jazzy

Fleming is a sensational singer, and one who can bring a jazzier lilt to things when needed, as on the title track, written by Mehldau's partner, the Dutch singer Fleurine.

THE ICICLE BALL is the jazzier, funkier, hip-hoppier half of SnoCore, an off-season tour that promises a midwinter buffet of musical acts for live-music junkies who just can't wait until summer.

I'd heard Catherine Russell before as a classy backing singer for the jazzier of rock bands, so it was rather a surprise to find in Cat not a middle-of-the-road AOR album but a back-to-the-roots stroll through the blues, New Orleans classics and lovely old standards like Can't We Be Friends.

More info from jazzcov.co.uk or phone 024 7655 3055Before all that there is action at the funkier end of the jazz spectrum (or the jazzier end of the funk spectrum for that matter) at the Jam House tonight with a visit from former Brand New Heavies and Young Disciples singer Carleen Anderson.

The follow up Magician's Hat released in the UK in 1973 was something of a disappointment to me in that it was merely snippets of the ideas that Lord aspired to, albeit in a more rounded and jazzier cinematic soundhouse, however never really developing the themes significantly before fading each out quickly.

There is also the risk of 'cannibalisation' as new models tempt motorists already loyal to the brand to jazzier new models, without actually winning new customers.

Guitarist John Etheridge has a new solo album about to hit the record shops, but he comes to Lichfield with the music of Frank Zappa much on his mind and the Zappatistas in tow to help him rework old Mothers of Invention favourites in a jazzier way.

'There are a lot of jazzier artists, like Diana Krall and Harry Connick, and people think they're retro, but I haven't worn a vintage dress in four years -I go shopping at Saks, you know.

From the first notes of Do I Love You?, there's a clear reminder that Lee really was special, and it's great to hear her in a jazzier frame of mind, singing with such a sensitive and swinging band.

Jazz Jamaica All Stars: One big fusion of reggae and big-band jazz, playing jazz and the 1960s Blue Note Catalogue, and also classics from the heyday of ska in the same period with a lighter, jazzier touch.

Pat Metheny has always used his group recordings as a kind of comfort blanket, playing it a lot safer than in his jazzier offerings and collaborations, but if the music is fairly conservative, the creativity brought to it is still considerable.

STEVE REICH Triple Quartet (Nonesuch): There is a pliable, elastic nature to the music of Steve Reich which sets him apart from the rather static music of that other minimalist Philip Glass, and also makes him more attractive to a jazzier pair of ears.