I AM using this week's column as a sort of 'premises wanted' plea for fellow drummer Colin Mason, of The Pendle Jazzmen.

Colin is the heartbeat of the band, and handles their bookings and publicity, so clearly is the man behind the Pendle Jazzmen -- literally and metaphorically!

I perform the same duties for Bolton-based bebop band Jeriatric Jazz and know that events and decisions over which we have no control sometimes conspire to bring problems.

Colin has a major one at the moment in that The Pendle Jazzmen recently lost one of their regular venues, the Holden Arms at Haslingden, where for three years they had been resident on the first, third and fifth Friday of every month.

A change of tenants and a new policy of catering for a younger age group meant that The Pendle Jazzmen were given notice to quit.

Colin and the lads still have their regular gig at The Whitchaff Inn, on Bury Road, Rawtenstall, on the second and fourth Friday in each month and have a number of bookings at venues throughout Lancashire.

However, it would be nice if they could replace the lost residency at The Holden Arms with somewhere in the East Lancs area to accommodate their army of fans. Interested parties can contact Colin at 01282 699571. He will delighted to hear from you.

Meanwhile, can I just say that my trip to The Rhythm Station last week to see Mark Nightingale was hugely pleasurable. If there is a better trombone player than this modest, likeable young man, anywhere on the planet, then I have yet to hear him-- or her!

The Rhythm Station resident quartet, led by tenor player Tommy Melville, whose dry, off the cuff script is so reminiscent of the late Ronnie Scott, must be one of the best in jazz clubland. They alone are worth the price of admission.

Next Tuesday, the featured guest will be former Ted Heath tenor sax soloist Tommy Whittle, one of the most respected and talented musicians on the international jazz scene.

Tommy was only 20 when he joined Heath and in the ensuing 50 or more years has worked with just about everyone, including the incomparable Stan Kenton.

He's a lovely man, charming and modest. But then the great ones always are. They let their playing do the talking.

Finally, advance notification of a Jam Factory gig at the Arts in The Park at Corporation Park on Saturday, July 6.

This community arts group of musicians and singers, led by bass virtuoso Steve Berry, will hit the stage at 1pm.

Give them a listen. Their enthusiasm is a shining example of what dedication and talent can produce.