BLAKEY'S Bar in King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Monday, March 24, will be the setting for the annual memorial concert to commemorate the life of Jack Smith.

Jack, who died three years ago, was one of the most charismatic and popular musicians in East Lancashire. He played trumpet with Sounds 18, the tremendous big band whose existence spans more than three decades.

Besides his work in the brass section of Sounds 18, Jack acted as its manager and 'booker' for a number of years and it's fair to say he was one of its key members.

The concert at Blakeys will, of course, feature Sounds 18, particularly their section leads Doug Drake (alto), Geoff Kelly (tenor) and George Elliott (trumpet). Drummer Dave Minshall is one of the best I have heard playing big band arrangements and punches the band along with verve and style.

Besides Sounds 18, a number of guest stars from the ranks of East Lancashire's 'finest' will be present, including Norman Bolton (keyboards), Norman Fisk (bass), Chas Hooper (drums), Eddie Taylor (trombone) and Lynn Fairbanks (vocals).

The show will be compered by Joe McCarthy, regular singer with Sounds 18. I'm going to make a point of being at Blakey's not just to pay my respects to the late Jack Smith but also to renew my acquaintance with the members of Sounds 18, who do such a great job with the music of Basie, Ellington, Kenton and the other jazz masters.

Now to someone very much of the present, the marvellous jazz vocalist Lee Gibson, who will be headlining at the Rhythm Station in Rawtenstall on Tuesday, backed by the resident Tommy Melville Quartet.

Lee began her career in London's West End where she was leading lady at The Talk Of The Town. She was heard by Laurie Monk, producer of the BBC's Jazz Club programme who offered Lee her first broadcast.

Her career took off in spectacular fashion and she has made an astonishing 1,500 solo broadcasts for the Beeb since that memorable meeting with Laurie Monk.

Lee's film and television credits are numerous including seven Royal Variety Shows, but it is the field of concerts and festivals that Ms Gibson has made her name. including headlining the annual Jazz Festival in Sydney, Australia.

I can thoroughly recommend a visit to the Rhythm Station to hear this lady. As a devotee of Ella Fitzgerald and The Divine Sarah Vaughan I know a bit about jazz divas and Lee Gibson is among their number.

Meanwhile The Sparrow Hawk Hotel in Church Street, Burnley, continues with its live jazz concerts on Sunday lunchtime and this week-end it is the turn of popular combo Stormy Weather. The fun starts at 1pm.

Gig list...

STORMY WEATHER: The Sparrow Hawk Hotel, Church Street, Burnley: Sunday, March 9. From 1.00pm. Free.

LEE GIBSON with the Tommy Melville Quartet: The Rhythm Station, Rawtenstall. Tuesday, March 11. From 8.30-11.00pm. £6.

JACK SMITH MEMORIAL CONCERT with SOUNDS 18 and guest stars: Blakeys Bar, King George's Hall, Blackburn. Monday, March 24. From 8.00pm. £2.50.