HEWORTH country singer Suzy Martell has got the blues, and she could not be happier about it.

Her new single, A Dose Of You, highlights her move from Stetson to swamp territory, and to preview the record's release on October 18, Suzy will be singing a dose of blues in York at Fibbers on Sunday night (7th).

"The single marks a whole new direction for me, and the gig will be an entirely blues gig, my new songs, Billie Holiday songs, Bessie Smith, Sarah Vaughan," says Suzy.

"I've been writing lots of blues songs inspired by St Louis, where I've been spending a lot of time. When I got ill last summer, I got in to the blues a lot. When you're ill you don't feel like listening to something upbeat, and after I got back to singing my voice had settled into gospel and blues. It's a lot deeper, sultrier, bluesier," she says.

"Country is the easiest thing to sing and after my throat operation, we didn't think my voice would regain strength but it has, and with all the medical treatment I've had, I think I've paid my dues to the blues, as the saying goes."

References to falling ill, operations, recovering her voice, crop up almost matter-of-fact in Suzy's conversation. Indeed at this lunchtime interview at Masons Bistro Bar, she was more concerned at my discomfort from a bug that prevented me partaking of anything more than mint tea. Considering Suzy has been through throat cancer treatment, had a hysterectomy and was diagnosed last summer with stomach cancer, her generosity of spirit was remarkable. Humbling even.

She eats Vegan and brings her own Soya milk supply to the table; all part of her belief in alternative and remedial medicine as her on-going treatment this time. No more chemotherapy; she decided. Ask her how she is, and she says: "I feel fine. I feel better than I have in years. I just try not to play smoky venues."

Maybe she is making light of her health, but she is more excited to talk about her single; her return to Nashville in January to complete her second album; her new American boyfriend Andy; and that morning's photographic shoot for the single. She had dressed as a Victorian tart at the Castle Museum. "My photographer told me I was scarily authentic, cheeky devil," she says.

She worries how her long-standing fans may react to the Martell blues but frankly she has taken on bigger battles with her health.

"The Stetson wearers will get a shock on Sunday. I'm hoping they will stick with me; I see blues as country rhythm and blues, and I get fed up with categories anyway. I'm 34 now and you have to try things. It's about me being able to grow as an artist," says Suzy.

"I'm not leaving country behind, I'm still country through and through, but I've always wanted to make a blues record and now is the right time."

Suzy Martell, Fibbers, Sunday, admission £5.

Updated: 14:48 Friday, September 05, 2003