SHE is called the Scottish queen of soul for a good reason. When Maggie Bell performs at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall later this month she will be reminding the audience why she is still going strong - even after a 20 year sojourn.

"This will be the second time I've played at the hall," she said. "There is always a fantastic audience. It's a beautiful place and the acoustics are wonderful."

Vocally regarded as Britain's answer to Janis Joplin, Bell was a founding member of 1960s outfit Stone the Crows. When the blues-rock band split following the sudden death of guitarist Leslie Harvey, she embarked on a solo career.

In Worcester, she will be playing with Dave Kelly - the slide guitarist who learned his trade with blues legends such as Son House, Howlin Wolf, John Lee Hooker.

"We've known each other for a while," said Bell.

"Dave asked me last year to do something and it's really taken off. We're having to do all these gigs up and down the country. It's been fantastic."

Perhaps made all the more special as Bell spent two decades away from the stage living the quiet life in Holland.

"I was in a relationship and I was taking care of a man. That was it. The relationship came to an end so I moved back. I did miss performing.

"But this time around in my life there's no pressure. I'm enjoying it at my own pace because there is no pressure from management."

The show will feature a solo set by Kelly, followed by a set from Bell, and some choice duets. Bell's biggest hit, reaching number 11 in the chart, was a cover of Hold Me with B A Robertson. Elsewhere, her song No Mean City was used as the theme to the crime drama Taggart.

For tickets to see her in Worcester on Wednesday, May 7, priced £12.50, call the Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427.