WHAT’S ON: Tomorrow, Alan Barnes and Dave Newton, Darlington Arts Centre, 01325-486555; Wednesday Kenny Wheeler’s Big Band at Sage, Gateshead, 0191-443-4661.

CD REVIEWS

Jan Garbarek and The Hilliard Ensemble/ Officium Novum (ECM 4763855)

The combination of the Hilliard’s classical vocal quartet and Garbarek’s distinctive soprano and tenor saxophone was a huge success in the 1990s. This, their third CD, ranges from 12th Century Perotin to the more recent Arvo Part with a particular emphasis on Eastern Europe. It’s beautiful, soothing music.

Charles Lloyd Quartet/Mirrors (ECM 2740499)

Another fine showcase for the veteran saxophonist with his supportive young trio of Jason Moran, Reuben Rogers and Eric Harland. I like the programme mix with Monk classics, traditional tunes, pop covers and originals and the whole disc achieves a comfortable cohesiveness.

Michael Formanek/The Rub and Spare Change (ECM 2739514)

Bass player and composer Formanek assembled this quartet for a date in New York and realised that it was something special which should be recorded. With familiar colleagues Tim Berne on saxophone, Craig Taborn piano and Gerald Cleaver drums there is a mix of edginess and compatibility, each musician both supporting and pushing the others.