JACQUI WICKS: Purveyor of Fine Songs and Ukulele Lady

My mum says I was about 18 months old when I first started to sing, and since then I've not really shut up. I sang at school, in choirs, in bands and in the bath. Singing and songs have always been part of my life.

At 14, I was in a country and western band with my uncle and we played Johnny Cash songs in working men's clubs. At 17, I played the guitar and dreamt of being Janis Ian or Joni Mitchell. At 18, I ran the school choir and made friends that I have to this day.

In my 20's I worked back stage on West End musicals and would often sing my heart out with the chorus, hoping that in true 42nd Street fashion I'd be rushed on stage when the leading lady broke her leg. It never happened.

In my 30's I worked hard at my job as a project and events manager but sang less and less as the day job grew and grew but on my 40th birthday I decided in true Elvis fashion 'It's Now Or Never' and gave up the day job.

Since then I have been extremely lucky and privileged to have some wonderful teachers, work with some fine musicians and play in some great venues.

I was part of the deliriously joyful collective that is The Sex Patels for 4 years and loved every moment I spent in the company of those gentlemen serving up punk classics in a chilled out bangra style. We got to play some smashing venues and best of all for me was to support The Blockheads on a small tour.

For 2 years I sang with the Echo Four Two Big Band performing a repertoire of Big Band and Swing Classics at functions and events across the North.

In 2009 I recorded my debut album ‘Vintage’ with my great friend and arranger Kevin James. It was great to make the album but even better to have something to share, to promote the music and songs that I love.

In June 2010 I played The Bourbon Street Jazz and Blues Stage at Glastonbury and rocked the house with The Cliff Brown Band. A totally exhilarating experience complete with Vuvuzela solo. I’m looking forward to more of that in 2011.