INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed jazz pianist Jason Rebello, from Bradford on Avon, has put so much faith in a band from west Wiltshire that he has promised them an interview with a top record producer in London.

Blackbud is a band made up of three students from St Laurence School in Bradford who have been bringing the house down in pubs and clubs across the district over the last few months.

Mr Rebello, who formed his first band aged just 15, knows how tough it is for new bands starting out.

Since those early days he has played in many bands and with some of the world's famous artists.

He is currently working on Sting's latest album, due out at the end of this year.

Mr Rebello said: "I think Blackbud really have something and there is a producer in London that I want them to meet.

"I like the fact that the band are out and about building a local base of fans, and I think they are going about it the right way.

"There are lots of manufactured bands out there.

"I think they are doing things the wrong way around, and do not have a loyal following of fans who are genuinely into their music to back them up."

Blackbud played to a full house in Moles club in Bath recently and have been asked to support The Yardbirds at the Cheese and Grain at Frome in May.

The Yardbirds were a big band in the blues and pop scene in the 1960s, and can name Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page among former members.

Blackbud's manager Grant Newton is stunned by how well the band is doing. He said: "We were quite amazed. When a band like The Yardbirds want you to support them, you must be doing something right. Musically, these three lads are way beyond their years and they have had great support from other local bands."

The three band members, Joe Taylor, Adam Newton and Sam Nadel practise hard each week, trying to fit it in around their schoolwork.

Mr Nadel said: "Jason Rebello has really helped us get unity and bond as a group.

"We are writing a lot of our own music now and every time we play somehow it is different, which the audience seems to enjoy."

Blackbud are playing at The Porter Butt in Bath tonight, starting at 9pm.