Dave Douglas is one of the new breed of world-class musicians and composers whose work defies categorisation.

A New Yorker, he was part of the informal movement that since the Eighties has nurtured many strong creative personalities.

"I think the most important influence has been living in New York," he says.

"The music scene with Tim Berne, John Zorn, Don Byron and Paul Motian was the strongest.

"Everybody was involved in finding new ways in.

"I feel that in all that experimentation, the tradition of the music was even more respected."

Douglas has proved to be one of the most prolific of that collection.

Having guested with many bands, he has produced 22 CDs as leader of eight varied ensembles, winning dozens of awards worldwide.

Polls apart, he has become a leading performer on the trumpet as well as a composer in electronics and other media.

The post-Coltrane orthodoxy goes alongside an openness to many freer influences.

There have been collaborations with non-US players such as Han Bennink, Michael Moore and Rabih Abou-Khalil.

"There is wonderful music that's not always recognised in the US. Derek Bailey, Evan Parker and earlier the influence of Dave Holland and John McLaughlin.

"For a lot of us in New York who came out of the improvised edition of Coltrane and Miles, there's a definite connection to the music of Julius Hemphill, Henry Threadgill and others.

"I feel there's an immediacy and physicality to the music. Even as ideas are swirling round I try to keep that passion."

This septet heralds another new direction for Douglas, one that is documented on his new CD Freak In.

"I feel this record was a really important step for me. There are ideas behind what's happening on it with the cohesion of many different ideas.

"I like to throw together different kinds of player into these compositions and have them work. I hope that's apparent.

"The music should be enjoyable and should be fun behind the serious presentation."

The new band includes leading voices such as Seamus Blake on tenor saxophone, David Gilmore on guitar and producer/keyboardist Jamie Saft on Wurlitzer.

Ikue Mori is on electronic percussion for this tour.

It promises to be another fascinating milestone in an already brilliant career.

Tickets £14/£12. Call 01273 709709 for further details and information.