Nathan Watson makes his homecoming

A SOUL singer, who has supported Alexander O’Neal, The Three Degrees and Incognito, as well as being a guest vocalist at Ronnie Scott’s for the past year, will be returning to his old stomping ground this weekend.

Nathan Watson, who grew up in Stevenage and lives in Welwyn, will be joined by his Freakanomics at Club 85 on Saturday, bringing his brand of funky soul to the Hitchin venue.

Promoter Roger King said he was blown away by Nathan at a London gig this year.

“My other half and I stumbled across Nathan who we thought was phenomenal,” said Roger.

“It turned out he was a local lad who hasn’t really played locally for the best part of 10 years.

“He’s having a fantastic year, performing at The Jazz Café, Ronnie Scott’s and The Troubadour. So between us we figured it was about time for a homecoming.”

Nathan’s debut album Student Of Life is available on iTunes. His first single Reach Out (You’ve Got A Friend) reached 15 in Music Week’s Urban Chart.

Support comes from Letchworth-based singer-songwriter Elaine Simpson, whose band includes her husband Kevin and 11-year-old son Morgan.

Her debut EP Free features five tracks encompassing 80s soul and folk styles, with strong vocal harmonies and gospel roots.

Also on the bill is Roxy Searle and Pete Daynes. Roxy, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Walkern, won the Galleria’s Search for a Star contest in Hatfield earlier this year with her own composition, Summer Sun, alongside a mash-up of her own songs and those of other artists such as Miley Cyrus.

She’ll be joined at Club 85 by long-time collaborator Pete Daynes.

Entry for the 16-plus show is £5 on the door from 7.45pm, and £6 after 8.30pm.