IRECEIVED another little gem through the post this week, one which brought information of terrific interest to jazz aficionados.

It came in the shape of a new magazine; well, not exactly a new publication but one which has gone distinctly upmarket as a "glossy", reflecting its burgeoning sales and growing popularity.

Produced four times a year, Big Band World costs £12 in the UK and, while not exactly cheap, is worth the money for the diary dates of some of the country's major outfits, like the Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Ray McVay, The Don Lusher Big Band, The National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Jools Holland and the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Chris Dean and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Todd Miller and the Joe Loss Orchestra and Andy Prior and his Orchestra.

There's much more to it than gig listings but, if you want to know where the big lads are playing, this is the publication you need.

The magazine is produced and edited by Neil Simpson, a concert promoter based in Blackpool. He must have a direct line to such as Andy Prior, Chris Dean and the great Eric Delaney as many of the shows he stages include big bands led or featuring those musical legends. I've already written about the Big Band Weekend at Pontins Holiday Centre in Blackpool between November 14 and 16 when The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Andy Prior, Eric Delaney and The Glenn Miller Orchestra will be featured.

Pontins are doing special all-in deals (0870 6045606 quote ref BBL3 to book) from £139 per person. I would imagine, given the quality of the bands on view, demand for accommodation will be solid so I suggest you book early.

Incidentally, the current issue of Big Band World features a full-page advert announcing the mouth-watering line-up for the 18th annual Wigan International Jazz Festival which will run from July 12 to 20.

Among the headline attractions are Cleo Laine and John Dankworth with Friends, The Best of British, featuring Don Lusher, Digby Fairweather, Roy Willox and Pete Cater, Bobby Shew and his All Star UK Big Band, featuring Alan Barnes, Peter King, Alan Skidmore and Ben Clatworthy, Curtis Fuller Sextet and Pete Long's "Gillespiana" Be-Bop Orchestra, a tribute to the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band.

There's lots more to Big Band World. Call 01253 596454 for further details.

Success on Hughie Green's Opportunity Knocks talent show is hardly the route one would expect a major jazz musician to take but Bruce Adams did it. Mind you, he WAS only 13 at the time and has had plenty of time to salvage his reputation!

Bruce is an aggressive jazz trumpeter with a phenomenal range. In fact his high-octave playing has earned him an enviable reputation. No less an authority than Humphrey Littleton said not only would he not play on the same stage as Adams, he wouldn't play in the same county. Catch Bruce at The Rhythm Station in Rawtenstall on Tuesday.