The Cluny 2 Sunday Matinee Jazz Club has got a really special event lined-up for July featuring the outstanding talent that is Julie Dexter.

If ever an artist was more suited to a Sunday afternoon than the delectable Julie Dexter then I’ve yet to hear one. The British jazz singer just oozes class, quality and take-it-easy vibes and her super smooth vocal is pure balm for even the most tattered of souls. Born in Birmingham, she’s been based in the US for the last couple of decades, and has worked with the cream of the crop including Courtney Pine, Soweto Kinch and Jason Yarde. While in the states she set up her own label – Ketch A Vibe Records – and, indeed, her track ‘Ketch A Vibe’ was used by Barack Obama as part of his presidential campaign. Straddling the genres of jazz, soul and reggae – and influenced by artists such as Sade, Omar, Bob Marley and Nancy Wilson – Dexter has shared the spotlight with a whole host of cutting edge artists including Mint Condition, Caron Wheeler and Maxi Priest to name a few. She’s now regarded in the biz as one of the most influential female vocalists of her generation, and I reckon this afternoon is going to be one to remember. GM

Julie Dexter, Sunday 13 July, Cluny 2, Newcastle, 12.30pm, £20, thecluny.com