WHAT’S ON: Friday, 1pm, Alan Barnes/ Paul Edis Duo, Gala Theatre, Durham, 03000-266600; 8.30pm, Lickety Split, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325- 382676.

CD REVIEWS: Cloudmakers Trio/ Abstract Forces (Whirlwind WR4655) Vibes player Jim Hart, double bassist Michael Janisch and drummer Dave Smith combine their remarkable individual talents in this stimulating album. Jim’s varied compositions cover a wide range of moods and tempos on a set which is both virtuosic and thoughtful. whirlwindrecordings.com

New Century Ragtime Orchestra/ Singin’ in the Bathtub (Lake LACD336) This is the old “new century” as it were, covering music from 1890 to the 1930s. Now 25 years old, the NCRO has expanded in size with 13 musicians still recreating this vintage music from Reindeer Rag to Black Beauty as well as some delightfully (and rightly) obscure numbers. Steve Andrews’ notes perfectly model his on-stage introductions combining full musical details with wry humour. Only their second CD but, oh, so welcome. fellside.com

Mark Nightingale & Alistair White/ The Sound of Jay and Kai (Woodville WVCD142) The two trombonists are at their best here, both in their individual solos and in that beefy sound you get when the horns blend together. They have ideal support from Graham Harvey, Alec Dankworth and Clark Tracey and a programme mixing original J & K repertoire, a couple of Mark’s compositions and some nicely rearranged standards.woodvillerecords.com