WHAT’S ON: Tomorrow, Josephine Davies Quintet, Darlington Arts Centre, 01325-486555; Saturday, New Century Ragtime Orchestra, Gateshead Old Town Hall, 0191-433-6965.

CD REVIEWS: Evan Christopher’s Django A la Creole/Finesse (Lejazzetal/FrÉmeaux FA527) This lovely CD was recorded last March, shortly before the quartet’s latest European tour which included the Sage. Evan’s clarinet has never sounded lovelier or more expressive and the band, with David Blenkhorn, guitar, Dave Kelbie, rhythm guitar, and Sebastien Girardot, bass, has gelled into a perfect unit. With a pleasing mix of tunes from Ellington and Hoagy Carmichael to Reinhardt and Bechet, and with a beautifully recorded sound,.

Toots Thielemans/European Quartet Live (Challenge CHR70160) Although harmonica’s not my favourite instrument it’s clear Thielemans is in good form on these European tour dates. Nice support from Karen Boehlee and a nice mix of songs from Summertime to his own Bluesette.

Christian Muthspiel’s Yodel Group/May (Material Records MRE031) I have to admit to an ignorance of yodelling but these instrumental versions by a six-piece band (mostly trumpet, trombone, reeds, vibes, bass and drums) are hugely entertaining, somehow mixing a respect for the original with a gloriously irreverent approach.