A critical Guide: Jazz

Marlena Shaw (Jazz Cafe, NW1, 071-916 6000, tonight). Smooth US singer, with a big audience among upmarket jazz-funkateers.

Mari Wilson (Ronnie Scott's, W1, 071-439 0747, Mon to Sat). Once a pop star, now a Frith Street regular, Ms Wilson mixes Broadway ballads with sophisticated soul.

Ruby Turner (Jazz Cafe, NW1, 071-916 6000, Fri & Sat). A real soul singer.

London Jazz Orchestra (Vortex, N16, 071- 254 6516, Mon). Scott Stroman's big band features such fine soloists as the trumpeters Henry Lowther and Ian Carr and the saxophonists Pete Hurt and Stan Sulzman.

Toumani Diabate / Balake Sissoko / Danny Thompson (Union Chapel, N1, 081-341 4421, tonight; The Hub, Bath, 0225 446288, Tues). Two kora-players from Mali are joined by the wonderful English double-bassist in a promising fusion.