Sarah Jane Morris
New Vortex, London
The astonishing four-octave voice has brought comparisons with Nina Simone, Janis Joplin and Sarah Vaughan (and even the basement-register rasp of Tom Waits), but the intensity comes from a combination of personal politics and deep emotions courageously faced, all adding up to the uniquely revealing artist former Communards singer Sarah Jane Morris is.
• New Vortex, Dalston Culture House, Dalston, December 14, 020-7254 4097.
Kenny Wheeler Quintet
New Vortex, London
He may not soar over a band with the same register-leaping audacity of his heyday, but trumpeter/flugelhornist Wheeler remains a legendary jazz creator, for his enigmatically romantic improvisations and his haunting compositions. This virtuoso group includes saxophonist Stan Sulzmann, guitarist John Parricelli, bassist Chris Laurence and drummer Martin France.
• Dalston Culture House, Dalston, December 16-17, 020-7254 4097
Liane Carroll
Various venues
She can't help winning jazz awards, but she doesn't do anything calculating to ensure that happens. Singer/pianist Carroll combines raw blues power with a spontaneous jazz subtlety - her voice being anything from a fiercely soulful cry to a romantic standards-singer's whisper, her piano playing a dynamic driving force.
• Mumford Theatre, Cambridge, December 19, 01223 352932; Broxbourne Rowing Club, Broxbourne, Herts, December 18, 01992 442263; Kersey Mill, Kersey, Suffolk, January 2, 01473 820200; 606 Club, Chelsea, January 4, 020-7352 5953.
A Thompson Family Christmas
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
The Thompsons have become one of the great English musical dynasties. Folk singer Linda Thompson has been a folk world celebrity since working with ex-husband Richard, and she's joined here by her son Teddy, an impressive singer-songwriter, and daughter Kamila. Special guests are promised, so could we see close friends Martha and Rufus Wainwright, or even dad himself?
• December 17, 0871 663 2500.
Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show
Various venues
Still led by singer Jimmy Carter, one of the founder members of the band when it first started back in 1939, the Blind Boys of Alabama are surely the finest, and hardest-working, gospel singers in America. This concert will feature songs from their Christmas album, Go Tell It on the Mountain.
• Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, December 12, 01273 709 709; Sage, Gateshead, December 17, 0191 443 4661.
