Judie Tzuke - still going strong in 2002

For an artists regarded by the majority as a one hit wonder (Stay With Me 'Till Dawn reached number 16 in 1979) it might come as a surprise that Judie Tzuke has just released her twelfth studio album.

Nigel Bell

Not that you'll find Queen Secret Keeper in your local high street shop. Since moving on from major record labels Judie has taken to releasing CDs on her own Big Moon Record label.

It's a move which, creatively at least, has paid dividends.

Back at the start of her career albums like Welcome To The Cruise, Sportscar and I Am The Phoenix established her as a major British female singing talent. The late 80s and early 90s weren't kind, however. Record label changes seemed to coincide with a loss of direction. Although albums would continue to have the odd gem there was no cohesive package.

That changed with the release of Under The Angels in 1996. The first album on Big Moon it created the template which Judie has stuck to on follow-up Secret Agent and current release Queen Secret Keeper.

That secret is to mix old style Judie with modern drum and bass technology. Think how Everything But The Girl transformed their sound and you'll be on the right lines.

The cover of new album Queen Secret Keeper

This is late night motorway music - ideal for cruising along the M1 at one in the morning. Indeed new single Drive perfectly sums this up.

The single's been picked up by Radio 2, potentially winning Judie a new audience. A word of warning however, the single fades horribly after three minutes. You'd be well wise to invest in the album to enjoy the full 7'51" version (complete with whispering Bob Harris).

Judie Tzuke is no stranger to Nottinghamshire. A couple of years ago I saw her in Worksop (where she plays the Regal Centre on Friday 22nd February).

If that concert is anything to go by, enthusiasts would do well to brush up on modern Judie. Although there was a nod to the past (she can't really escape Stay With Me 'Till Dawn) the majority of songs were from her "modern" period.

It would be nice the think "rocker" Black Furs would have returned to the set list. Last time out it had been dropped in favour of Bully, an equally hard hitting track from Secret Agent. This time it's likely to be replaced by Lion, almost heavy psychedelia harping back to the Beatles circa the White Album.

If you miss out on her at Worksop you'll get a second bite in March when she plays the Palace Theatre, Newark (March 13th).

Failing that you can get hold of the Queen Secret Keeper album (Big Moon Records BM008) by calling 01932 859472 or taking a look at the Judie Tzuke website.