PLAYING a special session for Jazz At Dexter's in the Five Ways on Tuesday is saxophonist Simon Allen. After studying saxophone at the London College of Music and the Royal Academy, Simon joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and formed his own quartet. He was featured soloist in the Laurence Cottle All Star Big Band, and co-leader of a quartet with Gwilym Simcock.

TRUMPETER Steve Bland fronts the Nottingham Jazz Orchestra, playing its February concert at the Five Ways on Sunday night.

JAZZ at Strays Coffee Bar in Newark tonight features vocalist Karen Lake and her Impressions Quintet, choosing material from the Great American Song Book performed in a classic swinging style. An extra gig at Strays on Tuesday is a Valentine's Day Special by Wendy Kirkland and Pat Sprakes. Wendy's piano and vocals will be backed by Pat playing double bass and guitar.

TRAD jazz at Risley Park on Wednesday sees a return of the extremely popular Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz, led by reedman Rodger who has been on the traditional circuit for more than six decades. The band is noted for its wide repertoire, which is drawn from the music of New Orleans.

REEDMAN Matt Palmer is in action with two small groups next week; on Monday he plays in the Nottingham Swingtet at The Victoria Inn, Dovecote Lane, Beeston where his clarinet and sax will be accompanied by Dave Leithead (trumpet), John Smith (guitar) and Tony Bagon (bass). On Thursday Matt's Aces Of Jazz, play for Sutton-in-Ashfield's Unwin Road Jazz Club with 1920s-style small group jazz featuring cornetist Chris Carmell, the sousaphone of Doug White and ragtime pianist Joe Nutman. Also on Thursday is a session at the Manvers Arms in Radcliffe with the Bob Hudson Trio with vocals by Joanna.