Katie Melua

03 February 2010

KATIE Melua, one of the UK's biggest selling female artists, will be performing in Bristol this year.

Famed for her song The Closest Thing To Crazy, which launched her career, the singer-songwriter will take to her guitar for a spellbinding show at Colston Hall.

Having spent 2009 writing songs for her new untitled album, which included teaming up with songwriting partners Guy Chambers and Rick Nowels among others, Katie is currently in the studio finishing the record with producer William Orbit.

In 2006, she was the UK's biggest-selling female artist and Europe's highest selling European female artist.

Her second album, Piece by Piece, was released in September 2005 and to date[update] has gone platinum four times.

The Georgian/British beauty moved to Belfast before heading to London to undertake her music studies.

It was when performing at a British school showcase that Melua caught the eye of Mike Batt, an English songwriter and producer who was originally looking for an acid-rock band, bass player and a singer capable of singing jazz and blues in an interesting way.

After hearing Melua sing Faraway Voice, a song she wrote about the death of her idol Eva Cassidy, Batt signed the 18-year-old to his small Dramatico recording and management company and sent her into the studio.

Her first two albums, Call Off The Search and Piece By Piece both became international number ones, and the story was to continue, after an exciting, record-breaking rollercoaster ride involving several massive world tours.

Catch Katie as she embarks on her acoustic tour performing with just her guitar and piano for accompaniment.

Katie will be performing at the Colston Street venue at 7pm on December 21.

Tickets, priced £20-32.50, are available from www.colstonhall.org