THE Old White Swan, Goodramgate, has supported live music for dining and drinking for almost 20 years and tonight’s jazz is with the Mardi Gras Band, from 8pm (01904 540911).

Trombonist Mark Bassey is tomorrow night’s guest with the University of York’s Jazz Orchestra at the National Centre for Early Music at 7.30pm (01904 658338). He will play music from the repertoire of Chile’s most popular jazz group, Ensemble Quintessence.

“Spats” Langham was banjo/guitarist with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra and he returns to Jazz in the Spa, Trustees Hall, Boston Spa, on Saturday with Hot Fingers (01937 842636).

In York on Saturday, versatile pianist Karl Mullen will play for dining and drinks at Churchill’s Hotel, Bootham, from 7pm. Sunday jazz in York begins with John Marley and Paul Smith plus guests at Kennedy’s Café Bar, Little Stonegate, at 1pm (01904 620222) and the tireless Karl Mullen will be at the Waggon and Horses, Lawrence Street, with vocalist Jen Low at 7pm (637478).

Scarborough Jazz runs every Wednesday at the Cask, Cambridge Terrace, and next week’s guest will be reedsman Robin Porter (01723 500570).

The Scarborough Jazz Festival (September 27 to 29) has confirmed two international highlights, saxophonist Courtney Pine and American bassist Kyle Eastwood.

Courtney’s Scarborough appearance in 2008 had the audience up and dancing. Bassman Kyle and his band matched Courtney’s success at the 2009 Scarborough Festival. More details from 01723 357869 and scarboroughspa.co.uk

Tickets are selling briskly for the Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival, July 5 to 7. The beautiful grounds and great halls will host three days of music, including the top-line vocalists Gwyneth Herbert Quintet and Trudy Kerr Quartet.

Following the death of jazz legend Kenny Ball, the show will go on with a celebration of his life, performed by his Jazzmen and his son, vocalist Keith Ball on July 6. Tickets from 01262 490324 and burtonagnes.com


REVIEW

Kairos 4tet, Everything We Hold (Naim) ****

MANY jazz fans are not keen on vocals, while others seek them out. Kairos leader and saxophonist Adam Waldmann has vocals at the centre of this album, with three singers alternating with instrumentals.

Waldmann is a young man with political intent, as well as loyalty to friends and family, both reflected in his music.

The four-part 99 Suite spread across the album is inspired by the Occupy movement in the USA, reflecting that one per cent of the population controls the majority of wealth and resources, the 99 per cent being ruled by them.

Part 1 is subtitled Great Scott, a dedication to the band’s drummer, Jon Scott, while Finding Neamo nods to his pianist Ivo Neame and J-Ho from the Block to bass player Jasper Hoiby.

Home To You and Ell’s Bells are written for family members and feature the intimate vocals of Marc O’Reilly. Narrowboat Man has O’Reilly joined in duet by Swedish jazz singer Emilia Martensson.

This dreamy pastoral piece with sustained accordion and cello chords builds to a crescendo as the ensemble is joined by a small string section and glockenspiel. Third singer, soul star Omar, is the main vocalist on Song For The Open Road . This album will charm you.