WHAT’S ON: Tomorrow evening, Stan Tracey Duo and Trio; Saturday lunchtime, Young Red Onion Jazz Band, both at Darlington Arts Centre, 01325-486555; Wednesday, Djangologie, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, 01388-602610.

CD REVIEWS: Stan Tracey Duo & Trio/Soundcheck (ReSteamed RSJ110) It’s been some time since a Stan Tracey Trio recording and disc two offers a very enjoyable programme with old favourites like Chelsea Bridge and Blue Monk mixed with a revival of Stan’s Lil Ol’ Pottsville and new approaches to Goodbye and Angelica. The revelation here is the duo programme for piano and drums by Stan and Clark which although completely spontaneous sounds thoroughly organised and balanced. Future concerts, including Darlington tomorrow, will present this in public for the first time.

Colin Towns and the NDR Big Band/John Lennon – In His Own Write (Provocateur PVC1041) Colin Towns’ big band recordings are invariably a great pleasure and this double CD maintains his high standard. Commissioned by the NDR to mark Lennon’s 70th birthday its layers of sound and variety of mood are superbly played by this brilliant orchestra, with special guests Alan Skidmore, Lawrence Cottle and Gary Husband.