THE Village Vanguard in New York is one of the most iconic jazz venues in the world. Seeing the words ‘Live at The Village Vanguard’ stamped on CDs and vinyl will be familiar to jazz fans who listen to artists such as Bill Evans and John Coltrane.

The venue is a small basement bar with tables in close proximity, creating an intimate atmosphere between the audience and performer. My visit was to see a performer who is as well respected as the venue. Saxophonist Jimmy Heath may be 88, but he can still put in a stellar performance, as can his brother, Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath on drums.

Also in Greenwich Village is Smalls Jazz Club which lives up to its apt name. Another basement venue, Smalls puts on a varied program of jazz but seems to favour the young jazz musicians making a name for themselves in the Big Apple. Performers such as guitarist Mike Moreno and pianist Aaron Parks are putting a distinctly modern spin on a classic improvisatory formula and it was excellent to see many young faces in the audience.

Birdland, named in honour of Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker, is an altogether different kind of venue. Audience members are seated at candlelit tables and can dine while enjoying the show. Vocalists dominate the programme which seems to suit the atmosphere of the venue appropriately. A comfortable place to end a tour of New York’s jazz hotspots.

It is possible to tour jazz hotspots in York this evening, beginning at 7pm with vocalist Tessa Smith at the Pavilion Hotel, Fulford Road. Venturing into the city centre, saxophonist and Leeds University Graduate Dom Pusey brings an exciting young outfit to Nevermind in Stonebow at 8.30pm. Heading further north, the final stop is Frank Brooker with the Karl Mullen Trio at the Red Lion Hotel in Poppleton. All three gigs are free entry so you can enjoy lots of music without breaking the bank.

Described as Yorkshire’s premier jazz band, the Savannah Jazz Band will be performing traditional classics at Boston Spa Jazz Club from 8pm on Saturday. There is an £8 entry fee and you are advised to bring your own bottle.

Kate Peters is regularly entertaining audiences around the region with a set comprised of swing, funk, blues and Latin classics. On Sunday she will be joined by York native Martin Longhawn on piano and Tom Riviere on bass at Kennedy’s Bar, Little Stongate. Music runs between 1pm and 4pm for diners and drinkers alike.

Beau Stalker is studying towards a PHD in music at the University of York and brings a trio to The Phoenix Inn, George Street at 8pm on Sunday. The venue also hosts the jam session at 8.30pm on Wednesday. The house band features James Lancaster on trumpet, Christian Topman on bass, Trevor King on drums and Chris Moore on piano. Instrumentalists are welcome to join in on a couple of tunes.