WHAT’S ON: Tonight, Zoë Rahman, King’s Hall, Newcastle University, 0191-222-8463; Friday, Debra Milne Ensemble, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325-382676.

CD Reviews: The Cookers/Time and Time Again (Motéma 233883) This is a super, fourth album from a group of very experienced musicians with Eddie Henderson on trumpet, Donald Harrison, alto sax; Billy Harper, tenor; George Cables, piano; Cecil McBee, bass and Billy Hart, drums, with bandleader David Weiss also on trumpet. The arrangements and the playing are both spirited and thoughtful with great solo and ensemble playing throughout. motema.com. They’re appearing at Sage Gateshead on Sunday. April 12.

Charles McPherson/The Journey (Capri 74136-2) I haven’t heard alto player Charles McPherson for some time to it’s good to hear him on this recent session, where he’s accompanied and supported by a Denver-based quartet, including Keith Oxman, on tenor, and Chip Stephens, on piano. Apart from I Should Care the programme is otherwise original compositions by McPherson and the band. caprirecords.com

An Evening with Joe Albany (Steeplechase SCCD 31794) Best known as a pianist in the 1940s with Lester Young and Charlie Parker, Albany later emerged from a troubled lifestyle as a fine solo pianist. It’s fascinating to hear him here in a 1973 set from the Montmartre, in Copenhagen, meandering through a range of standards and jazz classics. steeplechase.dk.