Blues artist Chantel McGregor will appear at the Forum Hertfordshire in Hatfield

ONE of the most exciting rock and blues musicians to hit the UK scene in recent years will play a gig in Hatfield tomorrow (Thursday) night.

Blues artist Chantel McGregor will appear at the Forum Hertfordshire in Hatfield

Chantel McGregor is the special guest at this week’s edition of Thursday Night Live upstairs in The Attic at the Forum Hertfordshire.

An incredibly talented musician, Chantel was voted Young Artist of the Year in the British Blues Awards 2011 and took part in the BBC Introducing Masterclass 2012 at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and BBC Maida Vale Studios, in London.

Her sound?

Imagine the tone of Robin Trower, the inspiration of Hendrix, the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan, the energy of Joe Bonamassa, the intensity of Walter Trout and the haunting vocal of Stevie Nicks all rolled into one and you have Chantel McGregor.

At the age of eight, she became the youngest person in the country to pass a rock school exam and by the time she was 12, she was jamming in her native Bradford.

Described as a prodigy, Chantel was told by major labels “great voice, but girls don’t play guitar like that!”

Wisely ignoring that advice, she enrolled at the Leeds College of Music and became the first student in the college’s history to achieve a 100 per cent pass mark, with 18 distinctions.

Chantel left with a first class honours degree in popular music and a coveted prize for outstanding musicianship.

Her rock-blues credentials are such that she has twice been invited to perform on stage by American blues supremo Joe Bonamassa on his tours.

Chantel said: “Playing live to great audiences is one of the most wonderful feelings.

“I feel so lucky to be able to do something that I love, see the world and bring happiness to others through my music.”

Chantel’s debut album, Like No Other, showcases her versatility and talent as a singer-songwriter.

She said: “I really enjoy creating my own songs, it’s a fantastic way of being able to say what I wouldn’t normally say in everyday life and getting my feelings out. Writing for me is very therapeutic.”

Pop along to the University of Hertfordshire’s College Lane Campus tomorrow night to hear for yourself.

Doors open at 7pm. Support comes from talented Herts-based girl group The Folk.

Tickets cost £10 on the night, and £5 in advance for University of Hertfordshire staff and students. To book, call 01707 285000 or go online at www.forumhertfordshire.co.uk