WHAT’S ON: Saturday (12.30pm), The Funky Butt N’Awlins Jazz Band, St. Augustine’s Parish Centre, Darlington; (7.30pm), The New Century Ragtime Orchestra, Caedmon Hall, Gateshead, 0191-433-6965.
CD Reviews: Jeff Hamilton Trio/Great American Songs Through the Years (Capri) This trio with Tamir Hendelman on piano, Christoph Luty bass and Hamilton drums has been together for over 10 years and they work effortlessly through their selection of standards. They range from Falling in Love With Love to How Long Has This Been Going On, all played and recorded very beautifully on a limited edition. caprirecords.com
Phil Donkin/The Gate (Whirlwind WR4668) Originally from Sunderland and now based in Germany after a spell in Brooklyn, the bass player and composer’s first album as leader reveals a wide range of experience. It often has that crisp New York attack as well as a more moving, mellow side. Ben Wendell on tenor sax, Glenn Zaleski piano and Jochen Rückert drums complete a particularly well integrated quartet.
Simon Purcell/Red Circle (Whirlwind WR4651) This is apparently Simon Purcell’s first album as leader too. The pianist and composer has assembled a very compatible band of colleagues with Chris Batchelor trumpet, Steve Arguelles saxes, Steve Watts bass and Gene Calderazzo drums on a varied mix of original compositions. There’s also a bonus track featuring singer Lianne Carroll. whirlwindrecordings.com
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