Jazz Preview: Godfather Tracey marks club's three-year high

"Stan has grown in status over the years and is now regarded as the Godfather of British jazz," says Steve. "He is one of the few people in our music with an international reputation – immediately recognisable when you hear him play, and a huge influence on generations of British musicians."

Bobby Wellins, who partnered Tracey, 84, on the iconic l965 album Under Milk Wood, is in the group on Thursday along with Andy Cleyndert on bass, Clark Tracey on drums and, of course, the indestructible Stan on piano.

It is one of the 65 events staged every year by Seven Jazz, which is based at the Seven Arts Centre in Chapel Allerton.

Regular Sunday afternoon shows, weekly workshops and fortnightly concerts in the Tracey mould comprise a formidable schedule for the convivial 120 seat venue.

Singer-songwriter Sarah Gillespie joins saxophonist Gilad Atzmon in a partnership sizzling with creative potential at the Square Chapel Centre for the Arts in Halifax on Sunday. And drummer Dylan Howe, who played for a decade with Ian Dury and the Blockheads, will be laying down a demonic beat with his quartet at Wakefield Jazz tonight.

Seven Jazz at Seven Arts Centre, Leeds. 0113 262 6777, www.sevenjazz.co.uk; Square Chapel, Halifax, 01422 349422, www.squarechapel.co.uk;

Wakefield Jazz, 01977 680542, www.wakefieldjazz.org.uk