Jazz fans might be a little perplexed to hear living legend Stanley Turrentine admit he's come to Bermuda because he's lost his swing. But rest assured, the sax man is talking about golf -- his other passion. Mr. Turrentine will be getting a few holes in as he warms up for tonight's gig at the Ruth Seaton James Centre. And he has fond memories of his last time on the island. He says: "I've played here at the Forty Thieves, that was quite a while ago.

"It was a nice club -- I really enjoyed it -- they have different styles of music on each floor. They had disco, jazz and rock and roll all in the same complex.'' "The audience I played for were very hungry for the music, they don't get it that often and when they do get it they certainly show an appreciation for it. "They are pretty knowledgeable about the music -- they hung on every note. "You get a lot of types of music coming through here but as far as real jazz you don't get too much of it. "I'd like to thank David Frost for having the courage to bring in jazz - we should have some more people like that. "We'll be playing some of the old songs like Sugar, Pieces of Dreams, things I did with Freddie Hubbard -- some of the old and the new.

"It's spontaneous -- I don't make out a play list. I just do it as it comes.

"If we can get a good rapport with the audience -- if the audience and the band are enjoying it then that makes a good concert to me. We're going to have a great time -- I just feel it!'' The 65-year-old is beginning a tour of the States but he admits he is talking things a little easier now. "We're playing about seven dates in the US including the Vanguard in New York City and dates in Chicago, Maryland, and Washington. "I don't tour as much as I used to -- I try to stay out for two weeks at a time at the most, then I like to get back home to Fort Washington, Maryland right outside of Washington DC. "I think I'm still as fresh now as when I started but I got a little more tricks though.'' "But I am not telling you what they are!'' His 35-year career has seen him join forces with a veritable roll call of jazz greats such as George Benson, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter. "There's a tremendous amount of cats I have had the chance to play with. But it's unfair to pick out anyone and say they were the best one. But Freddie Hubbard was a great character -- a funny guy and a great musician -- a great trumpet player.'' "I worked with Ray Charles before he had his own band -- we worked with the blues guitarist Lowell Fulsom. Ray Charles was the featured vocalist and pianist at that time.'' Mr. Turrentine' own band have been picked up on his travels.

"I've got a Turkish bass player and a Japanese guitarist -- I just ask them -- do you want a gig? "I look for musicianship -- can they read, can they solo. Their attitude is very important -- to get a rapport with them. Some guys can have all the musicianship in the world but if you can't get along with them.. They just need to know who the boss is!'' But while Mr. Turrentine will be making sure his band members are on their toes tonight he will be taking a backseat for the rest of his four-day stay here. "I'm trying to get out to the golf course -- I've heard there's plenty of them. My game isn't that good -- I've got to get my swing back. "Bermuda is a beautiful island -- it's one of the cleanest islands that I've been on. I've been here since on cruises and stuff, just a little holiday. "I love this place.'' Tickets are on sale at the Music Box and in advance and on the door from the The Ruth Seaton James Theatre. For information call 291-5299.