Sky Arts have a programme called Guitar Star. They have had two series so far. Fair enough it is reality TV but at least the ones chosen have some talent.
The series starts off with an amazing day of auditions in which a mix of undiscovered hopefuls, from all different backgrounds, showcase styles ranging from rock and jazz to classical. From them, the three star mentors will choose eight finalists they believe could win the competition's grand prize: the chance to perform a spectacular set at Britain's famous Latitude Festival.
During the competition, the contestants will work with their mentors to develop their technique, showmanship and creativity and be treated to live performances from some of the greatest guitar stars around. As well as collaborating with leading musicians, they'll also get the chance to record a track at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.
Ultimately, just three finalists are chosen by the main judges at Latitude Festival, where the winning guitarist is revealed and then she or he plays their set.
Tony Visconti is a judge and oversees the Abbey Road recordings. That is a brilliant prize in itself.
Tony Visconti is currently on the TV with Tony Visconti’s Unsigned Heroes which I'm taping. The legendary music producer is on the hunt for the greatest undiscovered musical talent across the UK and Ireland, aided by mentors Imelda May and Stewart Copeland.
I haven't watched any yet but I'm looking forward to them. Trouble is they are both on Sky Arts so not so good if you don't have access.
Anyway, my main point and why I started writing this was because both series of Guitar Star have had some brilliant young guitarists. A couple a similar age to Marcus. I think there was a boy about 10yrs old but I can't remember their name.
Guitar Star - Billy Watman aged 14yrs in this clip.
https://youtu.be/m6gHZVmorYYGuitar Star - Ben Cornish aged 13yrs in this clip.
https://youtu.be/7jJGdhXU10EIn this clip we have Ayla Gezmis from Northen England, not from the programme but someone who is unbelievable and who had just passed her grade 8 electric guitar exam. She was 10 yrs old! She is now 16/17 yrs old (funnily enough there is another girl called Ayla from Canada, also about the same age who is also a very good guitarist - who'd have thunk it
).
https://youtu.be/WQPGFGZD6wYThe winner of series 2 wasn't young but his guitar playing is superb and I don't like jazz. Here is Zahn Mohammed playing for Tony Iommi.
https://youtu.be/UHv5RVowpQUCheck them out Andy, like with Marcus, I think you will be impressed. It's great to see youngsters doing things other than sitting in front of an xbox.
