WHILE the name is familiar, it's the art that's a little different. Jett Hicks, son of film maker Scott Hicks, is carving a career in music, and plays in Adelaide tonight.

Jett, 23, was born and bred in Adelaide, but after studying and playing music locally, decided to head to the U.S. to try his luck.

"I saw (the musicians) there are a whole other standard," he says. "I thought 'this is the place I have to be. I have to come and learn from these people'."

So impressed by these musos, Jett, right, moved to California.

"They invented blues, jazz, rock, and Motown - it's in their blood, so I've lived and studied there for the last two years," he says.

While Jett's been playing in the U.S., he rubbed shoulders with many well-known rockers.

He was hired by the band Scott and Amy, featuring Scott Russo from Unwritten Law, been the house band at the infamous Viper Room nightclub and recorded and played with Eric Kretz from Stone Temple Pilots, Tommy Lee, Kid Rock and actors Pamela Anderson and Jeremy Piven.

When the chance came up to come home and play with mates in the band Mayfield, Jett couldn't resist.

"They'd recorded a new album, sent me a copy, and when I heard it I was blown away," he says.

Jett plays bass, as well as co managing and co writing songs.

"I'm back here for two weeks then we'll tour the UK and Europe for four months, have a month off, then it's the U.S. for a month," he says.

"We're three equals, all playing music we love."

Jett says dad Scott and mother Kerry Heysen have been terrific help along the way.

"They've set an amazing example," he says.

"From early on they said: 'If you do what you love and you make no money - you're still doing what you love - you're still being fulfilled'." Mayfield play the Cavern Club, in the

Station Arcade in the city tonight. Doors open at 8pm.