Original music album by local talent to be released

LOCAL musicians James Martin and Matt Chubb have again taken up a festive fundraising challenge for children everywhere in 2019, entitled TUNEICEF.

Guitar teacher James Martin, of Thorpe Acre, Loughborough, is organising his students along with local musicians to write and record an album of entirely original music, which will be released digitally in time for Christmas to raise money for UNICEF UK, the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights.

All the funds raised will support UNICEF’s work with children in more than 190 countries providing health care, water, nutrition, education and protection for children, transforming the lives of children everywhere.

James said: “I have chosen to support UNICEF because I like the idea of my students, who are mostly kids and young people themselves, age from 6 upwards, using their musical talents to help kids suffering in other parts of the world. Whatever the politics of a situation – the Syrian civil war, or in Ukraine, for example – one of the few things you can say for certain is that the kids and their families caught in the crossfire are not the ones at fault, but are the ones that inevitably end up paying the price.

“I also wanted to shine a spotlight on local talent and hopefully give a boost to some immensely impressive young musicians, who work very hard trying to break into what is often a very difficult and unforgiving business that seems overly obsessed with celebrity.

“Real musical talent is not to be found on TV reality shows, it’s playing in your local pub down the road!”

James and his students have been helped hugely by the assistance of local musicians and singers, and special thanks must go to Matt Chubb for his vocal and lyrical contributions, as well as tireless help with organisation.

They are planning a launch party at The Cask Bah in Loughborough on Sunday, December 15, from 6pm onwards where the students and contributing artists will be performing their songs. Contributors this year include Phil Matthews, (aka the Village), Jonezy and The Ladykillers, and the project can be viewed at https://tuneicef.bandcamp. com/album/tuneicef-2019

To help spread awareness of this fund-raising venture please visit www.tuneicef.co.uk and www.jmguitartuition.co.uk

You can also join their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TUNEICEF, or tweet @tuneicef or @jmguitartuition using the hashtag #TUNEICEF.

In addition to teaching activities, James has also authored four tuition books – Zero Point Guitar, Zero Point Bass, Zero Point Keyboards and Progressive Guitar Training, all available on Amazon, Lulu.com and www.jmguitartuition.co.uk/shop