WHAT’S ON: Saturday, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Yarm School, Stockton, 01642-786023; Sunday (6pm), JazzTones, Forum Music Centre, Darlington, 01325-363135.

CD REVIEWS: Sean Jones Quartet/ im.pro.vise (never before heard)/ Mack Avenue MAC1085) This is the trumpeter’s seventh album for Mack Avenue and a wonderful display of his abilities as performer, composer/ improviser and leader. With quality backing and support from Orrin Evans, Luques Curtis and Obed Calvaire, this is demonstration quality jazz by a musician in his prime.

Rodney Whitaker/When We Find Ourselves Alone (Mack Avenue MAC1088) The bass player and leader is reunited with former colleagues and old friends Antonio Hart on alto and soprano saxes, Bruce Barth piano and Greg Hutchinson drums in a band which shines collectively and individually. He also features his daughter, vocalist Rockelle Fortin, who nicely rephrases a ballad like Autumn Leaves and movingly recreates Abbey Lincoln’s vocal on Freedom Day.

Mack Avenue SuperBand/Live from the Detroit Jazz Festival 2013 (Mack Avenue MAC1086) Both Jones and Whitaker appear here alongside saxophonist Kirk Whalum, vibes/ marimba player Warren Wolf, guitarist Evan Perrie, pianist Aaron Dietz and drummer Carl Allen with guest vibes player Gary Burton. The 2012 band was enthusiastic but ragged but, thanks to Whitaker, this is much more cohesive.

The varied combinations are consistently good with a tremendous version of Senor Mouse featuring Burton and Wolf.

  • mackavenue.com