AT last Wednesday’s gig at the Black Swan, Peasholme Green, Yorkjazz had the tiny room up the wonky stairs rejoicing in the jazz violin.

Cuban violinist Omar Puente enthralled a breathless audience, which overflowed down the stairs. A surprise second violinist joined Omar for the Miles Davis classic, Blue In Green. He was a classical violinist from Leeds University, Miles Brett, and the resulting solos between the two had a further spellbinding effect.

Pianist Chris Moore opined that on this charismatic showing, the violin could become the sexiest jazz instrument; so watch out, saxophone players.

One of Yorkshire’s most long-standing jazz clubs, Wakefield Jazz, seems to have fallen victim to the credit crunch, with reduced audiences over recent weeks.

The financial consequences are obvious – increasing difficulty in maintaining the booking of leading artists. Should the club increase ticket prices, reduce concessionary discounts or hold fewer gigs?

The club hopes to canvas opinion via its website wakefieldjazz.org or by email to jazzieric@blueyonder.co.uk

Pick up a questionnaire at tonight’s gig with John Etheridge Trio North with Dave O’Higgins (01977 680542). John completed a tour with John Williams last night and will enjoy the change of pace to spar with Dave’s tenor saxophone.

Hard on the heels of last weekend’s feast of jazz, the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM), Walmgate, York, features a unique band tonight with a distinct jazz tinge (01904 658338). Samay is a cross-cultural quintet of saxophone, guitar, bass and Indian instruments the sarod and tabla.

For your new diary, the NCEM spring/summer jazz programme is already in place, with Jacqui Dankworth, Guy Barker and Ian Shaw and Omar Puente. On the strength of the Black Swan outing, Omar’s gig should sell out several times over.

Jazz In The Spa tomorrow night presents York’s Kid Boyd Jazz Band (01937 842544). A long-standing favourite band at the Spa because of the eclectic mix of Dixieland, mainstream and standards the band plays, a further attraction is provided by wacky drummer Rod Macnamara.

The runaway success of the First Tuesday Jazz Suppers at York’s Dean Court Hotel, Duncombe Place, continues on Tuesday, at 8pm. The main attraction is the Andy Hillier Jazz Trio and the evenings are booked months ahead. There will be several extra sessions through December, with added festive trim. The extra Jazz Suppers will be on December 12 and 19 (£18.50), while the three-course Christmas Party Jazz Dinners menu will be on December 11 and 18 (£33.50). More details from 01904 625082.

Young bass player John Marley has flagged up an exciting three-band session at Kennedy’s Café Bar, Little Stonegate, on Tuesday.

The Stuart McCallum Trio, the Matt Anderson Quartet and Eyes Tight Shut will be a sample of state-of-the-art Yorkshire jazz, playing originals, standards and music by Kenny Wheeler and John Surman, with both of whom Stuart McCallum has played.

Eyes Tight Shut will perform music by York bass player Paul Baxter, with pianist Johnny Tomlinson and drummer Kris Wright. Details from Paul on 07788 536152.

“A world class guitarist” is how the late Humphrey Lyttelton described Pat McCarthy, who has played with almost every UK jazz musician of note. Judge for yourself when Pat plays at Scarborough Jazz At The Cask on Wednesday (01723 500570).

In what must be their 16th year at the City centre pub, Bejazzled will be at the Old White Swan, Goodramgate, York, next Thursday (01904 540911).

Meanwhile, the new Thursday jazz at The Phoenix, George Street, York, is on the same night. Frank Brooker (reeds) and Greg Wadman (trumpet) lead a five-piece band which also includes Bob Smeaton (piano).