THIS week's column will be devoted in the main to two singers: one who has just passed away and another not only very much alive but also making a considerable impact on the international jazz scene.

I'd like first to mention the death of Colin Worth, my friend of more than 40 years and a man who will be remembered as someone who was at the forefront of the jazz scene in East Lancashire for much of his life, particularly during the wonderful years of the late '50s and '60s.

Colin, and contemporaries like Mike Shaun and the late Eddie Gregori, were never "international" stars in the literal sense but they provided pleasure and entertainment to thousands of people.

Each had their own particular style, though Eddie Gregori gloried in his reputation of being "The Mill Girl's Frank Sinatra", justifiably so, as he was as near to Francis Albert as is possible without actually listening to a recording.

Eddie and Colin will always be associated with The Toby Inn, Edgworth, where their Sunday night concerts with the Bill Howarth Trio were always packed out.

Colin made many appearances at clubs in the East Lancashire area, Great Harwood Cricket Club among them, and, though domiciled in Bolton, he had numerous friends and admirers in other parts of Lancashire through his singing.

For a time he was resident host at Park Hall, Charnock Richard, and in recent years led the bebop and mainstream sextet Jeriatric Jazz, a particular favourite with Radio Lancashire host Jim Bowen.

His death from cancer has robbed his friends of a talented, warm and amusing man whose contribution to music in general, and jazz in particular, earned him a special place in the hearts of all lovers of the genre in our part of the planet.

That leads me to the eagerly-awaited appearance of Lee Gibson at the Rhythm Station in Rawtenstall next Tuesday night.

Lee has the reputation of being the UK's first lady of jazz and her CV is hugely impressive.

She has appeared at virtually every major venue in the UK, including Ronnie Scott's clubs in Birmingham and London, and featured in jazz festivals in Holland, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Australia, where she headlined the Manley Jazz Festival in Sydney.

She has made numerous broadcasts with the BBC Big Band and released five CDs.

One, You Can See Forever, drew critical acclaim from columnists.

Go and listen. You won't be disappointed.