RON TICKLES THE IVORIES

HE'S been there twice before, but RON SEXSMITH makes his Ronnie Scott's debut on August 1 - his piano debut, that is.

Usually seen with guitar in hand, the Canadian singer songwriter makes a welcome return to Brum armed with his six-string, a great voice and the chance to try his hand on the jazz club's grand.
"I've played there twice now, and I've enjoyed it," says Sexsmith, speaking from his home in Toronto. "I like the room and they have a piano there, which is nice because I'm trying to learn how to play. I'll be 'tinkling the ivories' or whatever.
"I started playing piano a couple of years ago in Japan because all the venues had them, and as this is a solo tour, it's nice to switch for a few songs."
Despite celebrity endorsements from the likes of Elvis Costello, Elton John and Rod Stewart, Sexsmith has yet to really hit the big time - something he hopes may change with his fourth album, due out this autumn.
"I've been thinking about calling it 'Blue Boy' - you know the Gainsborough painting," he reveals. "When I was growing up, my mum had a tacky print in the bathroom. I used to think as a kid I looked like him.
"Just recently I thought again about that and I drew this picture of myself in that pose. I'm not a great drawer, but it's just turned out good and I thought it might be a good cover for the record.
"I've toured the UK quite a few times and mostly I've tried to concentrate on headlining because I find I've done a lot of opening slots and find I get depressed," says Ron. "It's not good for your self-esteem - you're never on the posters!
"I've done better in England than back home, - you guys seem more outgoing. Canadians are very reserved.
"I love playing England: they seem to appreciate the songwriter a bit more."
Jon Perks, Go2Birmingham July 2000