I DON'T know how many of you who read these weekly jottings look to them for inspiration with regards to where to go, who to see, what CDs to purchase, etc.

I know that some of you do, as I have fielded phone calls, had mail and met you at gigs. This sort of responsibility can be something of a cross to bear for the scribbler, but I accept it as part and parcel of the job and look upon it as a pleasure, albeit one tinged with a certain amount of apprehension.

After all, a self-confessed Sinatra nut is hardly the chap to invite to dinner in the company of musical philistines. Nor is it advisable to mention Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Mick Fleetwood or any other 'thrasher' to someone who genuinely believes that Buddy Rich was an extra terrestial, sent to Planet Earth to elevate the profession of drummer to a level mere mortals could never hope to attain!

However, if my views mean anything at all, I would recommend that anyone who likes big band jazz, well jazz of any kind really, should make a point of being at The Rhythm Station in Rawtenstall next Tuesday when the brilliant Manchester-based Mark Gillbanks Big Band will be in concert.

Formed in 1988 by trumpeter Mark, this band features some of the best musicians in the north west, including the phenomenal drummer David Tyas, who shares my affection for Buddy Rich.

David is a colossal player and must have spent much of his life studying the Master's awesome technique. Yes, he is that good.

A measure of the respect in which this band in held will be gleaned from the fact that a number of world-famous musicians have sat in with them for time to time, including the trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson; Bobby Shew, who worked for, among others, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman and Louis Belson; and West Coast alto sax legend Herb Geller.

A two-hour BBC programme 'String Of Pearls Live' is also part of the CV of the Mark Gillbanks Big Band.

Of course, this will not be their first appearance at The Rhythm Station and regulars to that excellent venue know how good this band is.

And there is more good news. World class keyboards player Dave Smith, who has returned from working for the Roland company in Japan to take over the management of the Thwaites Theatre, Aqueduct Road, Ewood, Blackburn, has booked the Mark Gillbanks Big Band for his venue on Friday, June 17. So there are two chances for you to see this terrific outfit.

I am happy to report that the Sunday lunchtime gigs at The Sparrow Hawk Hotel in Church Street, Burnley, are still going strong, although they will end temporarily on June 29, returning in late August after a short summer recess.

This weekend sees the return of the excellent Ed Kainyek Quartet who have collected a loyal fan base among East Lancashire jazz aficionados.