Mark Whitlam News Today

While some much loved regulars take a well-earned summer break there's still plenty of great stuff on offer, and then there's WOMAD, too.

The first festivals of spring, some big improv moments and a particularly rich mix of African music all add up to a full-on month for hepcats

Forget those sadly cancelled gigs - there's still a load of jazz-related action to be had this January (or at least until the rules change).

Kevin Figes evocation of the great band Henry Cow added up to something new and the first bold steps down a very interesting road indeed.

Plenty of classy jazz names on the menu this month, plus a global buffet of world music influences and a fine hotchpotch of improvisation.