Just A Quickie with singer Sam Brown.

How did you begin performing with Jools Holland?"In 1989, we recorded a pilot show for a show called Happenings, which basically paved the way. I got on really well with Jools, doing the odd gig with him, and in 1995 I joined his band full time."

What will you be singing with Jools this summer performances?

"All sorts. I mainly do boogie woogie and blues when singing for Jools, and we also do a fantastic waltz called Valentine Moon."

You've done solo shows with yourself, a piano, a ukulele and a bass. How do these contrast?

"They're completely different. With Jools, we do a few original songs and lots of covers. In my solo shows, I've written all my own material, and I don't tend to do many bluesy tracks. The show is me with a piano and a guitar, it's very acoustic and intimate."

With Castle Howard in mind, what do you enjoy about performing outdoors?

"We've got a big band, which makes a great noise outdoors. My shows with Jools are always spontaneous, as we don't follow a set list. I think playing outdoors is exciting, unless you've been in the sun all day."

What made it the right time to release your greatest hits album earlier this year?

"It wasn't my idea to be honest; I'm not a fan of greatest hits albums. It was my record company who made the decision, but I think it's a good idea. A lot of people just know me from the Jools Holland show and don't realise that I write my own material."

What are your recording plans?

"I've been really busy recently. I've been working a lot with Jools, as well as separating from my husband, and moving from Scotland. I'm in the middle of working on my sixth album, which I'm hoping to release by the end of the year. I'm also going on tour with my dad rock'n'roll singer Joe Brown in September, which will be great. I can't wait to get started."

Sam Brown performs with Jools Holland And His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra at Castle Howard next Friday; gates open at 6pm, concert starts at 8pm and ends with fireworks finale at 10.30pm.

Tickets: £30 in advance on 01653 648623 or online at www.castlehoward.co.uk; £37.50 on the night; children aged five to 15, £15 advance, £20 door; under fives, free. Sam plays Grand Opera House, York, with her father, Joe Brown, on November 22: box office 0870 606 3595.

Katherine Harmer