American blues man U P Wilson arrived in south Essex one month early for a planned gig -- and ended up putting on a free show.

The Texan singer and guitarist, now living in Paris, is booked for the Clubroom, above the Ship pub, Leigh, next month. But after a diary mix-up, he turned up at promoter Duncan Stott's home in Leigh at the weekend.

Duncan arranged for 67-year-old Wilson to play an impromptu session in the bar of the Ship yesterday afternoon, accompanied by local musicians.

Wilson will be back as scheduled on February 12.

Published Tuesday January 15, 2002