Spending most weekend nights with his father in the smoky jazz bars of his native New Orleans, Harry Connick Jr developed a passion for jazz and swing at an early age.

One of the best-known figures in the jazz circle, the 41-year-old entered music lovers' consciousness with his soulful, smooth voice on the soundtrack for the 1989 romantic-comedy film "When Harry Met Sally". Thanks to his rendering of the soundtrack's classic songs such as "It Had To Be You" and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off", Connick rose to fame. He has some 20 albums, a string of international hits and three Grammy Awards under his belt.

Besides being a star singer, piano player and composer, the chisel-faced entertainer has also acted in several films. Currently Connick Jr has no plans for new movies or albums. "I'm just going to relax a little and see what turns up," he says.

His latest works, "Oh, My Nola" and "Chanson du Vieux Carre: Connick On Piano, Volume 3", were released last year.

Coming to Asia and Australia to finish his "My New Orleans Tour", Connick and his big band will be in Bangkok for his debut concert here on Monday.

"I have a few Thai friends and I love Thai food, so I'm a bit familiar with Thailand," the singer says. "I just hope the Thai audience loves my music and enjoys the show. It's going to be a lot of fun."

By Manta Klangboonkrong

Daily Xpress