THERE'S no place like home for musician Ken Nicol as he returns to solo performances after four years in a group.

A gig at the University Arts Centre, Fylde Road, Preston, on Saturday will mark the launch of his first album, The Bridge, since leaving The Albion Band.

Ken produced all 11 songs for the album at his home recording studio in Tag Lane, Ingol, Preston.

And he is hoping to get his mix of blues, folk, jazz, ragtime and ballads approved by his hometown peers before embarking on a nationwide autumn and winter tour.

Ken has carved a successful career as a guitarist and singer making his name on the north west's club circuit, before making three albums with his band Nicol and Marsh's Easy Street.

He has also spent several years in southern California playing solo acoustic gigs, as well as concerts with the Versailles band.

Then he returned to this country and joined The Albion Band, under the tutorage of award-winning musician Ashley Hutchings, known as the "father of British folk".

Hutchings has run the group for 25 years and uses it to showcase the country's finest folk talents. During Ken's time in the group, they produced four albums of original material. But Ken decided that a performance at the Otley Festival in September would be his last. He now intends to concentrate on his own solo career, starting in Preston from 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £8 or £6 for concessions. They are available at MVS Sound on 01772 540144, or Unstoppable Music on 01524 39057 or The Music Cellar on 01772 251407.