JULIAN Marc Stringle, who appears for Black Lion Jazz on Friday, March 17 was a child prodigy reed player, who made his TV debut with Acker Bilk when he was just 14.

The show featured Julian's teenage Dixieland band, Young Jazz, and at 17 he formed a modern jazz quintet and toured Europe with Dave Cliff, Nick Weldon, Andy Cleyndert and Mark Taylor.

He has recorded with John Parricelli, Digby Fairweather, Danny Moss, Sam Brown, Roy Williams, Jim Mullen, Marc Almond, Tommy Whittle, George Melly, Joe Brown, Chas & Dave, The Grid and the Spice Girls. He has appeared at Wembley Arena with Meatloaf and in Monaco with Tina Turner.

Julian currently leads The Dream Band, his own Latin-influenced jazz funk sextet featuring keyboard virtuoso Neil Angilley, Canadian Guitar star Dominic Ashworth, Bass ace Chris Dodd, stylish vocalist Jacqui Hicks and the dynamic Mike Bradley on Drums. T

Julian was voted 'Best Clarinettist' at the British Jazz Awards 2006/7. His major influences have been Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Peanuts Hucko, Buddy De Franco, Eddie Daniels, Oscar Peterson - and Delius.

Black Lion Jazz at The Old Black Lion in Hay from 8.30pm on Friday, March 17. Free entry. Tables can be booked on 01497 820841 if you are also dining.