Host of guitar stars on offer (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Host of guitar stars on offer

GUITAR-lovers have a feast in store next week when three top acts lure them to Worcester.

The first big night out comes on Saturday when Steve Knightly and Martyn Joseph join forces for a night of lyric-rich folk.

Martyn Joseph has toured with Suzanne Vega and Joan Armatrading among other stars and has proven a popular singer/songwriter in his own right.

He's described as 'tough and passionate' and, said spokesman Curtis Fulcher, 'the consistency is the voice, the stance he takes within his songs and the way he chooses to look at life'.

Steve Knightly is better known as one half of Show of Hands, which he formed with Phil Beer

"As a writer, Steve has a close connection to place and his songs deal with the darker side of rural life, finding a rich source of characters and settings in the countryside," said Mr Fulcher.

Classical Guitar called Jan Ackerman 'one of the most brilliant and versatile guitarists of the 20th century' and the former Focus member is coming to Huntingdon Hall next Tuesday.

Respected for his work with the Dutch progressive rock outfit, Focus, Ackerman has played solo since 1976, although he was a rare visitor to Britain until recent years. Watch out, say promoters, for an exciting night - 'part of this excitement comes from his sheer mastery of a wide range of guitar styles but part is due to the unpredictable qualities he brings to his performance and the joy of improvisation'.

The following night, the hall will be bustling with more six-string fans keen to see four top masters of the guitar arts.

Martis 4 is a supergroup comprising some of the greatest acoustic artists in the country.

The four in question are folk supremo Martin Carthy, 'Dr Flamenco' Juan Martin, finger-picking and sliding expert Martin Simpson and seven times Best Guitarist at the British Jazz Awards Martin Taylor.

Mr Fulcher said: "This concert offers a chance to experience traditional folk, blues, flamenco and jazz in harmony. Each artist will perform as a soloist and in collaboration with each other."

Call the Huntingdon Arts box office for details of all the concerts and for tickets on 01905 611427 or log on to www.huntingdonarts.com.