WHAT’S ON: Friday, Vasilis Xenopoulis, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325-382676; Sunday (5.30pm), Dean Stockdale Trio, Forum Music Centre, Darlington, 01325-363135; Sunday (8pm), Tim Kliphuis Trio, Witham, Barnard Castle, 01833-631107.

CD REVIEWS:

Delfeayo Marsalis/The Last Southern Gentlemen (Troubadour Jass TJR081814)

Trombonist Delfeayo credits his father Ellis with making this such a comfortable and relaxed album, as well as sterling support from John Clayton and Marvin “Smitty” Smith. Some lovely old ballads (I’m Confessin’, My Romance) are very nicely interpreted with both Marsalis’ at their very best. dmarsalis.com.

Mark Elf Returns 2014 (Jen Bay Jazz JBR0012)

For the guitarist’s first recording in eight years (Kickstarter-funded) he again recruited the support of David Hazeltine, Peter Washington and Lewis Nash. He couldn’t have chosen better because they all gel perfectly with some bright, confident playing. A couple of ballads, but mostly new songs, two featuring Elf’s distinctive baritone guitar. jenbayjazz.com

Martin Speake & Douglas Finch/Sound Clouds (Pumpkin 006)

The ever-curious jazz alto saxophone player and like-minded classical pianist, both experienced improvisers in their different fields, found unexpected resonances when they came together in a workshop. Recording some months later, here is the evidence with some 15 spontaneously recorded tracks ranging from ballads and elegies to a waltz and a hoedown. martinspeake.com