BLUES legend Bob Pearce has just started his 40th year singing for a living, but there are still mountains to be climbed.

In Switzerland, to be precise.

"I'm off to the Hotel Kreuz and Post for three gigs next month," said Bob.

"It's the first time I've been to Switzerland since I was at school, and I'll be following in the footsteps of people like Arnie Cottrell and Mo Thomas who've played the same venue before.

"I'm really looking forward to playing there with Chris Collins, my fellow guitarist from Blues Etc.

"Blues, like rock, jazz and country music, is universal, and there's a big demand for my kind of music in Switzerland. I'm also hoping to play a few gigs in Belgium on the way back."

Bob is also excited about renewing links with a Southampton venue which helped mould his reputation as the area's most respected bluesman.

"I've just signed up to play the Joiner's Arms in St Mary Street on a monthly basis," he said.

"Incredibly, it's 16 years since I played there last. We played there every Sunday night for two years and it'll be great to get all hot and sweaty at the Joiners again.

"The first gig is on Saturday, then from March I'll be playing the last Saturday in the month at the venue with Blues Etc."

Southampton-born Bob hasn't got much left to prove as far as blues is concerned.

Since being inspired to sing the blues after hearing a Sonny Boy Williamson record when he was 16, he has played in all kinds of venues all over the world from "down-in-the-alley" bars to large festival stages and most other kinds of gig in between.

He has also managed to remain totally dedicated to the music and has built up a strong following with his genuine and unpretentious approach to his work both on and off the stage.

Bob's next appearance at The Joiners after this Saturday's gig will be on March 31, when a new local blues outfit, the Gorilla Boogie Band, will be playing support.

For ticket details and information, call The Joiners on 023 8022 5612.