IN a survey of its regular clientele, the Deep Blues Club asked: which performer at the club was your favourite?

"Three names cropped up time and again: Blind Mississippi Morris, Errol Linton and Kent DuChaine," says Tony Clarke, co-promoter of the York club. "For our October event, we're happy to welcome Kent DuChaine on his third visit."

After learning to play the ukulele at six, DuChaine picked up his first guitar at 13 and formed a garage band at school in his hometown of Wayzata, Minnesota. His love of the blues began when he discovered Robert Johnson's music after reading the liner notes on an Eric Clapton record.

His life changed in 1979 when he found a beat-up 1934 National Steel guitar, which he duly named Leadbessie after adding heavy strings to suit his playing method. Settling in the south eastern United States to be close to the roots of the blues, he forged a partnership with legendary bluesman Johnny Shines, former partner of Robert Johnson in the 1930s. They recorded and travelled the road together until Shines's death in 1992.

DuChaine continues to spread the blues, accruing six albums and more than 50 overseas tours. Tuesday night (12th) finds him at the Deep Blues Club's monthly gig night at the Post Office Club, Marygate, York. Doors open at 8pm; admission is £5, £4 for CIU members and concessions.

Updated: 15:43 Thursday, October 07, 2004