Jazz singer with a rare talent

MOST people who reach the top in their chosen industry decide from an early age they want to be successful and devote their life to achieving it.

But the hottest property in the jazz vocal department at the moment simply decided to visit some friends and found herself in demand.

Stacey Kent really has taken the world of jazz by storm with her heart-felt performances of songs originally performed by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Fred Astaire.

After being voted best vocalist at the 1999 British Jazz Awards and receiving rave reviews of her album Dreamsville, the New Yorker is fast developing a major following around the world.

And if that's not enough she can currently be heard on BBC Radio 2, Radio 3 and Radio 4, presenting shows and performing 1930s and 1940s classics.

But although she says she always knew her destiny was in music, she never thought for a minute a visit to the UK in 1992 would kickstart her career.

"I came over to see friends and while I was here enrolled on a post-graduate music course," she said.

"It was there that I made contacts and started to get job offers, but I wasn't really taking it very seriously then."

However, she adds while in the UK she met her "soul mate", who then became her husband, Jim Tomlinson - someone she claims was and still is a major influence in her life and work.

The 33-year-old says there is certainly a chemistry between them which creates "a very happy musical team".

"He plays in a very story-telling way," she adds. "But this is also what I am doing in a very emotional way when I sing a song. Therefore, people can really live what I am singing. It takes them to a very emotional place which it's wonderful for us to see."

And as part of a hectic schedule, the husband and wife team is set to come to the Faithful City.

"I am looking forward to coming to Worcester's Huntingdon Hall," she said.

"I have been before and found the people to be wonderful."

Tickets to the performance on Friday, July 6, cost £10 or £9 with concessions and are available from the box office on 01905 611427.