WHAT’S ON: Tomorrow (1pm), Triptych, Newcastle Lit & Phil, 0191-232-0192; (8.30pm), Sue Ferris Quartet, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325-382676.

CD REVIEWS: Ella Fitzgerald/Second Set (Avid AMSC1122) This second volume of Ella’s classic recordings from the 1950s and early 1960s nicely complements last month’s issue. With backing mainly by Frank DeVol and Nelson Riddle this is her more popular side, but jazz fans can also pick up on slots by Stan Getz, Ronnie Lang and Oscar Peterson. avidgroup.co.uk

Pat Metheny Unity Group/Kin (Nonesuch Records 400129) Guitarist Metheny won his 20th Grammy Award with his previous recording by the Unity Band including saxophonist Chris Potter, drummer Antonio Sanchez and bassist Ben Williams. That multi-talented group is now extended to include multi-instrumentalist Giulio Carmassi on a largely driving and passionate album. Everyone contributes to this powerful group with Chris Potter in particularly strong voice both solo and in the surging ensembles. nonesuch.com

The Pete McGuiness Jazz Orchestra/Strength in Numbers (Summit Records DCD627) The last Pete McGuiness album reviewed here featured his vocals and trombone with a small group but his forte is clearly arranging, composing and leading his New York-based big band. Recorded with a suitably rich full sound this maintains the classic big band tradition with a contemporary sensibility. The highlight is probably Beautiful Dreamer but Spellbound, Nasty Blues and several others run it close. summitrecords.com