A BRAND new band, by way of Birmingham, Colombia and Barcelona, is putting the beauty back into Britain's all too often boring music scene.

Raquel and the Professor's debut single Waiting is a gem of a song combining poetic lyrics backed up by guitar and saxophone which builds into a fantastic crescendo.

Raquel and the Professor were formed in Barcelona earlier this year when a chance meeting led to Birmingham's Rachel Reid and Colombian Mauricio Belalcazar collaborating.

Performance poet and singer-songwriter Rachel and classically trained Mauricio, who studied at Colombia's The Conservatory, set about writing an album in just 28 days, a feat they pulled off with the help of some talented Barcelona session musicians.

The album, also titled Waiting, will be released later this year and Waiting is the first single from the 16 songs they wrote and performed.

Motown and reggae fan Rachel, aged 36, said: "What began as the seed of a challenge grew in to something a lot more.

"Our music is a joyful mix of funky, sultry and soulful beats coupled with a poetic brilliance that will have you laughing, crying and leaving you definitely wanting more."

"We have had a tremendous impact on the Barcelona live music scene and they are hoping to promote the album with a UK tour later this year."

Raquel and the Professor are headlining the Perry Barr Film and Music Festival in August and Rachel is looking forward to performing in her native Birmingham again.

She said: "I love living in Barcelona, it is my lucky city because of how this band came together so quickly after moving there, but I love Birmingham too and can't wait to perform live there with the band in August."

Waiting is now available from most digital music stores and the accompanying music video will be released next month.

For more information about Raquel and the Professor visit www.raquelandtheprofessor.com.