A JAZZ man and Ace of Bass is coming back close to somewhere he used to call home.

Spike Heatley was for many years the busiest bass player on the London scene playing with contemporaries Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes and Tony Coe and well as being the choice of visiting American stars such as Dizzy Gillespie.

The legend lived in Little Oakley for many years but has since relocated to Brittany but has been tempted back to the Electric Palace today at 8pm for a special show.

Heatley has a legacy of performing in the area having played at the Phoenix Hotel in Dovercourt in 1976 and he still plays two numbers he wrote called Spike Island Special – a reference to Parkeston – and a song called Ramsey By-Pass.

Electric Palace jazz guru Chris Strachan said: “Spike was such a big name throughout the 60s all the way through to the 90s and performed at all the leading clubs.

“This will be the third time we have had him in recent years after he was roped somewhat out of retirement."

Tickets are £12 for members but non-members can purchase a day pass for £1 extra. To buy, go to the box office, call 07786 744789 or email boxoffice@electricpalace.com .