WHAT'S ON

Tomorrow Gwyneth Herbert, Gala Durham, 0191-332-4041, and Extreme Measures, Saltburn Community Hall, 01642-624622. Saturday lunchtime Jeff Barnhart, Jim Fryer and John Hallam, Darlington Arts Centre, 01325-486555.

CD REVIEWS

Neon/Here to There (Basho Music SRCD 23-2)

A new group combining the extraordinary talents of Stan Sulzmann on saxophones and flute, Jim Hart vibes and marimba and Gwilym Simcock piano (and French horn, too, on one track). Although it's tempered with a couple of slower numbers, it's mostly lively and exhilarating, played with tremendous zip. Their forthcoming date at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond on June 7 should be a treat.

Norma Winstone/Distances (ECM 175 4923)

The singer's first ECM album for ten years is simply beautiful. A range of songs, from Peter Gabriel's Here Comes The Flood to an improvised calypso, all receive a sensitive interpretation from Norma with simpatico accompaniment from Glauco Venier on piano and Klaus Gesing on bass clarinet and soprano sax. It comes with detailed notes, session photos and lyrics.

Norma is appearing with Michael Garrick in Gateshead and Darlington next week.