Causing a stir, rather than a ripple, is feisty and freckled American singer Lissie. After a concentrated effort from Sony to capitalize on her 'word-of-mouth' achievements (she appeared as support on a Lenny Kravitz tour in 2008 after he checked out her My Space page), her debut album "Catching a Tiger" has recently entered the album charts at a respectable #22.

Not bad considering the husky-voiced Lissie has been working on this since 2004, when she recorded a one-off track called "All My Life". That track has been all over various TV soundtracks including 'The OC' and 'House', and since then she has issued a couple of singles one of which, "Why You Runnin'", was produced by Band Of Horses' Bill Reynolds. Ed Harcourt co-wrote the song "Oh Mississippi" in 2009, which brings that song and this album together very nicely up to 2010 and a UK tour.

She will play five dates in Manchester (27th October), Bristol (28th), Norwich (30th), Birmingham (31st) and finally London's Heaven on 1st November. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am and get this bargain-hunters (at the risk of sounding like Tim Wonnacott), they will cost between £10 and £12.50 (plus fees). THAT is value, especially after listening to her album - it ain't bad at all. Her voice (and even some of the music) is reminiscent of Jane Siberry, Stevie Nicks, Emmylou Harris and Edie Brickell, down to the slightly husky tones here and there.

The lady is also due to appear at the Mumford and Sons Communion gig-series on 12th July at the Flowerpot in North London - for free as well! [see below for other dates - all gigs are first come, first served - Ed]. She also has a busy summer festival season, making an appearance at Oxegen (9th July), T in the Park (10th July), Latitude (16th July), Secret Garden Party (25th July), Cambridge Folk Festival (29th July), Cam Bestival (30th July), Summer Sundae (13th August), V Festival (21st and 22nd August), Open House Festival in Belfast (8th September) and finally the Isle of Wight's Bestival on 10th September.