The jazz programme is packed again for April with plenty of highlights at some of the city's top venues. Here is our top five no-to-be-missed acts to see.

Marius Neset

The Norwegian saxophonist hops over to Birmingham for a performance at the CBSO Centre on Friday, April 10 at 8pm. The gig will be presented by Jazzlines. More at thsh.co.uk/jazzlines

Vula Viel

Vula Viel means Good is Good in Dagaare, the language of the tribe in Upper West Ghana where Bex Burch lived and played music for three years.

Now it is the name of Bex’s new group which consist of Dan Nicholls, George Crowley, Simon Roth, Dave De Rose and Stephen Burke. Catch them at The Spotted Dog on Tuesday, April 21 at 9pm. More at @spotteddogjazz

Tony Kofi and the BoHop Trio

Tony is considered one of the finest jazz saxophonists of the UK jazz scene at the present time.

See what the fuss is about at No 1 Shakespeare St, Stratford-upon-Avon on Wednesday, April 22 at 8pm. Presented by Stratford Jazz. More at stratfordjazz.org.uk

Alison Rayner’s ARQ with Deirdre Cartwright and Steve Lodder

Alison brings her Quintet to the Jewellery Quarter's Red Lion for a set dominated by the influence of other bass players; principally: Stanley Clarke; Charlie Haden and Jaco Pastorius. See them on Friday, April 24 at 7.45pm. Presented by Birmingham Jazz. More at birminghamjazz.co.uk

Walsall Jazz Orchestra with Julian Arguelles and Martin Shaw

This orchestra comes to CBSO Centre on Sunday, April 26 at 7.30pm following a successful UK tour. They aim to play forward-looking music but with a nod to the past. Presented by Jazzlines. More at thsh.co.uk/jazzlines