The shortlist: JAZZ CLUBS

In London...

Ronnie Scotts, Frith St, W1 (0171 439 0747). Opened 1959. Coming up: singer Elaine Delmar (from 18 Nov, pounds 12) & Peter King Quartet (from 19 Nov, pounds 12). Book.

The Rhythmic, 89-91 Chapel Market, N1 (0171 713 5859). State-of-the- art. Future performers include poet Michael Franty (26 Nov, pounds 6) and guitarist Mano Ventura (21 Nov, pounds 6.50).

606 Club, 90 Lots Rd, SW10 (0171 352 5953). Basement modern jazz club/restaurant. Coming up: Ray Gelato (21 Nov, pounds 3.95).

Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 (0171 344 0044). London's most stylish venue. Brazilian songstress Tanya Maria (1, 2 Dec, pounds 12.50) & James Taylor Quartet (27 Dec, pounds 25). Book.

The Vortex, 139-141 Stoke Newington Church St, N16. (0171 254 6516). British jazz a special. Watch out for Django Bates' Delightful Precipice (20 Nov, pounds 7).

The Space, 269 Westferry Road, E14 (0171 515 7799). Jazz cafe in converted church. Guitar improvisor Billy Jenkins (20 Nov, pounds 5).

Alexander's Jazz Theatre, Rufus Court, Northgate St, Chester (01244 340005). Candle-lit bar & dance venue. Live jazz Sundays. Trad jazzers Bill Basey's Big Band (18 Dec, pounds 4).

Bourbon Street, 108 George Street, Glasgow (0141 552 0141). Dinner 'n' dance. Jacqui Dankworth (30 Nov, pounds 4) & Lady Sings The Blues show (7, 8 Dec, pounds 12.50)

33, The arts centre, 33 Guildford St, Luton (01582 419584). Regular jazz nights. Rob Townsend Quartet (21 Nov, pounds 4) & Dominic Alldis (28 Nov, pounds 4).

Four Bars In Sandy's, Sandringham Hotel, St Mary's Street, Cardiff. (01222 232161). Bar/restaurant. Trad Jazz Tues, Big Bands Weds, jazz piano Sats. Hugh Fraser Quintet (21 Nov, pounds 6).