ONE of the UK's leading jazz vocalists, Clare Teal, will be singing at Malvern Theatres later this month.

Although still a relatively new arrival on the jazz circuit, Clare Teal is already a very accomplished jazz singer and is also in demand as a co-writer.

Clare's passion for music was aroused at an early age, when she could be found in her parents' attic with an old record player and a pile of 78s, impersonating Judy Garland, Doris Day and Ella Fitzgerald.

She went on to study classical and jazz clarinet studies to grade eight and the piano. She was writing her first songs by the age of 14.

Clare says that although she listens to all types of music, jazz is her one true passionate constant.

Growing in confidence after gaining a music degree, she first began writing jingles and then started singing with a Louis Jordan-esque swing band before moving on to solo performances.

Since then, Clare has gone from strength to strength and is constantly asked to perform at venues throughout the country.

Among her many BBC radio recordings is a concert for a new series of Radio 2's Live From The Stables.

Her albums, Nice Work and That's The Way It Is, have proved hugely successful and she has been getting a lot of media attention from the jazz and national press over her latest album Orsino's Songs.

Clare Teal performs in the Forum Theatre, Malvern, on Saturday, March 22, at 8pm. Tickets are £10 and are available from 01684 892277 or www.mal vern-theatres.co.uk

The singer and her quintet will also perform at Hanley Castle High School at 8pm on Friday, April 11. Tickets are £10.