WHAT’S ON: Friday (1pm), Zoe Gilby Quartet, Gala Theatre, Durham, 03000-266-600; Friday (8pm), Dougie Pugh Quartet, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325-382676.

CD Reviews: Michael Mantler/The Jazz Composer’s Orchestra Update (ECM 379 0789)

Mantler has revisited his original Jazz Composer’s Orchestra 1968 album, Communication, and brought it right up to date. With a different approach, a wonderfully responsive Nouvelle Cuisine Big Band, the brilliant amplified radio.string.quartet.vienna and soloists including Bjarne Roupé on guitar, Wolfgang Puschnig alto sax and David Helbock piano, he has produced an album to match the original. It’s one of the finest jazz albums he’s produced in years.

Marcin Wasilewski Trio with Joakim Milder/Spark of Life (ECM 379 2957)

It’s always a delight to hear this wonderfully integrated and sensitive trio. For this, their fourth ECM album, they’re joined by tenor player Joakim Milder who fits in perfectly. Their programme, mostly of original compositions, but also including Herbie Hancock and The Police, well repays constant listening.

Louis Sclavis Quartet/Silk and Salt Melodies (ECM 378 6537)

Clarinettist and composer Louis Sclavis produces a rich and colourful sound here, blending superbly again with Gilles Coronado on electric guitar and Benjamin Moussay’s piano. Now with Iranian percussionist Keyvan Chemirani they take an imaginary journey across central Asia in an often haunting and atmospheric sound world. ecmrecords.com