Not only did the BBC's Just The Two of Us programme entertain and arguably torture viewers with celebrity duet sing-offs last November, it also marked the resurgence of one saxophone-wielding musician in particular.

Little did fans realise that the multi-platinum selling artist, who was partnered with GMTV news presenter Penny Smith, was masterminding a major UK comeback.

Having shed the flowing locks he famously sported on his first skyrocket to fame in the 1990s, Curtis Stigers returns to the UK next month for a 25-date concert hall tour coinciding with his latest release, Real Emotional.

Fans will remember the hit ballads I Wonder Why and You're All That Matters To Me but this time round, Curtis, 41, projects a more sophisticated and mature image, showcasing original material and several interpretations of modern classics.

Taking a break from his busy rehearsal schedule in hometown Boise, Idaho, Curtis spoke to the Croydon Guardian about his career, the new album and the tour, which arrives in Croydon at Fairfield Halls on Wednesday, April 4.

"I love so many types of music: jazz, folk, country, blues, pop and punk - I still occasionally get my Sex Pistols records out," insists Curtis.

"For Real Emotional I basically tried to find a way to put as many types of music together to try to explain who I am as a fan of music."

Stigers's fifth album for jazz label Concord Records features covers of Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Waits, Emmylou Harris and Randy Newman, to name but a few.

On his choice of content Curtis says: "I look for songs that move me. If a song can make me laugh or cry then I feel inspired.

"People have heard of the Great American Songbook. I guess I'm trying to discover and create a new great songbook."

Curtis has fond memories of his TV appearances on Just The Two Of Us with Penny Dreadful' Smith.

"It was more a comedy experience than a musical one," he says.

"Penny is very smart and incredibly funny but she is not a good singer.

"Luckily she realised that and made the most of it by being absolutely hilarious. We stay in touch and double-date with our respective spouses when I'm in the UK. She knows how to drink a pint!"

Sharing the bill with Cher, Genesis, and Right Said Fred on Top Of The Pops and opening for Elton John and Eric Clapton, are among some of the achievements that Stigers boasts, yet he says: "I could play a gig to 350 people in Swindon and it could be just as special as playing at Wembley."

In anticipation of his UK tour Stigers says: "I've played in Croydon twice before, I love the atmosphere at the Fairfield Halls. Who knows, maybe I'll even get a long wig to wear for the show."

Real Emotional is released on Monday, March 26.

  • Tickets for the Fairfield concert on Wednesday, April 4 are available at fairfield.co.uk or from the box office, 020 8688 9291.