A POPULAR Comet country musical export is set to return to Hitchin music venue Club 85.

Funk/soul singer Nathan Watson was born and bred in Stevenage, but moved to London to ply his trade and is now recognised as one of the finest young talents gracing the capital’s stages.

Guest vocalist at Ronnie Scott’s for a year, he has featured in Music Week’s urban music charts and, together with his band The Freakanomics (featuring the drummer from The Selecter and a guitarist who has supported Jessy J and X-Factor runner up Rebecca Ferguson), he has supported such luminaries as Mica Paris, The Three Degrees, Alexander O’Neal, Candi Staton and Incognito.

But he’ll be Club 85’s next Saturday (April 20), when he headlines at the Hitchin venue.

“I’m really looking forward to playing [at] the amazing sound and hospitality of Club 85 again,” he said.

“[It’s] such a great venue.”

Promoter Roger King said: “Nathan really is a phenomenal talent.

“The last time he played at Club 85 it was undoubtedly one of the highlights of 2012. He seemingly effortlessly encompasses a wide range of musical styles, from reggae and funk to blues and rock, and has a host of great, catchy songs, often bringing to mind the Motown greats, and even chucking in a craftly instrumental that pays homage to Pink Floyd.”

Support on the night comes from London seven-piece Rusty & The Cheese, whose “poppy funky soulful goodness” features Pete Daynes, best known locally for his collaborations with Roxy Searle.

Indi Forde, previous frontman of Indi & The Vegas, will also be making an appearance.

Doors to the Whinbush Road venue open at 7.45pm, with music starting at 8.15pm.

Entry to the 16+ show, which may require ID, is £5 before 8.30pm or £7 thereafter.