A VETERAN singer whose claims to fame include having had the then young and undiscovered Jimi Hendrix in one of his early bands is to perform at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall.

John Hammond, who features acoustic and steel guitars in his set, is in his fifth decade in the music business and will be at the Hall on Monday, at 8pm.

Said to be following in the footsteps of singing poets like Woody Guthrie, Lightnin' Hopkins and Sonny Boy Williamson, he tells musical stories of life and love.

At the dawn of his career, he recorded with legendary writers and producers, Leiber and Stoller, as well as forming a Greenwich Village band that had the up and coming Hendrix in its ranks.

He also used The Band as backing musicians, eventually introducing them to Bob Dylan.

Among the people he has since worked with are Eric Clapton, Bill Wyman, John Lee Hooker and Dr John.

John has played in venues ranging from coffee houses to concert halls, as well as international festivals, delivering his own mix of blues, folk and rock. There is a varied bill of music on the way to Huntingdon Hall over the coming week, with the classical strains of the Bochmann Quartet line up for tomorrow night, at 7.15pm.

Pieces they will play include Dvorak's Terzetto in C, Borodin's String Quartet No 2 and Mozart's String Quintet No 3 in C. Originally founded in 1977, the Bochmann Quartet re-formed in 1990, since when it has performed at major and provincial venues, at home and abroad, in addition to television, radio and festival appearances.

The following night, singer-songwriter Vin Garbutt showcases his brand of witty and thought-provoking songs while demonstrating his accomplished guitar and whistle playing. His quirky observations of life are also part and parcel of his act. He will be on stage at 8pm.

Tickets for all events are available through the box office on 01905 611427.