Guardian Music — To some, my stepfather, Frank Parr, was a jazzman who also played cricket. To others, he was a cricketer who also played jazz. The truth is, Frank, who has died aged 83, was hugely talented at both. Antony Davis, his friend from Wallasey grammar scho... more info

Guardian Music — (Woodville)You could listen to this set of guitar and clarinet duets for the best part of half an hour and conclude that here were two acknowledged virtuosi taking it easy, strolling gently through a few favourite old songs. And then along comes a sp... more info

Guardian Music — It's not exactly a promising sign that even the Strokes are moaning about their new albumA few weeks ago, a former NME editor was canvassed for his opinion on the Strokes. If his inquisitor had hoped for a measured response to the early highs and ... more info

Guardian Music — (Shepherd Moon/EMI)This Manchester trio's breakthrough fifth album didn't scale the commercial heights of producer Guy Garvey's Elbow, but saw Kloot breach the Top 30 and land a Mercury nomination. It finds crooner John Bramwell stumbling from life's... more info

All About Jazz — All About Jazz is celebrating Acker Bilk's birthday today! JAZZ MUSICIAN OF THE DAY Acker BilkAcker Bilk has won immortality on rock oldies radio for his surprise 1962 hit "Stranger on the Shore," an evocative ballad featuring his heavily quavering... more info