AN INTERNATIONAL band, by way of Birmingham, Colombia and Barcelona, is performing its first ever Midlands gig tonight (Friday, June 5).

Raquel and the Professor were formed in Barcelona last year when a chance meeting led to Birmingham's Rachel Reid and Colombian Mauricio Belalcazar collaborating.

Performance poet and singer-songwriter Rachel and classically trained Mauricio, who studied at Colombia's The Conservatory, set about writing an album in just 28 days, a feat they pulled off with the help of some talented Barcelona session musicians.

The pair are performing at Birmingham's Tap and Spile on Friday, June 5 in what promises to be an emotional homecoming for Rachel.

She said: "I cannot wait to sing in front of my home crowd again, it has been so long, it would have been sooner but it took time to get Mauricio a visa but now he is safely in the country."

The pair played their first UK gig in London this week and went down a storm.

The band's first album Waiting was released last this year to wide acclaim and the pair are working on their all important second album now.

Motown and reggae fan Rachel, aged 36, said: "What began as the seed of a challenge grew in to something a lot more.

"Our music is a joyful mix of funky, sultry and soulful beats coupled with a poetic brilliance that will have you laughing, crying and leaving you definitely wanting more."

She said: "I love living in Barcelona, it is my lucky city because of how this band came together so quickly after moving there, but I love Birmingham too and can't wait to perform live."

For more information about Raquel and the Professor visit www.raquelandtheprofessor.com.