Jazz Preview: Jazz violinists take a bow centre stage

Tim Kliphuis, a worthy upholder of the style and grace of Stephane Grappelli, performs for Huddersfield Jazz in the Cellar at the Lawrence Batley Theatre tomorrow night and at Wakefield Jazz next Friday.

The Dutch virtuoso has pianist John Pearce and bassist Len Skeat alongside him at Huddersfield.

The estimable David Newton occupies the piano stool at the Wakefield gig.

Both evenings guarantee excellent gentle, melodic music in the Grappelli tradition.

Omar Puente, who directs Leeds College of Music's Latin Big Band at The Venue on Tuesday, is cast in a different mould.

He was born in Cuba where he was a member of the National Symphony Orchestra before moving into Latin jazz.

A Yorkshire resident for many years, Puente is an LCM tutor and an exciting violinist with a burgeoning reputation.

His first solo album, From There to Here, was released last year.

Tuesday finds him at the helm of the Leeds College of Music's popular Latin orchestra in a programme which reflects his Cuban roots.

Ricardo Pompa is the guest singer on a night when Quarry Hill will throb to the rhythms of Havana.

Jacqui Dankworth, an elegant singer celebrating the release of her third album, will draw on a broad spectrum of musical influences when she launches the new jazz season at the National Centre for Early Music, in York, tomorrow night.