A JAZZ pianist who is hitting a high note in America has travelled back to Bolton for a special homecoming gig.

Andrew Fazackerley will be tinkling the ivories tonight to celebrate his parent's ruby wedding anniversary.

The former pupil of St Teresa's Primary School in Little Lever and Thornleigh Salesian College is a renowned performer on the jazz circuit in Atlanta, Georgia.

But he has returned for a special one-off gig in Farnworth for his mum and dad, Ian and Margaret, to toast their 40 years of marriage.

Andrew said: "I always enjoy coming back and seeing the family. Although the weather is just slightly different to conditions in Atlanta at the moment!

"I love jazz and listened to Louis Armstrong when I was a kid as he was my inspiration."

The Bolton performer is equally adept playing solo piano as he is accompanying an 18-piece band.

Thirty-nine-year-old Andrew is set to play several of his own recordings along with songs from his recent LP The Ballad of Norman Forest.

His delighted mother Margaret said: "It's great to see him come home for this special occasion.

"I'm a real fan of his music and have most of his CDs. He took after his dad who used to play the piano. But with all Andrew's success, he feels a bit inhibited now!"

Fifteen years ago, Andrew left his home in Bolton, to seek his fortune as a professional musician.

Andrew began playing on board Caribbean cruise ships before getting a break on the South Beach Scene in Miami.

"It was great lifestyle," he recalls. "It was beautiful weather and we had a great time getting up and swimming every day."

During his rise to prominence, Andrew played in a host of pubs in Bolton including the Black Bull, on Bury New Road, and the Halliwell Road Conservative Club.

The concert starts at 8pm at Lourdes Parish Centre, Plodder Lane, and admission is just £3. Members of the public are welcome.

Fred Shawcross, Bolton Evening News columist and member of Jeriatric Jazz, will join Andrew's ensemble on drums.