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SOME
MAY HAVE come across VJ King Jr on one of our harbour cruises last
year when he stepped up on stage with a borrowed guitar, twice his size,
and proceeded to knock everyone out with his playing and confidence. I
know Mark, from the Bellhops, was very impressed.
After speaking to VJ King Sr I ordered Shadow Of A Dream, put it on the
player with somewhat prejudged expectations, found myself tapping and
moving to the music, thoroughly enjoying a familiar tune with some nice,
clean guitar playing - very reminiscent of Tommy Emmanuel and Chet Atkins,
when I suddenly stopped and realised, wait a minute, THIS KID IS ONLY 8
YEARS OLD!!
While Shadow Of A Dream was recorded 2 years ago (VJ has now hit the ripe
old age of 10), his love of music, and particularly the Blues, has
deepened and matured. This recording was suggested by VJ's music teacher,
Peter Andrews, who sensed he had a very special young man in his musical
care. 'Shadow' was supposed to be just a musical chapter in the progress
of young VJ's tuition, but turned out to be something any musician, young
or old, would be proud to own. When you listen to this CD you are not
listening to a child playing - you are listening to a musician beyond his
years.
Nine of the twelve tracks are originals, composed especially for this
album by Peter Andrews. The three covers are Raining In My Heart, with VJ
on a Martin d35 acoustic, Peter Andrews playing rhythm, also on a Martin
d35 acoustic and the owner/engineer of Lockwood Recording Studios, Graham
Lockwood, programming bass, keyboard, effects, and drum track. Sleepwalk,
featuring VJ on a Fender Stratocaster, bringing back memories of a very
familiar time, and Graham Lockwood taking it into the 21st Century with
some clever rap singing. The 3rd cover, bringing Shadow Of A Dream to a
close, is one of my all time favourites, the Paul McCartney tune, Junk -
and VJ does it very well. Beautiful feeling, once again using the Fender
Stratocaster.
The 9 originals, also instrumentals, (which should please anyone worried
that an 8 year old shouldn't attempt to sing on an album directed at an
adult market) cover quite a few musical styles - everything from
Shadows-inspired tunes (Track2, Dream Island, Track 4, Shadow Of A Dream,
and a very clever tribute to Hank Marvin, track 11, Howdy Hank, a medley
of Shadows numbers with VJ's own interpretation).
A European flavour is introduced in Track 7, Chez Pierre, once again
showcasing VJ's talents on acoustic guitar, then Track 10, Brazilian Moon,
adding that romantic Latin touch with the Stratocaster. Track 8, Into The
Groove, for the jazz lovers, with a big band sound and the only vocals,
Graham Lockwood, Jeanette Horne and Peter Andrews interspersed with some
very 'groovy' guitar playing.
As I said, 12 tracks in all, covering many styles - I am told Blues will
definitely feature on his next CD, currently in the pipeline. Talent and
dedication should be encouraged - we need, and look forward to, our next
generation of Blues players. Shadow Of A Dream is not a CD you will play
once and put away - you'll find yourself pressing that replay button
again, and again. Take it in the car on a drive or put it on late at night
- this is not a kid thrashing an electric guitar, but a very tasteful
musician interpreting some familiar and varied styles.
VJ has very generously offered to donate $5 from all sales of Shadow Of A
Dream to The Sydney Blues Society - when purchased by registered members.
So include your membership number when sending that cheque/money order -
help promote and encourage a young musician, and at the same time, enable
us to hire more musicians to play at gigs for you!
Julie Fox – reviewer
The Blues Times
Issue 112 p10
May 2002 |
