WHAT’S ON

Tonight Darlington Big Band, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325-382676; Tomorrow Extreme Measures, Saltburn Community Centre, 01287-624622; Saturday Terry Seabrook’s Milestones, Gateshead Old Town Hall, 0191-433- 6965.

CD REVIEWS

The 1930s Jazz Recording Project (Lake LACD289)

The inspiration for this project was producer Paul Adams’ wish to recreate as closely as possible a typical small band jazz session of the Thirties. His carefully-chosen group comprises some of the best musicians for this style of music, with Andy Woon, Ian Bateman and John Hallam supported by Martin Litton, Spats Langham, Malcolm Sked and Richard Pite.

Using just a single period microphone and the band arranged to best suit the acoustics the result is a heart-warming disc with a perfectly balanced programme ranging from Stardust to Oh, baby! with a cluster of Duke Ellington’s finest.

Langham, Litton & Sked/Laughing at Life (Lake LACD287)

Spats, Martin and Malcolm returned to the Theatre Royal, Workington, a few weeks later.

The three are in great form on another lovely programme of stride, blues and some great ragtime by Scott Joplin and Joseph Lamb. Note: Martin and Spats will be at Darlington Arts Centre on April 9.