NORTH Wales Jazz continues to stage some of the best live music in the area.

Its latest venture brings tenor saxophonist Mike Smith and the Ginger Tunes Quintet, to the Victoria Hotel, Menai Bridge, at 8pm, on Wednesday, April 24.

Featuring Jamie Brownfield on trumpet, the quintet has recorded a new CD which, with its tenor sax and trumpet re-workings of favourite jazz standards, is reminiscent of the classic 1950s and 60s studio albums of Ben Webster and Harry Sweets Edison. The album's title, 'Winging It', along with the aviation-themed track list, refers to Mike and Jamie's hobby of flying.

An extremely popular player on the North West jazz scene, saxophonist Mike Smith divides his time between fronting his renowned quintet and touring internationally as a side-man with artists like Elkie Brooks, Tony Hadley and Kid Creole.

Since taking up music at the age of 10, Mike went on to study at the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts where he now teaches saxophone.

With several of his own albums out on the 'Ameritz' record label, Mike's diverse experience has earned him kudos amongst his peers making him one of the most sought after saxophonists in the area.

On trumpet, Jamie Brownfield won in the Rising Star category at the 2012 British Jazz Awards, and with influences including Clifford Brown, Chet Baker and Wynton Marsalis he has a prodigiously broad playing style running the gamut of jazz trumpet.

Jamie's playing won him a trip to New Orleans, to play at the famous Mardi Gras where he played with one of his modern trumpet heroes, Leroy Jones. The Mike Smith Ginger Tunes Quintet is completed by Tom Kincaid (keyboards), Ed Harrison (double bass) and Jack Cotterill (drums).Admission is £8, concessions £7 and children £3. Details at www.northwalesjazz.org.uk 01745 812260 or