A BURNHAM woman is bringing her band to the Maldon district for a rare appearance.

Helen Watson, singer with Burden of Paradise, will be playing a one-off gig at the Blue Boar Hotel in Silver Street, Maldon, on Saturday February 28.

She teamed up with saxophonist, Snake Davis, and Mark Cresswell and Dave Bowie who play guitars and bass about four years ago.

Together they play a variety of genres including soul, jazz, blues and folk.

Clea Rawinsky, local promoting agent for the band, said Helen and Snake first worked together on her EMI album, Blue Slipper, which was recorded in 1987 in Los Angeles.

They then promoted it throughout Europe, making a number of television appearances and supporting Joe Cocker in concert.

She said: “Since then Snake has built up a reputation as a top session musician appearing on hits with M People, Lisa Stansfield, the Spice Girls and Take That.

“With Mark and Dave the team have produced three albums of great poignancy, an eclectic mix of material from sources as diverse as Bob Dylan and Billie Holiday.”

The band’s latest offering, Things That Sting, is available now.

Doors at the Blue Boar open at 8pm for a 9pm start. Tickets are £10 and available on the door.

For more information call 01621 782900.

The band will also be playing at Colchester Arts Centre in Church Street, Colchester, on Sunday March 1.

Doors open at 8pm for a 8.30pm start. Tickets are £8 or £10, £6 concessions, and available on the door or through the box office.

It is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5.30pm. For more information call 01206 500900.