Beth Rowley, Jazz Pizza Express, Soho

Beth Rowley is a beauty: gorgeous figure and pretty face hiding behind enviously big blonde curly hair. She looked radiant when performing for two nights at the candlelit Pizza Express Jazz Club on Dean Street in Soho.

After securing our table downstairs in the jazz saloon we went upstairs to eat, the place was packed with keen fans. Beth Rowley, who herself mentioned many influences, has inspired me personally with my singing. I often sing her 'Nobody's Fault but Mine' with my little band, though our version is much more melancholic. It was lovely to hear Beth in her full glory singing it live, in fact she began the whole evening with it... the rendition was vibrant, upbeat and with the electric bass and drums, charismatically soulful.

The evening was split into two sets, for which she wore different, equally exquisite red frocks, something she mentioned was unusually showbiz for her. Accompanied by a musically sharp but small band (of guitar, bass and drums) the sound was perfectly balanced and projected well in the venue. Beth performed an eclectic mix of songs - some tracks from her new album (released next year) and other well known tunes by her favourite artists, but adapted uniquely to suit her style. There is no way to pigeonhole this singer, her music shows the influence of soul, blues, jazz, Americana and folk. I particularly love her adaptations of negro spirituals; she embellishes the melodies freely and artistically while injecting real passion into the words.

Speaking onstage, she was hesistant and timid and reminded me of a little girl, glancing over at her manager and father for reassurance (she introduced them both to us). At times it was almost awkward to behold and I was surprised considering her successful status. In the second half she loosened up and became more personable, communicating more openly with her eager audience, it was all more relaxed.

Pizza and Jazz is an undeniably good combination; Beth Rowley makes it even better. Already recognised as a jazz singer on the rise, I believe there is still a lot more to discover from this talented girl.

Visit Beth Rowley's website here.

Children in Need

Every year I go to Children in Need - it has become a tradition. This year I had tickets for the second half.

Children in Need takes place in the BBC Centre in White City, conveniently close to my house. The show is broadcast from a surprisingly petite studio which gives the audience a real sense of community.

I was rather disappointed to be missing out on the star-studded first half, that included X-Factor goddess Cheryl Cole and the newly reformed Take That, singing some never heard before songs. JLS were also there, singing a number written specially for the occasion.

The second half is rather more concerned with TV stars: dancing newsreaders and appearances from characters from Britain’s favourite programmes, mostly soaps. There was an amusing clip of the Dragon’s Den judges trying their hand at cooking in an episode of Come Dine with Me.

There were a few music acts, the highlight of which was charismatic Tom Jones singing two tracks from his new album. His performance was thoroughly entertaining and impressive, considering he was singing live. The songs sounded like remakes of vintage classics and they got the whole audience dancing. Pixie Lott and Peter Andre also gave fun performances.

Of course, not losing sight of the cause, heartbreaking clips of suffering youngsters were shown throughout, often bringing me close to tears. Terry Wogan and Fearne Cotton, both TV presenting pros, took the evening in their stride and introduced acts as well as encouraging the British public to ‘dig deep’.

Later in the show some of London’s best loved musical theatre casts took to the stage to do their bit for the charity. It occurred to me that they came later in the evening because they would have come straight from doing their nightly 7.30pm shows, and must have been completely exhausted! Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dirty Dancing and Phantom of the Opera all took part. Having seen all three musicals in the West End I was delighted to watch them again, in particular the gorgeous boys from Priscilla, who pranced across the stage with their usual fabulousness.

It is always a pleasure to be part of Children in Need, if you haven’t donated yet you can still do so here.

Jack Daniels 160th Birthday Party at The Clapham Grand with Duane Eddy, Jarvis Cocker, Richard Hawley and Ellie Goulding

The Clapham Grand is one hell of a cool venue, and after £500,000 of refurbishment it has been returned to its former glory and is hosting some the city’s best live music.

This Victorian-era listed building opened originally as a music hall in 1900. With a large capacity of 1,250 people, in its time this venue has served as a cinema, bingo hall and nightclub, and of course as a venue for live music. Inside it looks similar to one of the West End theatres, but with all the seats removed – the three tiers enable an excellent view of everything.

A few nights ago I went to The Clapham Grand for the first time for Jack Daniels 160^th Birthday Party! Duane Eddy, Jarvis Cocker, Richard Hawley and Ellie Goulding were all there performing for the crowd. To help celebrate this iconic Tennessee whisky they played American Classics individually and also together.

As I was ushered in I was given drinks tokens, and a groovy Jack Daniels style hat was plonked on my head. I walked along a corridor and was hit by an excited crowd (all wearing their freebie hats). After my interesting tasting Apple Whisky drink I wove forward to listen to the music. I’ve never been a massive fan of Ellie Goulding, and have rather written her off as one of the new crew of blonde singers that seemed to have stormed the music scene recently. Her opening song was in fact quite good, not that I could really hear any of the words; she sort of gurgles when she sings. I couldn’t see her face either, because there was an excess of pretentious hair swishing. I loved standing at the top of the cascading balconies and looking down at the music; although it was strange for me as usually in this type of venue I would be sitting patiently waiting for the opera to start.

I cannot deny that this venue generated a great atmosphere, proved particularly when Duane Eddy eventually came onto the fantastically lit stage. Eddy and his band looked effortlessly cool, and the audience seemed to love him (although I’m sure at least half didn’t know who he was). It was clear, just from his outfit, that he was the Tennessee link in this event. I have to say his band outdid him a bit, especially the excellent sax player whose charismatic playing stole the show. I must admit I had to go home and ask my dad quite why Eddy is such a legend. Apparently the answer is: he was very influential in rock’n’roll because of his unique way of playing the guitar with his use of tremolo on notes paving the way for hundreds of artists to come.

Nobody knows the exact date of Mr Jack Daniel’s birthday, but it’s worth guessing for a party like this.

Caffe Nero present Lotte Mullan

Caffe Nero (or ‘Nizza’, as I affectionately call it for short) is the best coffee chain in London. And now there is another reason to love this coffee house... Nero has teamed up with Eventim to bring live music to their branches all over the country.

Suffolk born singer-songwriter Lotte Mullan has been chosen as the artist of the month for October. Lotte will be promoting her debut album, ‘Plain Jane’. She explains that the title is an ode to the underdog, ‘all about triumph in adversity, first love, the awkward first dance and growing up.’ Visit her myspace page here.

There are 20 dates planned for Lotte all over the country, at both 12.30 lunchtime slots and 7.00 in the evening. Tickets are free and can be ordered online here. I will definitely be trying to get along to the Chiswick or Notting Hill Nero to get a glimpse of the action while I sip my favourite coffee – skinny cappuccino.

Visit the Caffe Nero website here.