"It's jazz without the c**p bits" says Ashley Slater, summing up his sound.

"It's nice. It's mellow, but you don't get the 15-minute sax solos."

The colourful Brighton resident and former frontman of funk outfit Freak Power launched his laid-back jazz project, Big Lounge, in 2002.

However, he's just brought some brand new band members into the fold and this gig will be their debut.

"We start rehearsals just days before the gig, so it's definitely going to be fresh," he says.

By all accounts, singing and trombone-playing Ashley is quite the frontman. "I don't just stand there and sing," he says. "I talk about life on the road, that kind of thing. There's a bit of humour thrown in.

"It's going to be a lovely evening - if you don't like it, I'll give you your £10 back."

The set will include tracks from the latest Big Lounge album, Cellophane, which Ashley describes as a collection of love songs. They will also play a version of Freak Power's Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out "for old time's sake".

Jazz is the enigmatic singer's first love, but he has his finger in many a musical pie. Straight after tonight's gig, he's jumping in a Limo and heading to London club Fabric, where he will act as guest vocalist for Brighton DJ Krafty Kuts at his album launch party.

He's also in demand as a composer for children's TV. But it's a World Cup tune which is currently getting him the most attention. Recorded under the name The First Eleven, John Cleese has added his vocals to the track, which is called Don't Mention The World Cup. It's creating quite a stir and has been used by ITV News and the BBC in their World Cup coverage.

"I'd say it's terrace-tastic," says Ashley. "It's anti-xenophobic and a little bit cheeky. If people come to the gig expecting to hear songs like that, they're going to be disappointed, though - the gig's going to be much more gentle."

Canadian-born Ashley grew up in California. In his late teens he was packed off to join the Royal Scots and, for a time, was posted in Northern Ireland.

On leaving the forces he went on to join the jazz-funk bands Loose Tubes and Microgroove, before hooking up with Norman Cook, moving to Brighton and forming Freak Power.

When the band split, he remained in the city and lives in Patcham with his partner and two small children - who, he is proud to say, will both be at tonight's gig.

Starts 8pm, tickets £10 and £12. Call 01273 778020.