THINK of Big Mama Thornton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mahalia Jackson, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, and you’re on the right track.

Yes, Amythyst Kiah, the extraordinary Southern Gothic, alt-country blues singer-songwriter from Tennessee is back by popular demand!

On her way from Southern Fried Festival and The Sage in Gateshead, before heading southwards for a main stage appearance at Cambridge Folk Festival no less, organisers of the String Jam Club couldn't resist inviting her to drop in on the way after her sell-out debut in Selkirk earlier this year got such a rave reaction and standing ovation from the audience.

Allie Fox from the String Jam Club said: "Amythyst packed the house out last time, a definite crowd-puller drawing an impressive audience comprising mainly new fans, but also others who had seen her play elsewhere earlier on in her tour and had travelled some distance to see her again.

"It is a thrill to welcome her back – as we firmly believe she is one of the future greats in the making,

"Her main instrument is her magnificent and hugely impressive voice, filling every space and crevice in the room with its powerful energy and depth. Having listened to her CDs, nothing prepares you for the reality of that voice in a live situation.

"It is a voice that is physically felt as well as heard when you are in its presence. With its perfect pitching, wide range, warm timbre and emotional resonance, it is like being hit in the gut by a huge wave of vocal velvet."

Accompanying herself expertly with some great guitar and banjo picking, Amythyst takes audiences through an eclectic set of music, ranging from Vera Hall's classic 'Trouble So Hard' to Rev Gary Davis, from Radiohead's 'Fake Plastic Trees' to a fine version of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' and of course some Carter Family.

Not to mention her own standout original songs.

Allie added: "Not surprisingly there is a real buzz surrounding this outstanding young musician.

"Festivals have rushed to book her and generated a whole new legion of devoted fans."

Amythyst Kiah plays at the String Jam Club in the County Hotel, Selkirk, on Friday, July 21.

Tickets, priced at £12, are available from the venue by phone 01750-721233 or buy online from Eventbrite.