A SMALL advert in a Kendal music shop brought five musicians together and ended in the birth of Misdemeanour.

Experienced musicians Alan Wildridge on lead guitar; Jos Campbell, keyboard and guitar; Scott Patterson, bass; and John Whittaker, drums; were thinking of stepping up their live gig bookings and looking for a new singer when they spied an advert penned by a young vocalist in The Sound of Music.

A few phone calls later and 23-year-old singer Naomi Birket was brought on board and Misdemeanour was born.

"She was a smashing singer - she had a great voice so we asked her to join," said Scott.

The four man, one woman line-up - named after "a minor offence or transgression" - have been ruffling feathers ever since with their devilish set of high-spirited covers.

Following their New Year's Eve debut at Mariners Coxn' s Cabin, the group have also been busy marking out their stomping ground, playing in venues such as Dickie Doodles, Kendal; The Derby Arms, Witherslack, and firm favourite Mariners.

Naomi has also made a big impression on the group's play-list, which is made up of songs by the likes of Alanis Morisette, Texas, Madonna and Cheryl Crowe.

"It was Naomi who coaxed us into some of the more avant guard stuff.

It is quite challenging but when it works it's very good.

A lot of the modern stuff we cover is sequenced and computerised but because we are playing live we have to work out a way of achieving that," said Jos.

To date, every gig they have played has resulted in the group being asked to return.

"We just want to play music that we enjoy and the crowds enjoy - and so far it seems to be working," said Alan.

Naomi, who first started singing along with her dad's folk-inspired band Panic Attack, has slotted into the band despite the fact that she was the new kid on the block.

John said: "I don't think we ever had any qualms about the age difference between ourselves and Naomi.

She had such a lovely talent there was no question in our minds."

As for the future, there are more gigs in the pipeline including Dickie Doodle's today (Friday) - look out for future dates in the gig guide.

Jos said: "After all this time I think we all still get a buzz out of performing.

It is the type of music you have to concentrate on to play well but worth it because there's nothing like it."

John said: "In this area there are a lot of really good live music venues.

I think we are incredibly lucky to have that opportunity to bring music out and play to people who love live music."