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There is time this week to take a partial break from the Afro-American area of music that we commonly call jazz and enter allied worlds where there is a more eclectic mix.

Tonight at the Silvershine Jazz Club in Bearwood, bassist Delano Mills introduces The Dreadbeat & Jazz Session. Taking inspiration from both jazz and reggae, and more specifically from players like Ernest Ranglin, Monty Alexander and Bob Marley, Delano is joined by David Lloyd “Gabby” Henry on guitars, Andre Bassing on keyboards and Bunny Dryden on drums, plus guests.

The starting time is 9pm, the venue is Bearwood Corks Club at 558 Bearwood Road, Smethwick and there is more at

Then on Friday how about some African music that is rooted in its traditional heritage but which also embraces European chamber music and has strong jazz connections both in its improvisation and rhythms.

Ballako Sissoko is a Malian master the 21-stringed African harp called the kora. He has played with fellow kora player Toumani Diabate, with Sting and with American bluesman Taj Mahal, and his most recent collaborations have been with French classical cellist Vincent Segal.

His latest album, In Peace, is produced by Segal but features an African band including guitar and the marimba-like balafon.

Ballako Sissoko and his band are at the mac on Friday, as part of their Making Tracks series. The concert is at 8pm in the theatre. Tickets are £12 and there is more information at

Before that, do take in the Jazzlines free gig in Symphony Hall cafe bar at 5pm: blowing up a storm will be Holyhead School Jazz Ensemble. For a number of years now musicians Sid Peacock and Ray Prince have been mentoring pupils at the school and the young and enthusiastic players have built up a strong following for their improvisational performances.