Anyone who didn't make it to City Hall at the weekend to catch the two-night stand of Chiara Civello missed out on the opportunity of seeing a young woman who appears set to follow in the cross-over appeal footsteps of the likes of Norah Jones and Katie Melba.

For Civello represents a new, young generation of jazz performers pushing the boundaries of the genre with an infusion of folky lyricism, moments of pop sparkle and flashes of latin-inspired dance music.

If that sounds a lot for one young women to be able to accomplish, then prepare to meet this Rome-born, New York-based singer-songwriter who plays guitar and piano.

She has been called "the best jazz singer of her generation" by none other than Tony Bennett, and one song on her recently released second album The Space Between was co-written with the legend Burt Bacharach.

The Bacharach-Civello tune Trouble was placed mid-set on Saturday night at the 17th Annual Evening of Jazz promoted by Charles Bascome.

Taking the stage with a tight jazz trio of Italian heritage musicians, Civello cut a striking figure in a red evening dress as she strapped on an acoustic guitar and launched into a dreamy folk-esque tune entitled Seagulls.

Her storyline songs and delivery at times evoked comparison with fellow New York resident Suzanne Vega, and at other times her impressive vocal range was as blissful as that of the late Eva Cassidy.

But Civello is her own artist, mingling styles and pace in her performance to keep the audience's interest high throughout the hour-and-a-half show. Her repartee includes songs in her native Italian - a number of which were included in her set at City Hall, including Isola.

Pete Rende added an unusual dimension when he switched from piano to accordion, while double bassist Massia Biolcati's accompaniment to the gorgeous Skylark threw out high notes that sounded as though they were echoing in from far away. Drummer Robert di Pietro filled the quiet moments with thoughtful brush strokes and chimes, and provided impeccable timing throughout.

The night however, belonged to Covello who at times mesmerised with the soulfulness of her voice, the lyrical imagery and delicate string work which stood out, particularly on the song Mr Tru Love. By the time Civello made it to the near-dance turn of L Train, the audience was delighting in the unexpected variety of the songbird in their midst.

Mr. Bascome, who has given so much over the years to ensuring An Evening of Jazz stays on th entertainment calendar, is to be congratulated for picking such a star-in-the-making this time around.

It would be remiss not to mention the support act, Bermuda's very own The Unit (formerly known as Jazz 4) who shone like headline stars in their own right.

The four-piece impressed with solo flair and a tight sound that got the audience in the mood for the whole evening. A wonderful jazz cover of Summertime topped off their set.