WHAT’S ON: Tonight, Noel Dennis Quartet + Saxophonics, Georgian Theatre, Stockton, 01642-674115. Saturday lunchtime, Easy Peasy All Stars, Darlington Arts Centre, 01325-486555.

REVIEWS: Abdullah Ibrahim/Senzo (Intuition INT3428 2) A moving and deeply reflective solo piano recital by the South African veteran. The 21 songs, among them Blues for a Hip King, Blue Bolero and In A Sentimental Mood, are performed in a linked sequence with an exquisite feeling for the piano’s sound.

Bob Mintzer Big band/Swing Out (Telarc/MCG Jazz MCGJ1030) Mintzer’s third big band album on MCG Jazz could well be his best. It manages to be both challenging and swings like mad. Mintzer solos along with Phil Markowitz, piano, and Scott Wendholt, trumpet, on tracks like Swangalang and Freedom Song.

Joe Zawinul & the Zawinul Syndicate/75th (Birdjam 40022) A double CD of music from one of Zawinul’s last concerts in Lugano in 2007. His multinational band revisits his compositions like Orient Express, Madagascar and Fast City in an exhilarating performance, topped only by his final moving duet with special guest Wayne Shorter on In A Silent Way.

Peter Bevan