By Duncan Eaton

HE is an A list performer whose music cannot be put in a box.

“I’ve made a conscious decision throughout my life not to be confined, musically. For me, it’s all about the song and about the story,” says American singer, saxophonist and songwriter Curtis Stigers.

And the musical versatility which has made him a global star will be on full display when he returns to Eastleigh’s Concorde Club on November 1.

With a recording career spanning more than 20 years he has had a string of hit singles, sold millions of records and has touched every continent and nearly every genre of music.

He soared to international fame with the chart busting You’re All That Matters To Me and I Wonder Why.

And his version of Peace, Love and Understanding provided the sound track for the movie The Bodyguard, selling 17 million copies in the United States alone.

The energetic entertainer regularly barnstorms concert halls, festivals and clubs everywhere from Moscow to Manhattan, accompanied one night by his quartet, another by big band or orchestra.

He began his career playing standards in a hotel lobby while moonlighting as a drummer in a punk rock band and has redefined the constitution of contemporary jazz.

Stigers possesses a curator’s knack for hearing a song, framing its heart and making it his own, be it the work of Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Wilco or The Kinks.

He has penned many notable songs himself, as well as writing with the likes of Carole King and Barry Mann and sharing stage with pop and rock greats like Eric Clapton, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart, and The Allman Brothers and jazz giants Nancy Wilson, Al Jarreau, Gerry Mulligan, Randy and Michael Brecker.

Born in Hollywood, raised in Boise, and transplanted to Manhattan, Stigers lives between gigs, in his hometown back in Idaho, a place where he says he can raise his daughter and live a real life.

Here, between Blue Mountains and green fields, Stigers is able to write and discover the songs he wants to sing.

The Concorde has also announced two other blockbusting names for next year – one of the nation’s most famous historians Dan Snow (Feb 5) and American soul legend George McCrae( May 10)

Dan will be giving what promises to be a fascinating history lesson on Eastleigh and surrounding areas, followed by a 20 minute Q&A session.

The historian, broadcaster and TV presenter is from a famous broadcasting dynasty. He is the son of the BBC’s legendary Peter Snow and nephew of veteran Channel Four presenter Jon Snow.

Known as the History Guy, he remembers spending every weekend of his childhood being taken to castles, battlefields, country houses and churches.

Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, George McCrae started singing gospel in church and his voice became worshipped worldwide by soul fans.

A true classic old school soul singer, his dance floor filling song Rock Your Baby rocketed him to fame, spearheading the Miami soul sound.

The song sold more than 15 million copies, reaching number one in more than 40 countries and George was Grammy nominated for the best male R&B vocalist.

Beatle John Lennon admired McCrae and Rock Your Baby inspired him to pen Whatever Gets You Through The Night.

For more information about all the Concorde gigs ring 02380613989 or visit www.theconcordeclub.com