WHAT’S ON: Tomorrow the Rick Simpson Quartet with Martin Speake at Darlington Arts Centre, 01325-486-555.

CD REVIEWS: Bill Evans/Vans Joint (BHM/Birdjam BHM 10382) Although he’s tackled most other formats this is the saxophonist’s first big band session.

Michael Abene rearranged several of Evans’ compositions for the 20-piece WDR Big Band Cologne with a powerhouse rhythm section of Mark Egan and Dave Weckl. They obviously all had a great time touring and produced some exhilarating music captured on this CD. “It’s been awesome,” says Evans.

Kate & Mike Westbrook/Allsorts (ASC cd 112) Over the last 20 years the Westbrooks have recorded a number of duo performances for their own pleasure and a few friends and supporters. Featuring Kate’s often dramatic vocals where she searches out the story in each song, and Mike’s incredibly supportive piano, the strongest perhaps are the Kurt Weill pieces and the Westbrook/Blake settings, but you also get standards like Lush Life and Stormy Weather. They’ve now made a selection available more widely, but only directly from them, price £10 inc. p&p, at westbrookjazz.co.uk or Westbrook, PO Box 92, Dawlish, EX7 9WN.