JAZZ & BLUES

Few comebacks have been so eagerly awaited as Jason Rebello's. And with "Next Time Round" (Onion Records) attracting extremely positive notices, the highly-talented young pianist's return to the jazz fray after a lengthy break has been anything but a disappointment.

Just how assured he has become will be apparent when he and his trio bring a nationwide tour to a climax with a residency at the Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean Street, that runs from Wednesday until Sunday.

Somewhat longer in the tooth is another great British keyboard artist - Georgie Fame. The hugely exciting Mingus Big Band may be finishing up their stay at Ronnie Scott's, Frith Street, tonight, but Fame and his talented band will be every bit as capable of kicking up a storm when they take over for a week from Monday.

Yet another keyboards player - McCoy Tyner, the peerless pianist who made such an important contribution to John Coltrane's great quartet before striking out on his own - finishes up a six-night stay at Camden's Jazz Cafe tonight, while on Wednesday the same venue plays host to the Skatalites, the long serving group whose reggae and ska rhythms have been such a strong influence on Jazz Jamaica and others.

Across town, at Chelsea's 606 Club, Bobby Wellins, the Glasgow-born saxophonist who went on to lead the Charlie Watts Big Band, tonight kicks off a strong week for the venue. Tomorrow, the versatile vocalist Ian Shaw takes the stage, while Tuesday sees Ronnie Scott's former piano man, John Critchinson, in residence - sandwiched between appearances by aspiring talents on the instrument - Phil Peskett and Mike Gorman - on Monday and Wednesday respectively.

Roger Trapp