12 August 2001

Dural Country Club

Hills Talent Search Judges ▲ Jeanne Little - Glenn A Baker

VJ King Jr and Chantelle Marie King

" You can’t teach feel . . . timing . . . presence . . . mature guitarists strive all their lives for these things . . . he’s got it all, and he’s only 8! ”
- Normie Rowe, entertainer, australia

" Recorded when he was EIGHT!!.... I don't know why I bother... :) "

- Martyn Payne, guitarist, toronto, canada

“ It’s rare to find a young guitarist who can play good melody . . . even rarer to find one who can perform. ”
- Bosco Bosanac, the atlantics, australia

“ I had the pleasure of meeting Nathan Cavaleri about 10 years ago . . . and I never thought I would ever meet another as young and as talented as he in my entire lifetime . . . but I just have. ”
  - Glenn A Baker, presenter, rock historian

“ There's no doubt that [VJ] seems to have made an impact . . . I think you've got a bright young boy on your hands! "
- Alan Jones, radio celebrity

" VJ's attitude in the recording studio, from the outset, was as mature as his playing abilities. Behind that charming smile lies a mind that’s as sharp and focussed as any I’ve met. The fact that he knew his material helped immensely, allowing us more time to work on the musical arrangements. For such a young guy he's a remarkable musician. What a memorable recording. We both had a lot of fun. 'OK, VJ, you're off the hook (well, for the moment, at least)'. "
  - Graham Lockwood, lockwood recording studios

" VJ has a feel for his instrument far beyond his years. Shadow Of A Dream has been permanently on my CD player since receiving it last November. VJ King Jr is a name we will hear a lot more of in the future. I hear he wants to play with Hank [Marvin] . . . if he keeps going the way he is, it will be Hank wanting to play with him."
- Geoff Strachan, shadowsland uk

“ VJ . . . you play so well . . . & I'm so proud of you. You have all the ingredients for an incredible future in music. GO 4 IT BROTHER! .”
- Tommy Emmanuel c.g.p.

“ Coming from a musical background, and a bass player since age13, I look at VJ Jr and wonder many things. How can his little hand be so flexible and make its way with such agility around his ‘Strat’ . . . and how does someone so young play a tune with all the feel and expression of a 30 year old? I was truly delighted to have VJ sign my wall of fame along with side guys like - Don Burrows, Andrew Oh, Bob Gebert, Col Nolan, Doug Williams, Craig Calhoun, Peter Northcote, Chris Conolly . . . and the list goes on . . . and VJ will, too.”
- Derek Bruce & Janette Bruce, satchmo’s

26 January 2002

Satchmos ▲ Katoomba

“ I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to watch VJ's playing evolve from a very early age. Dynamics, feel, phrasing, interpretation - it’s all there. And he plays the guitar with such passion and persuasion. A true natural? - or supernatural? - I’m not sure which! ”
- Jeff Mallia, musician & luthier

“ Not so long ago I had the pleasure of loaning 7-year-old VJ my Fender Telecaster. It’s true . . . he could not lift it! During the weeks and months that followed I watched in amazement as those tiny young fingers quickly turned a learning curve into seasoned accomplishment, making the owner of that old, treasured Telecaster very happy, extremely proud . . . and green with envy.”
- Barry Brady, the ramrods

“ Back in May 2001 The Bellhops did a blues cruise on Sydney Harbour and a young unknown named VJ wanted to play a song with us. This kid astounded us not just with his playing but his confidence and maturity. He didn't overplay, had excellent phrasing and timing and actually initiated a call and answer solo with our guitarist. All the best VJ! ”
- Mark Roulston, the bellhops

“ A waft in the air, one I recognise . . . it's Pete Cornelius and the DeVilles for entree. Pete's guitar playing is even slicker and his dad Bruce on drums and Phil on bass makes your ribs vibrate. This year a little blond entree with red cap named VJ King Jr (age 12 or less) played lead guitar duels with Pete (now18) on his sixth year at the Festival. The music we love is in good hands. ”
- David 'TUG' Hooper, the blues times (sydney) march 2003

“ VJ’s impish charm will undoubtedly make him a media magnet and, coupled with his undeniable musical abilities, trying to keep the lid on this potential juggernaut is going to be a full time job. Add to this mix, managing the bubbling career of his 14-year old sister, Chantelle Marie King (who is receiving similar accolades for her powerful ‘Broadway’-style vocal abilities) and you realise this is one set of parents with their work cut out for them! ”
- Kim Humphreys, "new" gandy dancer (UK) vol 65, july 2002

" At the various cabaret shows that we do, it has been my pleasure to introduce to my audience a number of household names, and seasoned performers; none have elicited the response on the air that VJ King Jr did following each of his two stage appearances. I hope I get first crack at interviewing him when his star starts to shine very brightly."
- John Kerr, host, New Day Australia - radio 2UE and satellite stations throughout NSW, QLD, and the ACT

“ VJ is one of the most versatile young guitar players I have seen in my 44 years as a professional musician. ”
- Phil Emmanuel e.g.p.

03 May 2003

Silks Club ▲ City Tattersalls ▲ Sydney

"I have had the great pleasure, on more than one occasion, of welcoming the prodigious talents of VJ King Jr to my stage.  Quite simply, this young man is the future of Australian musicianship, and what a bright future that is!"
 –  Ross Ward, ward's xpress

"Wunder Kid! ... sensational performance ... he'll definitely be playing my next Australian Tour!"
 – Walter Trout, Walter Trout & The Radicals - usa