R&B fans are in for a rare treat on July 22 when instrumental band ‘Time is Tight’ return to the Rayon d’Or, Airport House on the Purley Way.

It’s a rare treat as the band’s Croydon appearances are infrequent and consequently very much sought-after.

But Time is Tight’s rarity is nothing to do with a shortage of booking requests … it’s a reflection of the demands of the band members’ second careers and heavy business commitments.

The band members all met up through connections with St Barnabas Church in Higher Drive, Purley, where Giles is a regular organist and band conductor - when jet-setting demands allow.

Drummer Gary Pope is married to choir member Pam and guitarist Dave Rayner is a pal of Giles’.

Since getting together in 2009 Time is Tight rapidly gained a reputation for imaginative instrumental interpretations of R&B classics.

But they defy the R&B label by occasional diversions into Jazz-influenced rhythms and, in one famous example, a sprawling, thrilling number incorporating a number of well-known James Bond film themes. A shorter version has become something of a signature tune.

The ‘Time is Tight’ moniker reflects the band’s universal love of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, so expect to hear such greats as Green Onions, Soul Dressing and Soul Limbo.

Rayon d’Or, Airport House on the Purley Way 8pm.