Stigers is back in city for a sell-out show

Most recently seen on the BBC's reality singing contest Just The Two Of Us, he first found fame in 1991 when his debut self-titled album sold 1.5 million.

More than 10 years on he has carved out a niche and build up a reputation as a mesmerising jazz singer with an impressive ability interprete modern songs in his own original way On Friday, April 27, he returns to Worcester to play a sold-out show at Huntingdon Hall.

"Worcester is a lovely place to play," he said.

"The venue is the smallest venue on the tour but there's something about it, having people so close up and right behind you."

The gig follows his appearance alongside television presenter Penny Smith on Just The Two Of Us. They finished up in fourth place but it could have been quite different.

"I can't stand to watch all those Pop Idol shows," he said. "When my manager called and told me about it I said no. He said I might want to reconsider because I would be in front of 20 million people each night, and jazz singers just don't get that kind of coverage on the BBC.

"So I went in thinking, I don't want to do this', but I came out of it having had an absolute ball - first and foremost because of Penny Smith. I think her attitude towards it all, the way she took the micky out of it, is why people liked us."

For his latest release, I Think It's Going to Rain Today, Stigers puts his unique stamp on songs from the likes of Sting, Randy Newman, Willie Nelson and Tom Waits. It also features original tracks.

Stigers has always been a singer/songwriter, but admits his writing has taken second place to quality time with his daughter Ruby, aged seven.

"Being a dad I get to hang out with this great little person.

"When I do write, it's still that kind of magic, I don't know where it comes from but it's really hard work. It's exhausting."

An Evening With Curtis Stigers, on Friday, April 28, is sold out but to find out where else he is playing visit www.curtisstigers.com