n our series we ask well known artists to pinpoint their most memorable live performance. This issue CATHY BURTON talks about a special night at London's Jazz Cafe.

There have been so many memorable gigs - it depends on how I feel as to which gig I remember as the fondest. Today as I look back over this year in terms of "I can't believe I did that," I have to say that October 10th 2002 - supporting Ricky Ross at the Jazz Cafe in London - comes to mind. It was just such an amazing fairytale opportunity, being a big Deacon Blue and Ricky Ross fan that I am. I'd done a bit of writing with Ricky a couple of weeks before and he invited me to do the show. I had to nervously wait for a few days on confirmation with the promoter, but it soon had the thumbs up. I turned up with Steve my keyboards man and my friend Claire during Ricky's sound check. It was all very exciting. The band and crew were so friendly with lovely thick Scottish accents.

Doors opened and the place started to fill up, it just had such a great atmosphere bubbling with Deacon Blue/Ricky Ross fans. At the Jazz Cafe you have to walk through thegallery from the dressing roomand down some stairs onto the stage - I was terrified of falling down them! Anyway - we got on and did our stuff. The crowd responded really well, it wasn't the best gig I'd ever sung but it was a real challenge for meto get up, be credible and to control the nerves in such a "profiled" gig! Especially when you can see Ricky and the band standing at the back of the room! What made it such a great night was that I would have probably gone to the gig anyway - even if I wasn't supporting! It was just such a privilege. The icing on the cake was thatI got my friends on the guest list too!