Rising star is ready for the big time

Jun 6 2008 By Alan Cross

TOMORROW night provides a glimpse of the international flavour of jazz when Christine Tobin, an Irish-born London resident, plays at Birmingham's Polish Club.

Christine has certainly paid her dues on the jazz circuit since the early 90s, singing and touring with a host of quality bands. By 2004 she was picking up nominations for prestigious awards as her reputation as a writer and performer spread around the country, followed by a regular stream of acclaimed recordings.

Her style is eclectic, ranging from Leonard Cohen to Gershwin, with a strong sprinkle of her own compositions supported by a first class band with whom she is touring to promote her latest CD, Secret Life Of A Girl. The Polish Club in Adderley Street in Digbeth is fast becoming a favoured venue of Birmingham Jazz. It's an excellent medium sized venue with its own restaurant and good parking which, mixed with great music, makes it a perfect night out.

Another new venue making its mark is the Criss Cross Jazz Night held upstairs The Cross in Moseley. It has just started a regular programme and this Tuesday hosts one of the UK's bright young stars, bass man Arnie Somogyi.

Having graduated from the Guildhall, Arnie has played and recorded with a galaxy of big names. He spends a lot of time in Birmingham where he is a tutor at the Conservatoire.