HE'S perhaps the most qualified guest to ever headline the String Jam Club.

And Innerleithen's Tommy Ashby is also one of the most anticipated.

The singer-songwriter is already widely acclaimed for his three evocative EPs of atmospheric songs, distinctive voice and imaginative production.

For many he's also the musical accompaniment to many popular global TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Riviera, The Innocents and Midnight Texas.

String Jam Club promoter Allie Fox told us: "Tommy’s background is a rather unusual one for a singer-songwriter.

"Awarded a PhD in the perception of sound before most of us have grown out of daily midday lie-ins, Tommy manages to blend a technical understanding of the way our brain processes sound with the indisputable pure creative energy of someone who grew up writing and playing music in the Borders.

"Tommy started playing around the Borders in his early teens, exhibiting even then a deep passion, drive and talent for singing and writing his own material with classic folk and blues influences.

"Having seen him and noted his huge potential on the String Jam Club stage way back in those early years, it is such a thrill to bring him back many years later for his own special headline show as a major recording artist in his own right, complete with an exclusive record deal and a wealth of gigging experience, including international tours with some of the top names in the business, including Rhodes, Jamie Lawson, Nina Nesbitt and Ed Sheeran."

Tommy's new EP, Golden Arrow, was released in April via Wow and Flutter Records.

There’s a lot of contrast and colour throughout the tracks but the music lives in the same world as his first EP, Restless Love, thanks to Grammy award-winning producer, Sam Okell.

Sam knew instinctively when to leave a track stripped back simply using Tommy’s pure vocal, acoustic guitar rhythms and a few atmospheric touches, and when to bring in much bolder production.

The new EP has won support and plaudits galore from the tastemaker press such as Record Of The Day, When The Horn Blows and Celebmix, as well as Fearne Cotton, BBC Radio 2, BBC Scotland and various Spotify editorial playlists.

Clash Magazine hit the nail on the head when it praised Tommy’s 'wonderfully fresh songwriting which glistens with energy while searching towards something personal'.

Now based in London, Tommy Ashby returns to his roots in the Borders on Saturday, November 9 to headline the String Jam Club.

Allie added: "We are not surprised at his success, it was inevitable.

"Prepare for some fine guitar picking, an effortless and emotive vocal and an unerring ability to write memorable songs that resonate with atmosphere and emotion."

Tickets for the Saturday, November 9 show at the County Hotel, priced at £12, are available from Eventbrite, from the County Hotel or from the String Jam Club on 07930-872033.

Doors open at 7.30pm.