INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed jazz pianist, band-leader and presenter of BBC Radio 3's Jazz Legends, Julian Joseph, leads the Halle in an evening of classic and modern jazz at the Bridgewater Hall on Saturday, March 22.

Joseph's Quartet, appearing alongside the Halle, performs music by Gershwin, Ellington, Pastorius and more, as well as a new work by the pianist himself.

To sing the Bob Telson classicCalling You the ensemble is joined by chart-topping vocalist, Des'ree.

The singer, whose hits include You Gotta Be and Feel So High also performs the sultry Gershwin number, Summertime.

Julian Joseph is a vibrant part of the flourishing British jazz scene, along with figures such as Courtney Pine, Jason Rebello and Steve Williamson.

Miles Davies' litmus test "Does the man project and does he have ideas?" is certainly passed by Joseph who, along with being a composer, improviser and leader of Trio, Quartet and Big Band, appears at all of Europe's major jazz festivals and is now a regular guest at the BBC Proms.

Chosen by The Times as one of their great British successes in 1998, Joseph has also played a major role in breaking down the perceived barriers between classical and jazz music.

Bridgewater box office 0161 907 9000.