a band obviously inspired by the Jazz Messengers’ style of music, this session with former Messengers’ pianist Cedar Walton and bass player Peter Washington must have seemed like a dream, especially as it was recorded in New York’s famous Nola Penthouse Studio. Tenor player Osian, trumpeter Steve, brother Matt on drums and their illustrious guests perform a couple of standards, tunes by Cedar and Quincy Jones and some very convincing original pieces on a very entertaining programme. Smashing notes by Steve complete a thoroughly enjoyable CD.

hardboprecords.com.

Jenni Molloy’s Bach Re-Loaded (Jellymould Jazz JM-JJ003) Leader and double bass player Jenni Molloy has been inspired by J S Bach’s music to create new pieces for her trio with Stuart MacDonald on saxes and Chris Sykes drums and percussion. With further influences from Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis and Astor Piazzolla what results is an intriguing mix of very tuneful and accessible music which while familiar also manages to sound fresh.