MONTHLY jazz nights are returning to the LBT.

And Huddersfield Jazz are promising three gigs featuring some of the country’s finest jazz musicians.

First up is the Rod Mason and Jim Mullen Quartet, who open the jazz series next Saturday, March 31, appearing on the LBT’s Jazz in the Cellar stage.

It’s a mix of modern and mainstream jazz, as opposed to the original jazz sound.

Laurie Stead, publicity officer for Huddersfield Jazz, said: “The jazz scene is still supported but with these economic times people are watching their money.

“But we’re holding three jazz nights with some of the best musicians people can see.

“The sound of jazz music is its appeal, the interplay between musicians playing off each other, it’s about listening to music you love and seeing it live.”

And there’s a great start to the jazz series with the Rod Mason and Jim Mullen Quartet, featuring local musicians.

Then on April 14 saxophonist Alan Barnes and pianist Dave Newton will take to the stage to showcase 33 years of performing and recording together.

The duo have just released their latest album, Inside Out, and will be playing new songs from it.

Then on May 26 the Snake Davies Quartet, with the original line-up, return to the town.

Snake, a saxophonist who has played on records with Ray Charles and Paul McCartney, is well-known to music-lovers in Huddersfield, having previously appeared at Jazz in the Cellar and at the Marsden Jazz Festival.

Laurie added: “Snake is a well known jazz musician who breaks the boundaries of pop and jazz.”

Huddersfield Jazz has been running jazz concerts at a variety of venues in the town since 1987.

It started when Laurie was approached at a jazz and poetry event Huddersfield Art Gallery.

The first meeting was held in March 1987 at the Crown Hotel in Huddersfield and the first gig was staged at the same venue in May the same year featuring the John Taylor/Peter McGuire Quintet.

It was to become the beginnings of a regular jazz night in Huddersfield.

Over the years, Huddersfield Jazz has brought many big name performers to the town including pianist Stan Tracey, American trumpet player Art Farmer, singers Clare Teal and Claire Martin.

More recently Huddersfield singer Loretta Scott attracted a large crowd of jazz enthusiasts.

But it faces an uncertain future – Huddersfield Jazz’s funding from Kirklees Council was cut two seasons ago and their position with the Art Council-backed Jazz Yorkshire is unclear when it’s disbanded and replaced by Jazz North in September.

It will mean money is spread far and wide, with jazz societies all over the country waiting to hear if they will be backed financially.

But in the meantime Huddersfield Jazz continues to do what it does best – put on jazz shows for those who love the music.

The three forthcoming concerts may well decide the future of Huddersfield Jazz – if they’re well supported future jazz concerts can be guaranteed.

Laurie, a former Examiner jazz writer who helped found the club, added: “Jazz music is fantastic to listen to live, we just hope people turn up in their droves and keep it alive.”

The show starts at 8pm and more details from the box office on 01484 430528 or from www.huddersfield-jazz.co.uk.