1 DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND
The boisterous live combo puts its streetwise spin on standards from New Orleans. Expect material from their recent album, Funeral for a Friend.
Jazz Café, Parkway, NW1 (www.meanfiddler.com 020-7916 6060), Thur
2 LAURA McDONALD
The vivacious young saxophonist delves deep into the Cole Porter songbook.
The Jazz Centre @ The Lot, Grassmarket, Edinburgh (www.jazzcentre.co.uk 0131-467 5200), Sat
3 COURTNEY PINE
The P.T. Barnum of British jazz is on the road again with his fusion of hip-hop, reggae, R&B and Coltrane licks.
Corn Exchange, Wheeler Street, Cambridge (01223 357851), Wed; The Jazz Café, Parkway, London NW1 (www.courtneypine.co.uk 020-7916 6060), Fri-Feb 5
4 SONGS FOR SWINGIN’ LOVERS
The Sinatra-style vocalist Gary Williams adds guest vocals as the young conductor John Wilson leads the Hallé Orchestra through hits from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester (www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk 0161-907 9000), Sat
5 SOPHIE GARNER
Echoes of Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday from the singer who won fine reviews for her Champagne and False Eyelashes CD.
Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean Street, W1 (www.pizzaexpress.co.uk
020-7439 8722), Thur-Feb 4