HE slithers and slides and plays his saxophone tunes in a slippery style, hence the name, Snake Davis. He adopted the name after a friend's girlfriend described his serpentine movements at a college gig many years ago.

"I slither round the stage and slither round a tune," says Snake. "I never play the tune straight - that's always been the style."

The musician's new release Snakebites, sees Snake stepping out to do his own thing, with soulful, melodic, dancey and occasional ambient saxophone/flute instrumentals.

When I hear the words snake and bites together, I can't help but think of those mixtures of cider and lager I used to drink in Birmingham when I was 18 years old and how they used to corrode the bottom of a pint glass.

But when I ask Snake if the name bears any relation to those classy drinks, he says the name certainly does not.

Snake says he has recently been working on a big band album with a number of other musicians which is due for release in a few weeks time.

The musician has been described as one of the UK's leading saxophone and flute players.

His style is born out of his deep-rooted love of soul music.

His unique sound has found its way onto many classic hits, such as M People's Moving On Up, and Lisa Stansfield's Change.

In fact, Snake features on many recording projects with Heather Small from M People, but one of his more recent magical experiences manifested itself at a gig in Monte Carlo.

"I played at a posh party in Monte Carlo. It was very glitzy club," he says.

"The roof came up like in the Harry Potter movie when the dining hall roof comes off and you can see the stars."

Snake, who plays the whole range of saxophones, plus a wooden flute, concert flute, and penny whistle, also features in the reformed Eurythmics current line-up.

But despite his apparent success he was not from a musically influenced background and he did not pick up the saxophone until he was 20.

" I started guitar before sax, but when I learned sax my life changed," he says. "I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life."

Snake was born in Solihull but two and half years later his family moved to South Wales.

However, he is back in the West Midlands following a successful performance at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester for the first time last year and will be returning to the venue again this October.

When Snake comes to the Hall in CrownGate, his band will feature some of his favourite musicians - players who have been key members of The Eurythmics, Massive Attack, Heatwave, M People and Lisa Stansfield's band.

"Huntingdon Hall is such a lovely venue," he says.

Snake says his next album should be ready for next year.

He will be in the Faithful City on Saturday, October 19 at 8pm.

Tickets are £11, or £10 concessions.

For further details on tickets ring the box office on 01905 23428.

To find out more information about saxophonist Snake Davis access his website on www.snakedavis.com