What’s on

Thursday, Oct 11: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band, The Oxbridge, Stockton (8.30pm)

Friday, Oct 12: Noel Dennis Quartet, Gala Theatre, Durham (1pm)

Saturday, Oct 13: Andy Lawrenson Trio, Claypath Deli, Durham (6pm), Vermont Big Band, Cullercoats Crescent Club (7.30pm)

Sunday, Oct 14: Musicians Unlimited, Park Inn, Hartlepool (1pm), Paul Edis, Quakerhouse, Darlington (6pm)

Monday, Oct 15: Jazz in the Afternoon, Cullercoats Crescent Club (1pm)

Tuesday, Oct 16: Jam session, Jazz Café, Newcastle (8pm)

Wednesday, Oct 17: Take it to the Bridge, The Globe, Newcastle (8pm)

CD Review

Beats & Pieces Big Band Ten: A new album from Manchester based Ben Cottrell’s fourteen piece big band – all lower case letters in the title – marks ten years since the formation of the award winning ensemble. Cottrell and his fellow musicians retain a youthful, fresh, contemporary edge in their compositions and concert performances. ten is available on Ben Cottrell’s Efpi Records, and the band will be performing at the Middlesbrough Jazz Weekender on Friday October 19. A preview of the Middlesbrough Jazz Weekender will appear in next week’s column.

Coming up

Dennis plays Miles: Tomorrow lunchtime Noel Dennis plays music by one of his trumpet heroes, Miles Davis, at Durham’s Gala Theatre. The Gala’s monthly jazz concerts invariably sell out, so check ticket availability on 03000 266 600.

The New Century Ragtime Orchestra – all twelve of them – return to Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club on Saturday 3 November, to continue their musical roller coaster through the music of the ‘Jazz Age’. 12.30pm St Augustine’s Parish Hall, Larchfield Street, Darlington. www.darlingtonjazz.co.uk