Eddi Reader

Eddi Reader plays the Howard Assembly Room on Saturday 24 October. It's a solo bill, so the whole night is hers.

If the name doesn't immediately ring a bell, the songs probably will. Reader first came to wider attention with Fairground Attraction, and the single 'Perfect' and the album First of a Million Kisses both topped the British charts. After that, she moved into a solo career with a string of acclaimed albums, including Mirmama in 1992, Candyfloss & Medicine in 1996 and Simple Soul in 2001. In 2003, she returned to her roots in Glasgow and recorded Songs Of Robert Burns, which went down well internationally. She was awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to singing.

There's a fair bit of history behind the voice, too. Reader grew up in Glasgow and Irvine, Scotland, where she first found her voice busking and playing local folk clubs. In the early 1980s she toured Europe with circus and performance artists before moving to London, where she became a sought-after session vocalist, harmonising with Annie Lennox while touring with the Eurythmics after a stint with the punk outfit Gang of Four. It's a varied path that stretches from the folk clubs of Scotland to the punk scene and the pop charts.

Her live work has picked up its share of praise over the years: The Sunday Times noted she 'gets every song just right', and R2 Magazine called it 'world class'. The gig is at the Howard Assembly Room, 46 New Briggate, LS1 6NU. Doors open at 7pm, with the music starting at 7.45pm. Tickets are £34, which includes the £1.50 booking fee.