Jazz Jamaica
Motown hits from Gary Crosby's ensemble, boasting such stellar members as Abram Wilson, Soweto Kinch and Denys Baptiste. Riotous fun.
St Georges Hall, Bristol, Dec 14, 8pm stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
Anita Wardell Quintet
Expert vocalese from a deserving winner at this year's BBC Jazz Awards.
The Front Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, Dec 15, 5.30pm rfh.org.uk
Bryan Corbett & Levi French
Trumpeter Corbett and longtime associate pianist French have flair, technique and imagination.
The Hyatt, Birmingham, Dec 26, 12.30pm bryancorbett.co.uk
Roy Ayers
Singer, vibraphonist, hero to the acid jazz generation and creator of old favourites including Everybody Loves the Sunshine and Poo Poo La La, Ayers has made London his second home, and the capital repays the compliment by packing out every venue he plays - so call the Jazz Cafe now. He's collaborated with everyone from Guru to Fela Kuti and the Nuyorican Soul project, but don't expect any surprises: just tight grooves and the most infectious jazz funk from his electric band. Fans return again and again - with good reason.
Jazz Cafe, London, Dec 26 to Jan 1, 7pm
meanfiddler.com
Mike Stern:
Who Let the Cats Out?
Heads Up
Powerful jazz rock alternatives with a surprising amount of swing and introspection from the dextrous guitarist.
Nils Landgren:
Christmas With My Friends
ACT
Nils Landgren should confine his singing to the bathroom, but on trombone he has a gorgeous tone, and his friends include the peerless Ulf Wakenius.
Chris Garrick and John Etheridge:
At the Dimming of the Day
Flying Blue Whale
Violinist Garrick and guitarist Etheridge range from Grappelli/ Reinhardt styles to atmospheric electronic overdubbing.
Kenny Dorham:
Trompeta Toccata
Blue Note
The underrated trumpeter's smudge-edged tone is on fiery form on this remastered reissue from 1964.
