FOR readers with an interest in the history of jazz in York, there are two excellent books available chronicling popular music in the city from the dance band era onwards.

The books, entitled Rhythm & Romance and Something In The Air, were released by the York Oral History Society in the early 2000s and take the reader on a chronological journey through York’s music scene up to 1970. They make for a fascinating read and provide a wealth of information about musicians playing jazz in the area, including names such as Bobby Hirst & Derek Dunning. The titles are available from Waterstones in the city centre.

Now to the present day, when there are two jazz gigs in the city tonight starting with Kate Peters and myself at The Pavilion Hotel on Fulford Road from 7pm. Kate will be demonstrating her skills as a vocalist and pianist in the hotel bar. At the Red Lion Hotel in Poppleton, the Karl Mullen Trio are joined by Kate’s student and protégé, Georgina, Barr from 8.30pm.

Saxophone specialist John Hallam performs at one of the regions most enduring clubs on Saturday at 8pm. Boston Spa Jazz Club is based in the village hall and has traditional jazz and swing most Saturdays.

Another long-standing jazz venue is Kennedy’s Bar on Little Stonegate. The Sunday afternoon sessions have been a popular fixture at the restaurant for longer than I can remember and this week it’s the turn of guitarist Al Morrison to join the house rhythm section. Music runs between 1pm and 4pm and all ages are welcome.

Fans of bebop and post-bop masters such as Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and Wayne Shorter can hear some of the great compositions from this era at The Phoenix Inn, George Street, on Sunday at 8pm. The Central Scrutinizers are co led by pianist Chris Moore and bassist Georg Ruschmeyer and feature a rotation of fine drummers and horn players. The Phoenix Inn also hosts one of the most popular jam sessions this columnist has ever been to. There is always a great atmosphere with plenty of listeners, musicians and friendly faces coming to hear music in this award-winning venue. The jam starts at 8.30pm every Wednesday.

If gypsy jazz is more your style, then bassist Christian Topman runs a jam session at The Victoria Vaults at the same time on Wednesday. This session focuses on acoustic instruments playing standards made famous by masters like Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.

Outside of the York area, the live pick of the week must go to Jamie Taylor’s Outside Line at Seven Jazz. Taylor is an outstanding guitarist and is joined by three of the most highly rated musicians in the area. Saxophonist Matt Anderson will be providing the melodies, while bassist Garry Jackson and drummer Dave Walsh form a supportive and creative rhythm section. The performance starts at 1.30pm on Sunday and tickets are £7.