A KIDDERMINSTER band bagged a top producer for their debut single, thanks to a chance meeting.

Meg were playing at the Actress & Bishop in Birmingham, when Gavin Monaghan of John Peel fame, came over to the band.

Gavin has now helped produce, record and mix the band's AA side single, which consists of A Song For, and Patch.

The CD was recorded at the Magic Gardens in Wolverhampton during March time, and it was released a few weeks ago.

"He's worked with bands such as Idlewild and Babes in Toyland, and Mercury Rev, as well as working as one of John Peel's session producers," says Rob Geraghty, lead singer and main man of Meg.

"Gavin saw us playing Birmingham, he came up to us and said 'I'd like to work with you.'

"We thought at first he wanted to sell us studio time!"

Aside from Rob, the band, who have been going for three years, consists of Matt Pimm on keyboard and rhythm guitar, Tom Games on drums and Allan Thombs on bass.

They describe their set as "quite rocky" but say their genre of music has yet to catch on in Worcestershire, although they are going down a storm in other area including Wales and Birmingham.

"We describe our music as low-fi, indie rock pop experiments," says Rob.

"But people tend to want to listen to nu-metal and cover bands.

Rob is also one of those lucky people who looks a lot younger than he is.

"I get mistaken for a 21-year-old kid, but I'm 29 in a few weeks time," he says.

The CD, which costs £2.50, can be bought from the bands live gigs, or from the website on www.wearemeg.co.uk

Chart-topping Corrs back with brand of family music

IRELAND'S most popular family band The Corrs return to Birmingham's NEC on Friday, November 5.

The band last performed at The NEC Arena in 2001 and are set to showcase songs from their brand new fourth album, Borrowed Heaven.

Andrea, Caroline, Sharon and Jim will delight fans with their unique brand of pop which has seen them reap chart success over many years with tracks such as Dreams, So Young and Breathless.

The band's success began in 1995 with the release of their debut album Forgiven, Not Forgotten.

Tickets cost £27.50 plus £3 booking fee, and £32.50 plus £3.25 booking fee per ticket, plus £1.25 transaction fee per booking.

They can be purchased on-line at www.necgroup.co.uk/boxoffice or from The NEC Arena Box Office on 0870 909 4133.

On safari with jazz OBE

COURTNEY Pine will be playing at West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley tonight.

The artist, who was awarded an OBE for his services to jazz, will be playing alongside American band Ozomatli and supported by Kidderminster band Cantaloop.

The entire evening will be devoted to a lively mix of jazz and Latin American rhythms.

The open air concert heralds the start of a weekend of music at the park.

Courtney Pine not only plays jazz in the traditional manner, but incorporates it into R&B, and mixes it with reggae and hip hop, a mix which is guaranteed to bring any audience to their feet.

Jazz show

Courtney, who plays a variety of saxophones, clarinet, flute and keyboards, still finds time to present his weekly Radio 2 show Jazz Crusade, which is now in its fourth season.

The music event at West Midland Safari Park continues tomorrow with Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra playing popular music from the proms.

Gates open at 6pm, the event starts at 6.30pm and finishes around 11pm.

Tickets are £15 for adults, and £10 for juniors (aged four to 16) for each event.

Tickets are available on 01299 400700 from 9am to 5pm.