THE guitar is probably the instrument most fledgling musicians still feel drawn to, one of the more obvious and enduring side effects of the pop explosion of the 1950s and 60s.

The threat posed by synthesised and computer produced 'music' may have contributed to a slight downturn in the sales of guitars but there are still any number of wannabe Eric Claptons, George Harrisons and Jimi Hendrixes out there to keep the Bert Weedon instruction books whizzing off the shelves!

I'm a huge fan of the late Wes Montgomery, who never made a pop record in his life but who left a lasting impression on the world of jazz.

Along with D'Jango Reinhardt and other jazz guitar greats, Wes proved there is a lot more to the instrument than three chords, wails and bone-mincing noise.

And next Tuesday, at the Rhythm Station in Rawtenstall, Gary Potter, one of the world's leading jazz guitarists, will be demonstrating his quite awesome skills on both acoustic and electric.

Potter started playing when he was 10 and, apart from the basics learned from his dad, is entirely self-taught. At 12 he was playing professionally and is one of those rarities -- a child prodigy who has gone on to achieve greatness expected of him and international recognition as a musician of consummate skill.

Anyone who professes an interest in guitar playing should do themselves a favour and get along to see this concert. Jazzers, of course, will already have booked the date in their mental diaries!

Now to the last of the jazz concerts of the Year 2001 at Blakeys in King George's Hall when Sounds 18 Big Band have the job of bringing down the curtain on this year's programme at the popular Blackburn venue.

Sounds 18 have been going for a considerable number of years and there are hugely experienced musicians among the personnel, several among the best in the North West.

They are a terrific outfit and tackle the music of Basie, Ellington, Kenton and Miller with professionalism, enthusiasm and skill.

Joe McCarthy will be adding Sinatra-type vocals and leader Geoff Kelly, a superb tenor player, will be among the soloists.

If big band jazz is your thing, get along to Blakeys on Monday. I'm certain that readers of this column will have heard Sounds 18 somewhere along the way and will almost certainly have decided to be there anyway. At £3.50, it's a steal! JAZZ JAMBOREE: Featuring Ben Castle (tenor) and Mark Nightingale (trombone). With the Steve Moore Trio and Jeriatric Jazz. Derby Ward Labour Club, Deane Rd., Bolton. Friday, December 7. 8pm--11.30 Tickets £3 (01204 531114 or 01204 307329 (after 5pm).

GARY POTTER: The Rhythm Station, Rawtenstall. Tuesday, December 11. 8.30-11pm. Adm £6. Tel: 01706 214039.

SOUNDS 18. Big band jazz. Blakeys Bar, King George's Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. Monday, December 10. 8.15-11pm. £3.50 on the door.

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.

ART LESTER BIG BAND: Pennine Suite: Horwich RMI, Chorley New Rd., Bolton. Every Tuesday. From 8.30. 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, December 6. From 8.30. Adm £1.

LITTLE JOHNNY ENGLAND: Folk-Rock. The Met Arts Centre, Market St., Bury (0161 761 2216). Friday, Nov 30. From 8pm. Tickets £8 (conc £6)