THE world of music is an odd one, which often throws up a few surprises here and there.

And the group Homespun (pictured) are such a surprise - bringing together one of the most original contemporary songwriters with the voice behind one of the late 80s' most memorable hits.

Dave Rotheray, songwriter and guitarist with pop group The Beautiful South, first met Sam Brown of Stop fame as they both frequently appeared on the musician Jools Holland's Later With.. programme on BBC2.

The improbable union came about as Dave was looking for an outlet for his song while The Beautiful South were working on their ninth album - Golddiggas, Headnodders and Pholk Songs - a collection of cover songs.

"I'd known Sam not really as a friend but someone to say hello to because we used to do the Jools Holland show quite a lot so we'd bump into each other in the dressing room," said Dave.

"Occasionally we'd have gigs in the same town so our paths crossed a few times and I just thought she was really nice.

"Then when I came up with his idea of doing my own songs I was thinking of who could sing them and she instantly came to mind."

The name of the band derives from the fact Dave began recording the album in his bedroom - and Sam was involved from the beginning.

She previously tasted success in her own right as a soloist, her distinctive voice making hits out of songs including Can I Get a Witness and Kissing Gate - but most notably the June 1988 hit Stop - which re-entered the charts in February 1989, reaching number four.

Last month - 15 years later - it was covered by singer Jamelia.

Dave has also had fame with The Beautiful South - known for their brand of cheery pop tunes including Song For Whoever, 36D and Rotterdam.

And while he stressed Homespun is a side-project and he continues his work with The Beautiful South - who he revealed would start work on a new album in autumn - he said Homespun's sound was a departure from his usual style.

"It's kind of like a stripped down version of The Beautiful South without the drums, guitars and percussion and almost like a first-sketch version," he said.

"The main difference is it's just me writing the songs - not me and Paul (Heaton, of The Beautiful South)."

Enlisting the help of other musical friends, Dave took on Tony Robinson on keyboards, percussionist Gary Hammond, Clare Mactaggart and Melvin Duffy on pedal steel and the group released their debut in 2003, receiving a positive response.

Now they are set to release a second album - Effortless Cool - made up of songs about personal situations experienced by Dave - next month.

And, to promote the release the band are heading off on the road for a UK tour, which includes gigs at Worcester's Marrs Bar on Tuesday, January 27 and Wolverhampton's Wulfrun Hall on Sunday, February 6.

"Our concerts are very different to The Beautiful South because we play very small places where everybody is sitting down so it's a lot more restrained," said Dave.

"We love that thing of all being in the van together touring too - obviously we've got less budget than The 'South so there's four of us in a room which should be fun!"

Tickets for the Worcester gig are £10 in advance or £15 on the door.

Tickets for the Wolverhampton concert are available on 01902 552121 priced £14 or at www.wolvescivic.co.uk

Win tickets to see Minnie 'Driver' fans crazy on tour

ACTRESS-turned singer Minnie Driver is set to venture out on the road next month on her first solo tour of the UK.

Fresh from supporting The Finn Brothers on their sell-out tour Minnie - who stars in the new Phantom of the Opera film as well as movies such as Good Will Hunting - is playing a number of gigs around the country.

The movie star began singing in London's jazz clubs as a teenager and her debut album - Everything I've Got In My Pocket - is the realisation of a long-held dream.

She recently sang at the Free Trade show at Hammersmith alongside such artists as Razorlight, Jamelia and REM.

And fans can catch her in Wolverhampton on Monday, February 7, when she plays the city's Wulfrun Hall.

Tickets are £13.50 and available from the box office on: 01902 552121

We have two tickets to give away for the show.

All you need to do is answer the following question:

What is the title of Minnie Driver's debut album?

Answers, together with your telephone number, should be sent on a postcard by no later than Friday, January 28, to:

Minnie Driver competition,

Nightlife

Hylton Road,

Worcester,

WR2 5JX

Musicians en masse all day long

A MASS of top musicians are set to come together for a couple of charity concerts in Worcester this weekend in aid of the tsunami disaster appeal.

The city's Marrs Bar, in Pierpoint Street, kicks off the weekend tomorrow with an all-day extravaganza featuring bands such as Pete's Sake, Push Me Under, Chequered Footprints, Nuthin' Yet and The Fallout Theory.

The event kicks off at 2pm and people are asked to contribute a minimum donation of £5.

And Drummonds Bar, in New Street, will be staging another clutch of performers on Sunday including Medford, The Lightness, The Badgers, Come Together, Woody & The Stuntcocks, The Reflections, Fingers and The Disciples.

The concert starts at 6pm. Tickets are priced £5 and are available from the venue, The Swan With Two Nicks in New Street and Music City in The Tything.

Good times are back with R&B

TOP R&B and good-time blues tunes will be the order of the evening tonight as the Midlands-based band Backdoor Blues Corporation come to Worcester for a gig.

The group play music in the vein of Ray Charles and Joe Cocker, interspersed with interesting and rare blues material and will be playing the city's Marrs Bar.

The band's pedigree includes a total of more than 70 years experience in a wide number of blues, rock and soul bands playing all over the country and they have also made a number of appearances on radio and television.

Tickets for the gig are £4 in advance or £6 on the door.

You'll Kill to watch Will

BONA fide wandering minstrel Will Killeen will be bringing his blend of celtic soul and traditional blues grooves to Worcester this weekend with a gig in the city.

Sharing his time between Ireland, London and Malvern and playing everywhere in between, Will be dropping into the city to play the Marrs Bar on Sunday night.

Budding musicians can also have a chance to try their hand on stage beforehand as the evening begins with an open mic session.

Tickets are £5 on the door.

It's trio time

WORCESTER'S Marrs Bar is set to hold its popular 'Free Bands For Free Quid' night on Thursday.

Another trio of bands are set to take to the stage at the venue, in Pierpoint Street, with Baldy Dee and Season among those on the billing.

Doors open at 8pm and entry is £3.