The jazz special edition of the Big Issue last week revealed the intriguing concept of the jazz comic strip in an extract from Harvey Pekar's book American Splendour.

The contrasting lives of saxophonists Albert Ayler and Joe Lovano from Cleveland, Ohio, are concentrated into two pages of picture story - fascinating. Interviews with Clare Teal and Acoustic Ladyland were also entertaining and informative, all of which confirms the Big Issue as a useful publication in more ways than one.

If you read my less than enthusiastic review of the new album from Acoustic Alchemy, on Sunday, you will have the opportunity to hear Alchemy's co-leader guitarist Miles Gilderdale in his ideal setting. Miles will be joined by Gavin and Fatha in the high-energy Blue Flies trio at the Victoria Vaults, Nunnery Lane, from around 2pm.

Jazz in the Spa presents more sounds from yesteryear with the Rae Brothers' New Orleans Jazz Band tomorrow night (18th) at the Trustees Hall, High Street, Boston Spa, details from 01937 842544.

The Sunday and Wednesday night jam sessions at the Black Swan, Peasholme Green, York, continue to attract younger audiences.

As part of York Dance Week, the Orgasmic Bar is running salsa and samba demonstrations on Monday (20th). If the advertised band Bourbon Y Tequila is the one which opened Scarborough Jazz Festival last year, that will be reason enough to pay a fiver to hear them. Led by fiery, high-note trumpeter Enrico, the band also includes top tenor saxophone man Stuart MacDonald.

Karl Mullen and Nina Zagorski play Fine and Mellow at the Rook and Gaskill, Lawrence Street, York on Monday and Jools Slater becomes Jazzerhead at the Phoenix, George Street on Tuesday. Keiran White, who has been following Karl Mullen's busking exploits in hefting an upright piano around the streets, moves indoors to play at the Pitcher and Piano on Tuesday (21st).

As with most pub sessions in York, all of the above (except Orgasmic) are at your favourite prices - free admission.

Free admission is also an attraction, but not the only reason, to make your way to Scarborough Jazz on Tuesday. The star guest is virtuoso guitarist Gary Gilyett, so expect the place to be packed with admiring fellow fretsmen. Details from 01723 379818.

Finally, a reminder of four jazz festivals in coming months. First up is the Southport International, which runs from June 23-26, hotline 01704 533333. Next in line is the Hull Jazz Festival, July 30 to August 7 (01482 323638); Cleethorpes Beachcomber September 9-11 (01472 812666); and Scarborough, September 23 to 25 (01723 376774).

Canadian-born York resident and acclaimed composer/arranger John Warren has released a new double CD, thanks to Arts Council of England. Northern Brass, by John Warren, features a jazz quintet and seven players drawn from brass bands in the North. Northern Brass will be playing a concert at Elvet Methodist Hall, Old Elvet, Durham, on Saturday at 7.30pm. Special guest will be Norwegian singer Karin Krog, with featured jazz soloists Steve Waterman (trumpet) and Mark Nightingale (trombone).

Updated: 15:28 Thursday, June 16, 2005