BOLTON Youth Jazz Orchestra are among my favourite bands, not simply because they tackle the works of some of the all-time jazz greats but because their enthusiasm and commitment will ensure that the music I love lives on long after I have hung up my drumsticks.

Richard Iles and Martin Kay, their tutors, are clearly an inspirational influence, which is no great surprise as both are themselves excellent musicians. In fact, during his career Richard Iles has been a member of some of the best jazz-orientated outfits in the UK.

On Monday, December 9, Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra will be appearing in the Festival Hall of Bolton Town Hall and I'm probably looking forward to their concert as much as the members of the band. If you have nothing planned for that night try to get along and give them your support.

Without 'live' music, and the involvement of young people and their teachers, the world is in danger of being swamped by oceans of 'canned', computerised nonsense. Don't let that happen.

Actually, a glance at the gig sheet listed below this column will give you some idea of what a flourishing live jazz music scene there is in Bolton. And next Friday, December 6, Mark Nightingale, one of the world's truly great players, will make a welcome return to Derby Ward Labour Club for the fourth and final jazz jamboree of 2002. Mark, described by Sir John Dankworth as the 'best jazz trombone soloist in the world', will be accompanied by the Steve Moore Trio with local bebop band Jeriatric Jazz, for whom I play drums, in support. There is no doubt at all that this concert will help to round off the year for us in truly sensational style. I can't wait.

Also rounding off the year in sensational style are The Northern Jazz All Stars, led by my old mate, trombonist Jimmy Smith. The band is in the process of releasing their first 'live' CD recorded at Green Lane Cricket Club, where they will be in concert on Thursday, December 12.

Jimmy tells me that initial response to the CD from several well-known 'faces' on the jazz scene, including Digby Fairweather, has been very positive and he is a very happy chappy at the moment. Nice one Jim.

What's on and where

THE ART LESTER BIG BAND: The Pennine Suite, Horwich RMI Social and Recreation Club, Chorley New Road, Bolton. Every Tuesday. 8.30 to 11.00pm. Free.

KEN WARD BIG BAND: Leigh Liberal Club. Every Monday. 8 to 11pm. Free.

RONNIE MOORE BIG BAND: Sacred Heart Club, Throstlenest Ave., off Springfield Rd., Wigan. Every Wednesday. From 8.30. Free. 01942 519059.

JERIATRIC JAZZ: Over Hulton Conservative Club, St Helens Rd., Bolton. Friday, December 13. 8.30 to 11.30pm. Tickets £3 (including refreshments).

NORTHERN JAZZ ALL STARS: Bolton Cricket Club, Green Lane, Bolton. Thursday, December 12. From 8.30. £3.50.