THE Rhythm Station at Rawtenstall has become established over the past couple of years as one of the major jazz venues in the north and any number of major internationally-known musicians have appeared there.

One of the main reasons that established players are keen to work at the Rhythm Station is the quality of the resident quartet, led by tenor saxophonist Tommy Melville.

Tommy and his merry men, Dennis Freedman (keyboards), Steve Berry (bass) and Jimmy Scaithe (drums), are all excellent players.

Dennis in particular is a constant source of amazement as he has been blind from birth but is a hugely-talented man who has built a solid reputation for being a soloist of outstanding ability and inventiveness.

Next Tuesday, the TMQ will be backing the phenomenal trumpet player Bruce Adams, whose high-octane playing has earned him the admiration of fellow musicians and the respect of jazz critics.

Bruce, as his christian name very much implies, is Scottish, though he was born in Birkenhead in 1951, where his father was appearing in variety.

Given his family background it is no surprise to learn that he was playing paid gigs at 12 and won Opportunity Knocks at 13, when he was introduced by the legendary Nat Gonnella.

He did a double act with his dad for some time and one of my friends, Oswaldtwistle-based keyboards player Norman Bolton, worked with them on the cruise ships for a while.

In recent years, however, Bruce has emerged as a seriously good jazzer and his collaborations with alto saxophonist Alan Barnes, himself a regular visitor to the Rhythm Station, have won two British Jazz Awards (Best Small Group and Best New CD).

Now for some news about a collection of seriously good local jazzers, The Pendle Jazzmen, whose Dixieland offerings have made them a popular attraction on the local music scene.

They are already established "regulars" at The Holden Arms in Haslingden and the Whitchaff Inn in Rawtenstall.

Now they have added another venue to their dates list.

It is Burlington's (De Tabley) in Blackburn Road, Ribchester, every Sunday from January 20 between 12.30 and 3pm. Admission is free.

Finally at Blakeys Bar in King George's Hall, Blackburn, those hot Dixielanders Smoky City Jazz make a welcome return on Monday evening next, January 14.

The concert starts at 8.15 and admission is £3.50.

LISTINGS:

BRUCE ADAMS: Brilliant jazz trumpeter, and the Tommy Melville Quartet. The Rhythm Station, Rawtenstall. Tuesday, January 15. 8.30-11pm. Adm £6. Tel: 01706 214039.

THE PENDLE JAZZMEN: Holden Arms, Grane Rd., Haslingden. Every first, third and fifth Friday of the month. Whitchaff Inn, Bury Rd., Rawtenstall. Every second and fourth Friday of the month. From 9pm each venue. Free admission. Burlington's (De Tabley), Blackburn Rd., Ribchester. EverySunday from January 20. 12.30-3pm. Adm free.

SMOKY CITY JAZZ: Blakeys Bar, King George's Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. Monday, January 14. 8.15-11pm. £3.50 on the door.

ART LESTER BIG BAND: Pennine Suite: Horwich RMI, Chorley New Rd., Bolton. Every Tuesday. From 8.30. Adm free.

KEN WARD BIG BAND: Mercury Motel, Manchester Rd., Westhoughton, Nr Bolton. Every Tuesday. From 8pm. Adm free.

JERIATRIC JAZZ: Mainstream and BeBop. The Cotton Tree, Prince Street, Bolton. Thursday, January 17. From 8.30. Adm £1.