Jazz FM is extending its commitment to live music with upcoming tour dates across the UK featuring the Marcus Miller Band, Kyle Eastwood Band, two special concerts by MOBO award winning saxophonist Yolanda Brown with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and a continuation of its Discovery nights at London’s Boisdale club in Canary Wharf. The radio station, which launched with an Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie Orchestra Concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March 1990, Ella's final performance in Europe, has appointed a new head of live music, Chélima Fadé, who has been working with jazz producers and venues such as Serious, Manchester’s Band on the Wall and Gateshead’s Sage. Meanwhile Jazz FM is to broadcast a special concert by Roy Ayers and his band on 28 January at 6pm. Recorded last summer at St Saviour’s primary school in London’s Little Venice district, the vibes player brought his own inimitable brand of jazz-funk to the children as part of the school’s commitment to highlighting the importance of music in young people’s lives. Tour dates are: Yolanda Brown and The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (London Hammersmith Apollo, 14 and 17 February); Kyle Eastwood Band (Birmingham Glee Club, 24-25 April; Manchester Royal Northern College of Music, 4 May); Marcus Miller Band (London Royal Festival Hall, 4 May; Manchester HMV Ritz, 6 May). The weekly Discovery shows at The Boisdale are: Dennis Rollins’ Velocity Trio (1 Feb); Monica Vasconcelos (8 Feb); Celloman (15 Feb); Sarah Gillespie (22 Feb); Clara Sanabras (29 Feb); Lovely Laura (7 March); and Troyka (14 March).

– Jon Newey

Yolanda Brown (above, left). For bookings and more information visit www.jazzfm.com