Bradford University is gearing up for one of the city's biggest soul nights.

Acclaimed four-piece D'Influence, pictured right, will top the bill at the show being staged tomorrow.

The band, who came together seven years ago through a series of chance meetings on the live and club circuit, are currently plugging their latest album, London.

Sax, flute, percussion and keyboards player Steve Marston had done session work for some of the UK's leading soul acts, while Kwame Kwaten had learned his trade playing live at early UK house music raves, and guitar and organ maestro Ed Baden-Powell had been in bands for years.

The final piece in the jigsaw was singer and lyricist Sarah Anne Webb, who was discovered doing backing vocals in a club.

"Her mike was down so low you couldn't hear her but she was the one with the most fire," recalled Kwame.

D'Influence's debut album Good 4 We won a special recommendation from the 1993 Mercury Music Prize judges and was followed by the critically-acclaimed Prayer 4 Unity in 1995.

But it is on the live circuit as much as in the studio that the band have made their name.

"Playing live has been critical to our development as players and songwriters," said Ed.

"It's free A&R. You get to know what works, what makes people dance and sing along."

Live strings, bass and horns feature in D'Influence's show - but expect a thoroughly modern approach when the band play in Bradford tomorrow.

"Hip hop plays a large part in what we do, even the way we play live," said Steve.

"We're more interested in making it sound like we're playing samples. We're trying to blend the old and the new."

l Tickets to see D'Influence are £8.50 in advance and available by ringing the box office (01274) 234877 or the credit card hotline on (0113) 2455570. For more information, ring 901274) 233266.

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