WHAT’S ON: Friday (1pm), Djangologie, Gala Theatre, Durham, 03000-266-600; Saturday, Durham Alumni Big Band, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, 03000-269- 524; Sunday, Alun Owen’s Big Band, Forum Music Centre, Darlington, 01325- 363135.

CD REVIEWS: Roland Kirk/Four Classic Albums (Avid AMSC1111) THE first album on this double CD is a wonderful reminder of the impact multiinstrumentalist Roland Kirk made on the jazz scene in the 1960s. Playing some storming jazz on tenor sax, manzello and stritch – separately or together – and with sterling assistance from Ira Sullivan on trumpet or tenor sax, it takes your breath away. Add his next albums, Kirk’s Works (now with flute as well), We Free Kings and Domino, with organist Jack McDuff, pianists Hank Jones, Wynton Kelly and Andrew Hill, and drummers Charlie Persip and Roy Haynes, and you have a perfect introduction to this remarkable musician. avidgroup.co.uk.

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra/American Adventure (Spartacus STS018) DURING Tommy Smith and the SNJO’s 2013 tour of North America they spent two days in the recording studios producing this album with a host of guest soloists. They include guitarist Mike Stern, singer Kurt Elling, vibes player Joe Locke and saxophonists Donny McCaslin, Bill Evans and David Liebman among others. Soloists and band clearly inspired each other with some stupendous playing all round.

spartacusrecords.com.