It's hard to believe James Alexander is only 19. His voice, ability to put across a song and build a rapport with his audience belies his age.

Most teenagers with James' singing talent would be fronting a rock band or auditioning for Pop Idol. With his long hair, James could be the lead singer with a rock band but his music is more carpet slippers than ear-splitting guitar.

James, son of Sussex estate agent Glenn Mishon, has decided to become a singer of classic standards and perform in cabaret venues where the majority of the audience is at least double his age.

He will last and has a great future ahead of him. Being a one-hit wonder is not his style.

The dark plush basement area of Larry's Room at the Knightsbridge restaurant was an ideal venue for James to show off his talent to his large family, friends and fans. The show was put on by his impresario grandfather Barry Mishon.

For a handful of numbers he was joined by another Hove star, the glamorous Katie Neiman, who, having just won a place at Oxford University, proves brains, beauty and talent do mix. Another of his talented friends, Vinnie Mann, joined him on stage.

With the brilliant Kenny Clayton on piano, we were treated to swing, cabaret and songs from hit musicals, including I've Got You Under My Skin, Send In The Clowns, Far Side Of The World and Something.

At times, James sounded strained as he stretched the full range of his voice but any shortcomings vocally were made up by his confident stage presence and his laid-back style.

James has still more to learn but he has done well so far, having already played venues in New York and Hollywood.

Many more people will be seeing this young man in the future as he slowly but surely goes from strength to strength.