BIG Ben Weaver, a troubador from Minnesota, USA, wanders into The Railway, Winchester to entertain on Sunday, November 23.

Ben is a guitar-playing singer-songwriter who merges country, blues and folk in his songs.

Furthermore, he sings them in a voice "like gravel in a wound", according to Mojo Magazine.

Biographical details of Ben's life on his website are sparse to say the least - presumably he prefers his songs to tell the story.

He was born in Eugene, Oregon, 23 years ago, and moved around a lot with his family during his childhood, ending up in St Paul, Minnesota.

Apparently he hated school and lasted a year at college, before taking off to sing his songs on the road.

So far he has clocked up three albums - El Camino Blues, Living On The Ground and Hollerin' At A Woodpecker.

He has only recently got a European deal for his records, and the last-named album, a collection of quirky acoustic songs, received favourable reviews.

For more information about the gig, which also features support acts from local girls Kate Stable and Rachael Dadd, ring 01962 878812.