Jazz Preview: Big bands to the fore in a week to remember

Jamil Sheriff leads the way at Wakefield Jazz tonight with the premiere of a suite of 10 pieces he has written for a 16-piece line-up. An album is planned for August, followed by a tour.

"I see it as a showcase for what this region has to offer," said pianist Jamil, who lectures in composition at Leeds College of Music.

The big band parade continues when the 21-strong James Hamilton Jazz Orchestra takes the stage at the Seven Arts Centre, in Leeds, on Sunday afternoon with a performance which will launch the band's new album. Here again, the range of Northern talent is full of outstanding promise.

Leeds College of Music Big Band, at The Venue on Thursday, will be joined by alumnus Pete Beachill on trombone for an evening of classic numbers led by LCM tutor Simon Barnes.

Expect echoes of Ellington and Rich from the band, and touches of Johnson and Brookmeyer from Beachill, whose diverse playing career covers 30 years.

So, three big bands in seven days. Make it four if you want to include Sue Miller's fiery, and above all, rhythmic Charango del Norte, at Seven, on Thursday night.