A TALENTED acoustic guitarist will take to the stage of Fairfields Arts Centre on Friday, November 12.

Basingstoke-based musician James Mitchell began playing finger-style guitar about six years ago when he saw Tommy Emmanuel for the first time.

He was first spotted by the people from the Basingstoke centre when he performed as part of a Fairfields and Friends summer event and was playing a difficult piece by Tommy. The fact that he made it look incredibly easy led them to believe that he was something very special.

Currently studying for a music degree in Guildford, James has developed his own unique style of playing which is a fusion of many modern techniques. These range from hitting the guitar in different places to get an array of percussive sounds to experimenting with open tunings and two-hand tapping techniques.

James has also written his own instrumental arrangements of well-known pop songs in addition to his own music, some of which feature on his new album Short and Sweet.

Fairfields promoted James last season and both the centre and the audiences he played to were so impressed that they felt compelled to have him back again.

James will be supported by singer Laura Wilcock, guitarist Phil Howe, and double bassist John McGarvey.

The music begins at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £6, £4 concessions, are available from the centre on 01256 321621 or on the door on the night.