REVIEW: Songwriter displays unique and captivating guitar skills

Move over Ed Sherran, there’s a new kid on the block. Well, not quite; Ed’s latest album, ‘X’, is awesome.

But acoustic singer-songwriter Michael Baker is making headway as a performer in a way that deserves the highest recognition.

Michael played Balcombe Club on August 23 with childhood friends Nick Roberts on drums and James Hill on double bass.

Together they were formidable with a combined musical talent that should take them a long way.

The trio played nearly three hours of songs, almost exclusively written by Michael, with numbers from his new EP Keys to the Kingdom, and forthcoming materials that he is already in the recording studio with.

Michael’s vocals and skills on electric acoustic guitar were unusual and captivating.

His voice had a richness and clarity that gently eased into each song before taking off with a crescendo, often accompanied by fast-pace jigging and swinging of his guitar.

At all times he connected with his audience in a way that made you feel a vital part of the set.

Michael, who originates from Uckfield, is a graduate of the Guildford-based Academy of Contemporary Music and previously toured the UK as Artist of the Month for the high street chain, Cafe Nero.

He also toured with his grouping Felix Fables, who played Balcombe Club earlier this year, supporting ’80s idol Paul Young’s Los Pacaminos.

Balcombe Club is hoping to attract him back in the future by which time, who knows, he may be a much bigger star. Look out Ed Sherran...

You can find out more about him on facebook at Michael Baker Musician/Band.