Annie, your gig for The Shed tomorrow will not be in the usual tight squeeze of Brawby Village Hall but at Hovingham Village Hall. Apparently, it's a standing gig, great for dancing and all that.

"I didn't know that myself until I got the Shed brochure, but then a lot of stuff we do is good for dancing. We do reggae, we do rock, we do funky stuff and I kind of like doing that sort of show."

So, adjusting a set is no problem for you? Will you have to cut back on the solos?

"We can do a set list for all kinds of gigs. We don't have to adjust; people can dance and listen at the same time, and the grooves behind the solos are funky anyway, so they're welcome to do some free-form dancing if they want to."

Latterly, you have done an album with the English folk musician Alister Anderson and your own arrangements of Robert Wyatt songs, and played in the star-studded ranks of the Jazz Jamaica All Stars. You thrive on such variety.

"I do have a very broad taste in music and I suppose when I play my own stuff, I can represent everything I love and not just one style of music. Like with the Robert Wyatt material, I bring my own influences to it."

This will be your third show for Shed alchemist Simon Thackray. He has had you playing in tiny Brawby, in the open space of Malton market place, and now at Hovingham Village Hall.

"He's a great promoter, who really thinks about what he promotes. I know it's difficult to promote this music but he knows his stuff and it's not just a question of 'Who's got an album out?'. He books who he wants, and that makes it worth it for us to travel up from London. You know the guy is passionate about music, and you'll do something for someone with that attitude"

Annie Whitehead Band, The Shed, Hovingham Village Hall, tomorrow, 8pm. Tickets: £8 on 01653 668494

Updated: 15:53 Thursday, February 19, 2004