Jonathan Silk photo: Garry Corbett

Monday sees the release and Birmingham launch gig of Uncouth, the Wheeler-esque debut of the Jonathan Silk Big Band featuring trumpeter Percy Pursglove. Scottish drummer Silk has written nine compositions for the album, which was recorded in Birmingham last summer. The drummer has a strong academic background and has already picked up Yamaha, Tony Levin and Jazzlines awards in his short career since graduating from the Birmingham Conservatoire two years ago. As well as the big band Silk also leads a quintet and sextet. Tickets for the launch, to held at a Fullers-owned Grade II-listed pub theatre on Temple Row West in central Birmingham, can be purchased from www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk