There was a time when the Jazz North East programme frequently included freelancing American musicians - often former Basie alumni - working with a local rhythm section, but there have been few examples of this over the past decade. However, when we were offered the chance to present Greg Abate, we didn't hesitate - a hard driving reedsman determined to keep alive the energy of 1950s and '60s bop, he has toured the world with his unfailingly mainstream message for around twenty years, yet has somehow never previously come to TYneside.

For this gig we've teamed him with the Paul Edis Trio, probably the finest rhythm section to have emerged in the North East over the past decade, and who - despite their relative youth - know the classic standards repertoire like the backs of their hands.