Today's lesson is chanson

Gail Hendrickx is guest singer for Jacques Brel evening in Reading

Musician, pop historian and biographer Alan Clayson is marking the release of the long-awaited new edition of his biography on chanteur Jacques Brel with a tour of Clayson sings Brel. Clayson, who some may remember in the late '70s as leader of the legendary Clayson and the Argonauts (reformed in 2005), will perform the chansons of Belgian singer songwriter Brel and others at the Rising Sun, Reading on January 29, and he has invited his old friend, Newbury jazz singer Gail Hendrickx as his guest artist for the gig.

"As I am also keen on chanson, I will be singing a selection of songs, some in French, some by Brel," said Gail, whose interest in chanson arises from studying French at Bulmershe College, Reading, from 1970 to 1973, when she trained as a teacher.

"I subsequently spent two terms at the University of Caen, in Normandy. I now teach French, German and music at St Bart's School. I've also recently joined forces with Trinity teacher Debbie Murphy who plays accordion and we are working on some Edith Piaf numbers together. Debbie will accompany me for one number in this gig."

For further information, visit www.risingsun-artscentre.co.uk