JAZZ & BLUES

The pianist Stan Tracey, who is close to 80, remains a powerful force in British jazz and a regular on the live scene. Tonight, his trio is on the same bill as that led by bassist Alec Dankworth at Berkhamsted Jazz Society, while on Thursday, he teams up with Steve Melling for piano duets at the Lakeside Djanogly Recital Hall, Nottingham.

However, Tracey is not only a noted performer. He is also an influence on players such as Philip Clouts, the South African-born pianist and member of the lively band Zubop. Clouts leads his trio at the One Eleven Club, Sheffield, tonight before moving on to the Milestones Jazz Club, Lowestoft, tomorrow.

The Tracey connection is maintained by the Andra Sparks Quintet. Fronted by singer Sparks, the band appears at the Harborough Theatre, Market Harborough, tomorrow with pianist Nick Weldon, and Tracey alumni in bassist Jeff Clyne and saxophonist Russell van den Berg. Another versatile pianist is Brian Kellock, who plays at Henry's Jazz Celler, Edinburgh, tonight and the Tron Theatre, Glasgow, tomorrow.

Virtuoso saxophonist Chris Biscoe's latest band is steeped in experience and continues a series of dates with a performance at Cardiff's Cafe Jazz on Thursday. Drummer Dave Wickins from this band also regularly accompanies both pianist Kirk Lightsey and saxophonist Bobby Wellins, who appear together at Wakefield Jazz on Friday.

Also on Friday, versatile singer Norma Winstone is at Suffolk's Boxford Fleece, while admired saxophonist Julian Siegel is at the Millennium Hall, Sheffield and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra plays the music of Keith Tippett at Queens Hall, Edinburgh.

Back to this weekend, the ever-green Chris Bauber Band (above) is at the Lowry Centre, Salford, tonight, while saxophonist Gilad Atzmon is at the South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell. Jacqui Dankworth is at the Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, tomorrow. Finally, saxophonist Benn Clatworthy plays the Rhythm Station, Rawtenstall, on Tuesday and South Street, Reading, on Friday.