[247.1] LIVE LONDON'S CORNUCOPIA

Though I now live outside London, I'm privileged to be able to sample, from time-to-time, the many live musical treats the capital has to offer. Do most of the people who live there all the time realise how lucky they are? Almost certainly not. This week, Britten and Cage aside (see below), jazz-rock legends Colosseum return to the Jazz Cafe in Camden (Thursday 15 January 2004). At Pizza Express Soho on the same evening are polymaths Joanna MacGregor and Andy Sheppard, blending perspectives from their different but interesecting musical trajectories. They have a three night residency, following on from Gilad Atzmon and The Orient House Ensemble (12-14 January), who refract Jewish, Mediterranean and central European musics through a jazz prism. And on Friday there is a free double bill - the John Law Trio in the Royal Festival Hall foyer at lunchtime (12.30), and in the evening Dylan Howe's Quartet (17.15 - 18.45). Law is an adventurously expressive improviser with a classical background and a penchant for Thelonius Monk. Howe, who combines post-bop originals with standards, is son of guitarist Steve. What diverse riches. A week is a long time in music...

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