NOW I like jazz but I can understand it's not for everyone.

Long-winded instrumental solos, winks between on-stage musicians and mid-tune applause can feel excluding and easily turn off any novice.

But with the right sound, environment and personality, jazz is as accessible as any overplayed mainstream pop.

Davina and the Vagabonds, playing to an eclectically diverse crowd at The Sage Gateshead on Tuesday night, proved this theory in what singer Davina Sowers flatteringly described as the fastest 90 minutes of her life.

She may have laughed it off but I can imagine for both the young and old in the audience (and I mean children to grandparents) this was the case.

With the aid of her husband trumpeter, trombonist, double bass player and drummer, the piano player and vocalist had the quintet lead us on an emotional tour through her relationship history.

Tender tones gave way to knock-your-socks-off soulful vocals as the sounds of the 30s rang out in the form of traditional New Orleans jazz and blues - with a generous serving of attitude and lyrics that offered a modern twist.

She performed a mix of her better known songs with classics from the likes of Fats Domino thrown in.

Songs of heartbreak and moving on (Sunshine and Good Night) and sheer sass (Shimmy Like My Sister Kate, Start Runnin) rippled through the captivated Hall Two audience.

And it wasn't just through her music that she had the crowd hanging from her every word.

Just as entertaining, painstakingly honest and with the same liberal lashings of humour, her preambles had us in stitches, and I'm sure some might have been moved to tears.

There was even the dreaded, to some (not me), jazz solos but with a call and response between Davina and the trombonist - the perhaps more frequently perceived snooze-inducing instrumental section proved to be nothing other than hilarious.

Davina, who wore a blood red turban and a white dress reminiscent of a Bavarian barmaid, in terms of authenticity and unique style, bears a likeness to Amy Winehouse.

But really she deserves her own place in the spotlight.

This engaging musician - complete with a wealth of facial expressions which say just as much, if not more, than her words already do - is one of those artists best seen live.

It was the second time the band had graced the stage at the Tyneside venue and I won't be the only one to hope it's not the last.