An award-winning Suffolk jazz singer is returning for a homecoming concert after taking US audiences by storm.

Polly Gibbons, who grew up in Framlingham, will be performing at the Cut in Halesworth, on Friday, October 5, when she is set to deliver an “eclectic mix from the Great American Song book to funky, gospel originals.”

The versatile vocalist, who picked up her first BBC Jazz Award as a teenager in 2006, has spent the past few months touring the US and Canada, including performances at the Montreal Jazz Festival and a month-long residency at New York’s Birdland.

Polly, who has also just recorded her third studio album with Los Angeles record label Resonance Records, says she is looking forward to playing in Suffolk again.“I grew up on a farm just outside Framlingham,” she said.

“But I’ve not done a gig in Suffolk for quite a few years, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m especially looking forward to playing at The Cut because that was founded by my uncle James Holloway. I can remember performing a musical there when it was still pretty much a building site. It’s got some really special associations for me.”

Polly will be accompanied by a renowned group of musicians, whom she has been touring with for some time.

James Pearson, who is artistic director at the world famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Cafe, will be on piano, Chris Dodd is on bass, while Saleem Raman will be on drums and Luca Boscagin, on guitar.

“There’s going to be some jazz and soul as well as blues, funk and some original songs,” she added.

“I think whatever music you like, you’ll find something to enjoy at this concert.

“I like jazz to be entertaining and full of energy, not too indulgent or esoteric, because originally jazz was meant to be dance music.”

Polly, who attended Sir Robert Hitcham’s Primary School and Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham, first attracted attention in the mid-2000s, before she had even released an album.

Since then she has released two albums, including last year’s critically acclaimed Is It Me...?

Polly was nominated for “vocalist of the year” in the 2017 Jazz FM Awards.

Visit www.pollygibbons.com/ for information. Call The Cut’s box office on 0300 3033 211 for tickets or buy on the door.