JAZZ clubs are often stretched financially to accommodate one big name on an ad hoc basis. To do it week in, week out, requires a reasonably sound customer base, and bundles of optimism backed by hard cash.

The Rhythm Station in Rawtenstall has become one of the best-known venues in the UK, thanks to the financial commitment of its owners and the enthusiasm and knowledge of Tommy Melville, its resident host, compere, quartet leader and booker.

Tommy is well into his 70s and doesn't take prisoners. His fondness for calling a spade a shovel doesn't endear him to everyone but in a business proliferate with back-slappers and false smiles, Tommy can be guaranteed to tell you where it's at. Big style!

So when the venerable Mr Melville takes the time and trouble to call me about a concert at The Rhythm Station he thinks will be a bit special, then it's time to sit up and take notice.

The show next Tuesday is being advertised under the heading of 'Jazz Legends' and the appearance on the same stage of Alan Barnes (saxes), Roy Williams (trombone) and Bruce Adams (trumpet) really will be an occasion.

I haven't had the pleasure of working with Bruce Adams but know he is a trumpeter of outstanding ability, of whom the great Humphrey Lyttleton once famously said that not only would he not play on the same stage as Adams, he wouldn't play in the same county!

On the other hand, Alan Barnes and Roy Williams are both friends as we have appeared together at a number of Jazz Jamborees in Bolton during the last three years.

Barnes is a phenomenal player on all saxes, flute, clarinet and bass clarinet. He has dominated the British Jazz Awards, having won the alto section in 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1999, the clarinet section in 1994, 1996 and 1998 and baritone section in 1998 and 2000.

He is equally at home in traditional and hard bop groups and is a member of the BBC Big Band. Born in Altrincham, he is a modest, extremely likeable man with a fine touch of humour.

Roy Williams, the 'senior member' of the band, has been acknowledged as one of the finest jazz trombonists in the world for four decades.

He left his native Bolton in the mid-1960s to seek fame and fortune in London and very soon made a name for himself, gigging around the capitol.

He was signed by Alex Welsh and spent 13 years with that band before accepting a job offer from Humphrey Littleton.

In the last 20 or so years, Roy has travelled the world, playing jazz festivals and club dates and is regarded as one of the finest mainstream trombonists on the planet.

The Adams, Barnes and Williams concert at the Rhythm Station will be an event. Don't miss it.

Jazzarama will be the guest band at The Sparrow Bar in The Sparrow Hawk Hotel, Church Street, Burnley, on Sunday from 1pm. Admission is free.