Jazz Preview: Spirit of Grappelli makes its case at Courthouse

Kliphuis makes an ideal choice for a congenial venue whose arts programme has a firm place for jazz.

Nigel Kennedy says that Grappelli's style is "alive and well in the

hands of Tim Kliphuis", and an increasingly global audience supports that belief.

Kliphuis is due back in Yorkshire in April for appearances in Huddersfield and Wakefield.

But this week he holds court in Otley where his eloquent strains will be accompanied by Rob Percy, on bass, and Nigel Clark, on guitar.

Meanwhile, the musical legacy of Eric Dolphy will be explored by Chris Biscoe's quintet at Huddersfield Jazz tomorrow night.

Fellow saxophonist Tony Kofi joins Biscoe in a journey into Dolphy territory, which has been warmly received on record and at live performances.

The fruitful alliance between Seven Jazz, in Leeds, and Sheffield Jazz brings pianist-singer Pete Churchill to the two venues on consecutive nights next week.

Churchill brings versatility to his music, both as a performer and a teacher whose commissions have included oratorios for 500-strong children's choirs.

On stage, he sings with an appealing simplicity with keyboard skills to match.

He will be joined by his regular colleagues, Steve Watts (bass) and Dave Wickins (drums) at the Seven Arts Centre on Thursday,

and the Millennium Hall on Friday.