SINGER-songwriter Edwina Hayes gave a polished performance when she supported Nanci Griffith at York's Grand Opera House.

Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang her own compositions, mainly about relationships, and it was no surprise that members of the audience queued to buy her debut album. Produced by John Wood (Nick Drake and Squeeze) and Clive Gregson (Any Trouble), Out On My Own is a confident statement by a gifted musician blessed with a beautiful voice.

The instrumental arrangements complement the dulcet tones of Hayes, who was born in Dublin, raised in Lancashire and cut her teeth on the East Yorkshire folk circuit before moving to London and Nashville. Her influences include Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Nanci Griffith and Bob Dylan, and she dreams of being the opening act on Bob Dylan's Never-Ending Tour. Bob, she's worth checking out.

Updated: 11:03 Thursday, May 12, 2005