THE wealth of jazz coming to this area in February continues to impress with a mix of international stars and the best of our local players, writes Peter Bevan.

As usual, it kicks off with Darlington's New Orleans Jazz Club which presents the East Coast Jazz Band at the arts centre tomorrow lunchtime. The outstanding line-up of jazz talent features trombonist Paul Munnery (01325 486555 for tickets).

Last year I greatly enjoyed the concert at the Caedmon Hall, Gateshead, by the veteran American pianist Junior Mance on his first UK tour with two of our finest players, Andy Cleynder, on bass, and Steve Brown, drums. I said then that I wouldn't be surprised to see them back and here they are on two dates - Caedmon Hall again on Thursday (0191 477 3478) and Darlington Arts Centre next Friday (number as above). All of last year's concerts were recorded by the trio and a selection of the best performances will be available on a specially produced CD on sale at these concerts.

There's a change of venue for the Noel Dennis Band's exciting dates with all-star guests; from now on they'll be at Mojo's Bar in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, starting with the explosive Bruce Adams on trumpet on Tuesday, February 12; call 01642 219 199 for ticket reservations. Jazz at the Studio in Hartlepool is by the Ray Chester Big Eight on the 14th and singer Bob Caswell on the 28th (01429 424440).

Alto player Martin Speake played Darlington late last year and Colin Oxley was in Stockton with Stacey Kent. They've now teamed up as a duet and will appear at Gainford Parish Hall on Thursday, February 14, performing music from the greatest composers and songwriters of the 20th century, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Cole Porter; tickets are £4/£3, tel 01325 730509.

They also appear at Mickleton Village Hall on Saturday, February 16, where caf-style tables and a bar will complete the atmosphere. Tickets cost £4, £2.50 concessions, £10 family, from the post office and service station or by telephoning 01833 640066.

Darlington Arts Centre's third jazz series, the jazz nights in the Garden Bar, has a double bill featuring two of our best local bands on Saturday February 16. Sue Ferris has often been seen contributing some stimulating saxophone solos with the Voice of the North big band or with her own quintet, most recently supporting Stacey Kent mentioned above or at the Hartlepool Jazz Festival. That quintet, also featuring Graham Hardy on trumpet as well as Sue Ferris on flute and sax, will be the main feature supported by the first public performance by the Northumbria Saxophone Quartet made up of several local stalwarts. Their programme will include the complete music from West Side Story in about six minutes flat!

Finally, I was going to write at length about the visit to Durham's new Gala Theatre by the Michael Brecker Large Ensemble. Brecker is perhaps the most influential tenor saxophone player in jazz today and this is the only Northern appearance by this Anglo-American band. Word has obviously spread already because it has already sold out, but I'm told it might be worth calling for any returns (0191 332 4041)