COLIN WILSON Amy Winehouse, one of the most exciting and original new talents to emerge in British music in years, brings her 12-date UK tour to the UEA, Norwich, on Wednesday, November 10.

COLIN WILSON

Amy Winehouse, one of the most exciting and original new talents to emerge in British music in years, brings her 12-date UK tour to the UEA, Norwich, on Wednesday, November 10.

This precocious talent from North London spent her teenage years glued to the songs of Carole King and James Taylor (her mum was into folk) but soon found herself drawn more to her dad's jazzier taste, the likes of Sarah Vaughn and Dina Washington.

By the time she was 16, Amy was developing a broader musical education, with favourites that included Mos Def, The Roots and Erykah Badu. Gradually, the smoking grooves, jazz enunciation and feisty attitude were coming together to form Amy's own thing. Island Records got to hear the works in progress and swiftly signed her to the label.

Amy is already an Ivor Novello award winner (Best Contemporary Song – Stronger Than Me) and a Mercury Music Prize nominee for her universally-acclaimed debut album, Frank, which has sold more than 200,000 copies in the UK.

The nominations cap an amazing 18 months for Amy following her double Brit nomination, sell-out UK tour and Glastonbury and Billy Holiday Tribute appearances among others.

Doors 7.30pm. Tickets at £15 in advance are available in Norwich from UEA Union, Waterfront, Soundclash and HMV. Credit card bookings 01603 508050 or www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk