WHAT’S ON: Tonight, The Big Chris Barber Band, Sage, Gateshead, 0191-443-4661; Friday, Djangologie, Ushaw College, Durham.

CD Reviews: Andrew Rathbun/Numbers & Letters (Steeplechase SCCD31781) The composer and saxophonist’s latest Steeplechase album features him with an ace New York rhythm section with Phil Markowitz, Jay Anderson and Bill Stewart who follow every twist and turn. They provide a tremendous springboard for Rathbun, mostly on tenor but some on soprano, with trumpeter Taylor Haskins added on a couple. steeplechase.dk/

Cyrille Aimée/It’s a Good Day (Mack Avenue MAC1087) Multi-cultural barely describes this much travelled French-Dominican singer who now lives in Brooklyn. First prize-winner at the Montreux Jazz Festival vocal jazz competition she first heard jazz and swing at the Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois-sur-Seine. Now, backed by gypsy, jazz and Brazilian guitars, she presents an attractive programme of freshly sung standards and originals.

Freda Payne/Come Back to Me Love (Artistry Music ART7044) In a long career singer Freda Payne has probably rarely had such generous support as she gets here with Bill Cunliffe arranging a classy big band plus string section. In return she presents powerful and heartfelt versions of six songs by executive producer Gretchen Valade and co-writer Tom Robinson framed by some lovely standards, also featuring soloists like Pete Christlieb and Bob Sheppard. mackavenue.com