Soul singer Jaki Graham is to return to the stage in her home city tomorrow night to put a new slant on some all-time classics.

BBC Big Band: Gershwin and Soul will feature the Brummie singer as she performs well-known numbers by the American composer and pianist Gershwin.

The concert takes place at Birmingham Town Hall and will be recorded for BBC Radio 2’s Big Band Special.

In preparation for the tour date, Jaki popped in to the Express & Star’s head office in Queen Street, Wolverhampton, to chat to video journalist Nicky Butler.

“Wolverhampton has adopted me,” she said. “Tomorrow night will be a tribute to Gershwin. I’m really excited about it.

“I liked the films – Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald, so to get the opportunity to do these songs is great. The show has put me through my paces though, it’s beautiful stuff – absolutely wonderful.”

In her early days Jaki, who shot to fame in the 1980s, worked as a backing vocalist for fellow Birmingham artists UB40.

She is best known for reaching number one in America with a cover version of Chaka Khan’s Ain’t Nobody back in 1994.

Other UK chart hits include the Number 5 track Could It Be I’m Falling In Love, as well as Round and Around, which reached Number 9.

The singer will explore the funkier side of Gershwin tracks including Summertime, They All Laughed and They Can’t Take That Away From Me. “I knew the basis of the songs,” Jaki continued.

“But I have discovered all these new verses that I never knew existed. I must admit, the lyrics are beautiful.

“It’s nice to do something else. Everyone knows me for the dance stuff and the 80s – that stuff has stood the test of time.

“I hope I’m bringing back memories for some people, and also making new memories for the younger ones. I like to think I have grown up a bit.”

Of all the big names Jaki has worked with over the years, she cites American singer-songwriter Michael McDonald as her closest friend and “mentor”.

Michael has previously played in The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.

The Gershwin concert is also set to form the basis of a new live album by Jaki, due to be released in the New Year. Tickets for the show are priced from £21.50 to £19.50.

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Call 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk