IT HAS been a busy year for Katie Melua, Britain's answer to Nora Jones.

Since the release of her debut album, Call off the Search, last autumn, she has gone from being an unknown musician signed to a small independent label to one of the most successful artists in the country.

The album was a massive hit - it sold more than 1.3 million copies and stayed at number one for six weeks.

The ten-date tour, which brings her to the Bournemouth International Centre tomorrow, was added to her schedule after her debut UK tour earlier this year completely sold out.

Katie's laid-back sound has certainly struck a chord with British music fans, who don't seem to be able to get enough of her trademark blend of blues, folk and jazz.

Fans can look forward to hearing familiar songs from Call off the Search, such as Closest Thing to Crazy and Crawling Up a Hill as well as new songs from a new second album, which will be released next year.

Bournemouth International Centre. Saturday, 23 October. Box office: 0870 1113000.