l THE Scottish Jazz Federation has joined forces with six leading Scottish venues to give jazz a new image that appeals to younger audiences.

Funded by Creative Scotland, The J-Word plans to build a reputation for promoting great music to audiences who won't be put off by jazz's association with old men with beards and bellies but will instead focus on the music they've heard and will buy tickets for J-Word events in confidence that they'll have a good time regardless of who's playing. Tours featuring American band Yellowjackets and a trio comprising Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu, Cuban pianist Omar Sosa and Sardinian trumpeter Paolo Fresu, with support from leading Scottish musicians, will launch the project in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth, Inverness and Fife early next year.

http://j-word.co.uk

l Armellodie Records, Chemikal Underground, Song, By Toad Records, Gerry Loves Records, Rock Action, Olive Grove, Rubadub, Love Music, Chaffinch Records and Overlook Records are just some of the much-loved labels who will be represented at the third annual Scottish Independent Music Fair on Saturday in Glasgow club Chambre 69 in Nelson Mandela Place from 1-6pm. As well as plenty of Christmas shopping opportunities there will be food and a bar on the premises and live music from Jo Mango, Rick Redbeard and others. Admission is free.

l Instrumental quartet Roads To Siam promise retro-futurist soundtracks to lengthy car chases, fuzzed-out stoner rock and synth-driven lunar explorations when they play The Old Hairdressers in Glasgow on Saturday, attended by visual accompaniment from filmmaker Michael Pentney. Support on the gig comes from Hivver, aka Joseph Quimby of Remember Remember and formerly of the fondly-recalled Take A Worm For A Walk Week. Doors 8.30pm. a bargain at £4.

www.soundcloud.com/ roads-to-siam

hivver.bandcamp.com