There are two chances to hear master keyboard player Phil Peskett this week, writes Paul Medley.

Firstly, tonight he is with his own trio of Tim Dawes on bass and Simon Lea on drums at the Old Parsonage Hotel on the Banbury Road, Oxford, and then on Wednesday, he is playing alongside Scots singer Chantelle Duncan, again with Tim Dawes on bass, at the Big Bang restaurant on Walton Street, Oxford.

Peskett is one of the finest pianists around who continually fits new harmonisations to well-known standards and solos with remarkable creativity, while Chantelle Duncan is making a considerable impression with her wide vocal range and an ability to re-build and re-interpret popular songs to give them a new individual edge.

For those with a love for the guitar there is a special evening, again at the Old Parsonage Hotel, where London-based guitarist Mark Ridout is putting together an evening with his own trio, featuring music from Django Rheinhart and other guitar greats. Ridout is well-known in the jazz world as a player with great swing and sensitivity.

Elsewhere, the Bruce Broadman Trio, with Dave Bitelli on reeds, are at the Banbury House Hotel in Banbury on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, the Wabash Jazz Men are at the Amersham Jazz Club in Beaconsfield football club.

On Thursday, Richard Leach's 7 Stars of Jazz are at Lains Barn, near Wantage, and clarinettist Alvin Roy is with his quartet at the Carpenter's Arms in Fulbrook, near Burford. This is a free chance to hear Roy swinging through some of the great standards.

Meanwhile, up in the smoke, Gwyneth Herbert, 23-year-old singer and composer, who recently did a sell-out gig at the Backroom in the Bully and is definitely one of the fastest rising stars, is at the Vortex on Tuesday, and veteran interpreter of standards, tenor player Scott Hamilton, is doing a week at Pizza Express ending Wednesday.

FARINGDON'S Mayfest boasts a very impressive line-up, writes Peter Cann. The Mayfest, which runs from April 28 to May 1, has Eddie and the Hot Rods, Pentangle, Osibisa, Andy Irvine and Bill Caddick on the bill. Friday kicks off with Mr Love and Justice followed by up-and-coming band Belarus. On Saturday, it's Julie Beil, with Eddie and the Hot Rods headlining.

Sunday afternoon is African and Caribbean music, with Jali Fily Cissokho, T & Latouche, and Osibisa. Bank Holiday Monday has a distinctly folk flavour.

Tickets are on sale at Faringdon Community and Tourist Information Centre on 01367 242191 or 243806.