“I'VE had a hell of a lot of fun and I've enjoyed every minute of it,” to quote Errol Flynn, although he was dying at the time. So not dying, but waving farewell to my 25 years or so in the live jazz chair.

I like the word “live.” So much better than the alternative. I hope to return from time to time as a reviewer, but welcome your new weekly writer, John Marley.

Now to live music in the coming week: the final Thursday of the month offers a difficult choice of three jazz gigs. The newest venue tonight is the Pavilion Hotel, Fulford Road, with vocalist Kate Peters and pianist Alec Robinson, at 7pm (01904 633099). Thursday at the Red Lion, Poppleton, is with vocalist Georgina Barr and the Andy Cholerton Trio (01904 781141) and the Karl Mullen Trio continues a monthly residency at Churchill's Hotel, Bootham, at 7pm (01904 644456).

Wakefield Jazz goes large tomorrow night with Claire Martin and the Montpellier Cello Quartet (01977 680542). SnakeStrings Live brings more string-driven jazz to York on Saturday at the National Centre for Early Music. Everyone's favourite saxophonist Snake Davis is joined by the outstanding Solo Players String Quartet in a fresh and innovative crossover of classical, pop, soul and jazz. Probably sold out but call 01904 658338 for returns; or visit the Victoria Vaults, Nunnery Lane, to hear my Four In A Bar quartet with jolly Dixieland (01904 654307). I will be joined by Greg Wadman (trumpet), Jim Wright (guitar/banjo) and Eddie Jackson (bass).

Jazz in the Spa offers another Saturday choice with the Redwing Jazz Band (01937 844898) and Sunday lunchtime is enhanced at 1pm by John Marley and Paul Smith at Kennedy's Café Bar, Little Stonegate (01904 620222). Sunday night offers Ian Chalk's Firebird Quartet at the Phoenix Inn, George Street (01904 656401) and close by Jen Low and Karl Mullen at the Rook and Gaskill, Lawrence Street (01904 674067).

The Kate Peters Quartet returns to the Phoenix on Monday at 8.30pm and the Phoenix jazz jam is on Wednesday night. The rival attraction on Monday will be acclaimed duo of South African drummer Louis Moholo Moholo and British pianist Alexander Hawkins at the Rymer Auditorium, University of York (01904 322439).

Ron Burnett`s Four In A Bar with Trad and Dixieland Saturday night at 8.30pm, Victoria Vaults 01904 654307.

REVIEW

Drawing Hands - S/T (New Jazz Records)

Drawing Hands is the first release from Leeds-based New Jazz Records. Largely due to Leeds College of Music, Yorkshire has a wealth of musical talent. It makes sense that there is a record label to promote these artists.

Drawing Hands is led by LCM alumni Sam Jackson on double bass who has composed a series of folk-influenced harmonies to support the weaving, counterpoint melodies of saxophonists Jack Chandler (alto) and Dan Barker-Bey (tenor). Guitarist Harry Orme performs regularly in York with Kate Peters at The Phoenix Inn, but he takes on a different role in this ensemble. Playing acoustic, he uses arpeggio chords and harmonic interjections to support the soloist.

There is a nice mix of styles, from the swinging opener Cantus Firmus to the tango-inspired It Takes Two. Each member of the group solos well, but the focus is on the music rather than virtuosic outbursts. The album is available as download only and, as with many jazz albums these days, you can name your own price. Name a good price and hopefully we’ll get to hear more great jazz released in Yorkshire.

Review by John Marley