THE name Digby Fairweather is exceedingly well known among jazz aficionados.

Besides being a trumpet/cornet player of outstanding ability, Digby has spent many years teaching and broadcasting and is a hugely knowledgeable and personable man.

This week I had the good fortune to be asked to review his autobiographical 'Notes From A Jazz Life,' a wonderfully entertaining amble along memory lane, packed with stories of his ups and downs as a jazz musician.

Digby devotes a significant section to his friendship with Clitheroe jazz pianist, the late Stan Barker, one of the most talented musicians the Red Rose county has ever produced.

Stan's reputation spread way beyond the frontiers of his native Lancashire and he and Digby Fairweather, who met and became firm friends in the late 1970s, laid the foundations of a new educational project called 'Jazz College'.

For some years subsequently, Stan and Digby toured schools and arts centres, spreading the gospel of jazz and teaching fledgling musicians the finer points of composition and soloing.

I have absolutely no doubt that many of you who (hopefully) read these jottings will recall the name Stan Barker with affection and that is just one reason for buying Digby's book.

Notes From A Jazz Life... BUY NOW

The subject of jazz teaching leads us very nicely to next week's billing at The Rhythm Station in Rawtenstall which will include some of the top players in the greater Manchester area.

Appearing as Dennis Freedman's Manchester Jazz School Inc, these are six specialist jazz teachers and players who will be gathering at the Arden Centre, City College Manchester, for the 14th Manchester Jazz Summer School from October 22-25.

They include Dennis Freedman (pianist and leader), Jon Thorne (bass), Mike Walker (guitar), Dave Walsh (drums), Steve Waterman (trumpet) and Munch Manship (saxes/flute).

I know two of the band very well. I first met Munch Manship in the late 1960s when I was drummer with the Geoff Moore Trio and Munch was a raw teenager from the North East, playing with the Eric Delaney Band.

Dave Walsh is a drummer of colossal ability and technique. He was a member of the Steve Moore Trio which backed Ben Castle at a jazz jamboree in Bolton a few weeks ago and I was very impressed by young Mr Walsh.

Whatever you have planned for next Tuesday, drop it and get along to the Rhythm Station.

Finally a reminder that The Jam Factory, the 40-strong Blackburn community jazz orchestra run by my mate, string bass virtuoso Steve Berry, will celebrate its fifth anniversary at Darwen Library Theatre tomorrow evening from 7.30 with a special guest appearance by saxophone star Steve Birtwistle. Tickets £6.50 (£4.50 concessions) from the box office on 01254 706006.