February will see a new album from Courtney Pine and new touring with Zoe Rahman.

Titled Song (The Ballad Book) it follows on from 2012’s House of Legends, the launch gig of which was reviewed here.

New touring will see duo gigs with Courtney joined by pianist Zoe Rahman who was featured recently to effect on Jesse Bannister’s debut album Play Out, beginning in Southampton at Turner Sims on 20 February.

“I have always wanted to record a collection of my favourite ballads, and there is nothing like performing in duet format for bringing out the intimacy of great songs,” the influential saxophonist and bass clarinettist, above, comments on his new departure, his sixteenth studio album and first all-ballads affair.

Further dates include Kings Place in London in March. (Stephen Graham)