A SOULFUL singer is bringing her emotive, blues-soaked style to the stage an electric performance in Bridport.

Connie Lush is one of the finest blues singers in the UK today.

Five times winner of Best Female Vocalist UK, she will be delivering melodic songs with commitment and panache at Bridport Electric Palace next Friday, July 1.

She’s joined by Terry Harris on bass, Steve Wright on guitar and drummer Roy Martin on stage.

Performing for the Palace’s monthly blues night, Connie has earned her place in the gallery of greats, alongside giants such as Alexis Corner and Eric Clapton.

Catching up with Connie ahead of the show, the lovable and bubbly singer said she’s coming to the stage in Bridport to make people smile, and have some serious fun performing the blues.

Connie said: “Blues was my first love.

“It has something for everyone and it has a feeling about it that attracts people to it.”

Although her biggest passion will always be the blues, Connie and the band don’t just stick to one genre for their electric shows.

Connie said: “We don’t just do blues, we have soul and a touch of jazz too.

“I have sung different genres but in the end it was blues that stole my heart.

“I sing it still today but it now has different influences entwined within it from all sorts of music that I love also. Blues is happy too!”

Growing up, Connie filled churches and school halls with her powerful vocals in choirs from the age of five.

The star performer swapped life in Liverpool for singing alongside the likes of the great BB King and touring the world.

Despite a life on the road though, she has always stayed true to her roots and loves returning home.

Connie said: “I love playing in Liverpool on the river when we get the chance – there is something magical about the river and playing under the “Liver Building” out in the open.

“It is my home after all – and as long as it doesn’t rain!”

Singing wasn’t an original career option for the blues sensation. It wasn’t until Connie met and married bassist Terry Harris that she stepped into the limelight and let her infectious stage presence run wild.

Together, the duo have shared the stage ever since.

Her incredible stage presence and powerful vocals have led to international recognition too.

Touring worldwide, Connie was twice voted European Blues Vocalist of the Year by the Blues Trophies Awards.

Connie said: “I love travelling. I am a bit of a road rat! Most musicians hate it but for me it’s all part of the gig.

“I always love going back to France. Red wine has a lot to do with that!

“Everyone has a place they find and keep returning to, and France is mine, whether it’s north or south.

“Germany too holds a place for me, the gigs are so weird and wonderful, and the country itself has such beauty.”

After entertaining audiences in 30 countries throughout the world in her 20 year award-winning career, Connie recently had a forced absence from the road because of a broken foot.

But it ended up being a natural pause for the sensation, and from that, a new chapter has begun in her career.

She has a new band, producer, material and a brand new album bursting with enthusiasm for the blues which she is now touring.

Connie said: “We have been touring Europe and UK, promoting our new album Renaissance and it’s also the season of festivals.

“I have been nominated for the British Blues Female vocalist and also our album is up for Best Album award, so I am a happy girl!”

As our conversation draws to a close, it’s clear that Connie and her band will be bringing nothing but fun, soul and a dose of razzmatazz to jazz up the Palace next week.

Organisers at Bridport Electric Palace said the monthly Blues Nights are becoming more and more popular in the community.

Acts following in Connie’s footsteps to the stage in Bridport include the sensational Debbie Bond on August 5, Papa George Band on September 16 and Riotous Brothers on October 14.

The rhythm of the blues doesn’t end there either. Sam Kelly’s Station House return on November 4 and Nine Below Zero in December.

n Connie Lush is performing at Bridport Electric Palace on Friday, July 1 at 8pm.