WHAT’S ON

Tomorrow, Serenade in Blue, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325-382676. Saturday, Martin Taylor and Martin Simpson, the Sage, Gateshead, 0191-443- 4661.

CD REVIEWS

Stan Tracey Quartet/Senior Moment (ReSteamed Records RSJ108)

Veteran pianist Stan Tracey’s appearance in Darlington last January was well up to his high standards. It featured saxophonist Simon Allen at his best and regulars Andrew Cleyndert and Clark Tracey. This CD shows how good this line-up was on a mix of Tracey’s compositions from Afro Charlie to the new Grandad Suite.

Clark Tracey Sextet/Current Climate (TenToTen TTTCDS761)

A cracking start here for Clark’s latest band with a new lineup of some of today’s best young players. Lewis Wright on vibes, Piers Green saxes, Paul Jordanous trumpet, Kit Downes piano and Ryan Trebilcock bass romp through a satisfying mix of old and new tunes.

Kit Downes Trio/Golden (Basho Records SRCD 31-2)

Pianist not only with Clark Tracey but also previously with the awardwinning Empirical, this is Downes’ first trio disc with Royal Academy of Music colleagues Calum Gourlay and James Maddren. With attractive originals there’s sparkling playing here to win anyone round.