Two years ago, Brighton DJ Russ Dewbury booked a relatively unknown Kiwi band called Fat Freddy's Drop to play at his long-running party night, Jazz Bop.

Since then, they've made history twice - as the first independent band to hit number one in the New Zealand charts and for having the longest-running number one album there, clocking in 11 weeks at the top.

They picked up the coveted Album Of The Year title at Gilles Peterson's World Music Awards and a whole heap of biggies at the New Zealand Music Awards, including best group and best live act.

Fans include Nightmares On Wax, Gilles Peterson, Laurent Garnier and Jazzanova - and key dates at The Big Chill and London's Koko are likely to be remembered for many moons.

They are, in short, heading for world domination, so Russ has naturally re-booked them for tonight's Jazz Bop.

Effortlessly soothing, their music is a rich blend of South Pacific soul, roots reggae, jazz and bass-heavy production.

Russ says: "Fat Freddy's are one of the most entertaining live bands on the worldwide circuit today. This will be the first Jazz Bop for over two years and I wanted to come back with something really special.

"I really rate their lead singer, Dallas, as one of the most compelling vocalists in music today. They are always spot on."

For the band, it's all about the live experience. Thanks to their love of jamming and improvisation, no two gigs are ever the same.

Freddy's leader, DJ Fitchie, says: "Our music is heavily rooted in reggae, jazz, soul and funk but our interpretation is very modern. Live performance is where our music is written. We take simple rhythmic ideas and explore them on stage."

Hailing from Wellington, the band have emerged through a multitude of musical incarnations, including funk bands, reggae soundsystems and jazz improvisation cliques.

Many influences can be heard on the critically-acclaimed debut album, Based On A True Story, including Bill Withers, Outkast, John Coltrane and King Tubby.

Such is the laid-back vibe, it's no surprise the album was produced at the band's basement studio, The Drop, which is literally 6ft from the sea. Life there exists on "island time", so it took 18 months to put the album together.

Russ himself makes frequent visits to Australia and New Zealand and in December was invited to The Drop: "I got a chance to hang out with some of the Wellington musical crew.

"The city is very much like Brighton, with a good cosmopolitan atmosphere, lots going on and some great music being made.

"I've seen the band live many times and you can expect a great live experience, with ten musicians on stage, including four vocalists. You'll also get the full Jazz Bop flavour with myself and special guest DJs. It should be one of the parties of the summer."

Starts 8pm, tickets £12.50. Call 01273 736222. SOLD OUT.