Alan Barnes Quartet Victory club, Cheltenham, Monday 16 January

Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi Blues Kitchen, Manchester Tuesday 17 Jan

Iain Ballamy Iffley church hall, Oxford Wednesday 18 Jan

A rare sighting these days in a live setting and even more so in a church hall of the legendary 1980s and 90s era Balloon Man Loose Tubes icon saxophonist Iain Ballamy who appears locally in Oxford with a stellar group consisting of Spin Marvel drummer Martin France, ex-Orient House Ensemble pianist Frank Harrison and the bassist Mark Hodgson known for his work with Julian Joseph.

Liane Carroll Beacon, foyer, Bristol Thursday 19 Jan

Jo Lawry Blue Lamp, Aberdeen Thurs 19 Jan

Joy Ellis trio 1000 Trades Birmingham Friday 20 Jan

Joy Ellis' Peaceful Place did what it says on the tin you might think on the opening track of the pianist's 2022 album, a dreamy, expansive, soundworld opening up. That feeling of decompression continues on the next track as the drummer added subtle shade and Ellis continued in a quiet reflective vein. An album to chill out in front of rather than dance around the living room to and maybe with Ellis this week that's just what the Birmingham audience needs.

Alex Clarke quartet Crookes Social Club, Sheffield Fri 20 Jan

Ant Law, Alex Hitchcock, Ferg Ireland, Ernesto Simpson The Verdict, Brighton Fri 20 Jan

Origin Story Scott's, Belfast Fri 20 Jan

2020 Origin Story album Good Friday introduced an adventurous Dublin piano trio who have nothing to prove and everything to give in a spirit of admirable positivity and interconnectedness.