JAZZ & BLUES

The appeal of Pat Metheny beyond the confines of jazz is clearly demonstrated by the fact that not only does he complete a three-night run at the Shepherd's Bush Empire tonight and tomorrow night, but he is releasing a single from his current Warner's album Imaginary Day that has been remixed by that man of the moment, Goldie.

Equally wide-ranging is Eliane Elias, the Brazilian-born pianist and singer who brings her show "The Three Americas" to the South Bank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday. Named for her album of last year that explores the rhythms of North, South and Central America, the performance should also draw on the just-released Eliane Elias Sings Jobim, itself something of a follow-up to her 1989 Blue Note debut Eliane Elias Plays Jobim. Having grown up in Sao Paolo at the height of the bossa nova wave, she is better qualified than most to join in the current enthusiasm for the style - and with recent Metheny collaborator Marc Johnson along on bass, she should be well-equipped to provide a wide-ranging evening's entertainment.

Since taking his place as Stan Getz's last pianist in the late 1980s, Kenny Barron has steadily grown in stature, so that it is now a rare month when he is not on some new record, whether as leader or accompanist. Night and the City (Verve), a series of duets with the equally prolific bassist Charlie Haden, shows no sign that he is working too much, however. A quietly powerful and highly atmospheric record, it repays many listenings.

Tuesday sees former Art Ensemble of Chicago mainman Lester Bowie appearing at the Barbican - scene of a recent performance by his former wife Fontella Bass - with Brass Factory.

Over the years, the Candid label has produced some great records in the blues and jazz fields but never received the acclaim it is due. Some attempt to put that right takes place this week with a series of showcase gigs at the Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean Street. Highlight of the lot is the appearance by the wonderfully engaging singer Stacey Kent and her band, whose current classy album Close Your Eyes will be followed by The Tender Trap in July.