General Cluster consists of an architect, a financial adviser, a university music lecturer, an artist, an ex-educationalist and a professional bass player - all with a passion for jazz and much experience of playing it.

Charlie Parker, Quincy Jones, Shorty Rogers and Antonio Carlos Jobim classics are on the menu and original material by saxophonist and clarinetist Steve Whitehead.

Although this popular band plays very tight arrangements of jazz standards and original compositions, there is a great emphasis on instrumental improvisation.

Jim Birkett is one of the most talented and stimulating jazz guitarists in the North and is in great demand at venues on the jazz circuit.

He has accompanied top American jazz musicians including Spike Robinson, Kenny Davern and Scott Hamilton, and British soloists of the calibre of Don Weller, Dick Morrissey, Digby Fairweather and Roy Williams.

Apart from his appearances as a guest soloist at jazz venues, he works regularly with his trio, quartet and quintet, undertaking concerts, broadcasts and festivals.

He is particularly active in jazz education, leading the new degree programme in jazz, popular and commercial music at Newcastle College.

Jim is a highly respected composer and arranger and has produced various works for music theatre and jazz, popular and commercial music ensembles.

He will be backed by the Mike Gordon Trio.