Jazz Preview: Zhulus bassist has musical link to Yorkshire band

Brian Turnock, their bassist, lived in Rotherham and played with Dave Brennan's New Orleans Jazzmen for several years in the 1970s.

"We keep in touch, and I'll be in the audience at Howden," said banjoist Dave, 73, whose group, now known as the Jubilee Jazz Band, celebrates its 50th anniversary under his leadership next year.

Howden's indefatigable promoter, Mike Pinfold, is confident that after a few weather-stricken performances at the hall, the Zhulus will pack the place with their revivalist strains.

"There's room for dancing and ladies are invited to bring their parasols," said Mike.

It's a week of contrast for jazz in the county. Bassist Jenni Molloy brings her Bach ReLoaded trio to Otley Courthouse tonight with a programme which reworks Bach themes in a contemporary way.

Saxophonist Stuart McDonald and drummer Chris Sykes accompany Jenni on an absorbing journey.

The new concert season at The Venue, at Leeds College of Music, gathers impetus on Wednesday with Gwilym Simcock, a widely-acclaimed pianist whose recent album, Blues Vignette, emphasises his gifts as a witty and imaginative performer.

The Russian bassist, Yuri Goloubev, and one of the rising British drummers, James Maddren, complete Simcock's trio.

Next in The Venue's jazz line-up are the LCM Contemporary Jazz Orchestra with Christine Tobin and Phil Robson performing the songs of Leonard Cohen, on February 16.