IAN Date, a master of the guitar, promises a “highly entertaining show” when he performs live and solo at Macksville Ex-Services Club on Sunday 30 April.

“It’s a journey with the guitar,” Ian told News Of The Area.

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“I’m going to play a selection.

“Some original pieces, and pieces inspired from different parts of the planet and different eras.

“Songs from Ireland where I’ve just been living for the past 20 years, there’s a tune from Norway, a South American tune, some gypsy-based pieces,” he mused, “from ancient Celtic airs to American blues and roots, Jazz standards, New Orleans style and Arabic as well as original compositions.

“Things I’ve collected over my travels and experiences that I’ve put on the guitar.”

It’s a journey that wends its way through a planned program as well as spontaneous pieces that come up.

“I’m a jazz musician so improvisation is always a part of my shows.

“I’ll also sing a couple of songs,” he said, laughing.

“I’m not the world’s greatest singer but I do sing a few songs so the audience can hear some novelty music.

“I like to have a bit of funny stuff in there.”

Ian learned to play the guitar as a boy growing up in Macksville in the 1970s.

Since then, he has gone on to carve out an international career for himself appearing at festivals and events from Tasmania to Iceland, the South Pacific to Asia, South Africa and Europe, and on more than 70 albums as a leader or a sideman, composed for film and television.

Ian has performed and recorded with players like James Morrison, Martin Taylor, Robin Nolan, Tommy Emmanuel and Hank Marvin of The Shadows fame.

His focus has been on the art of jazz guitar, both from a gypsy jazz standpoint as well as the classic stylings in the Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery traditions.

Ian is also the patron of the Ozmanouche festival, which celebrates gypsy jazz and takes place every year in Brisbane.

Firmly rooted in the jazz tradition and equally at home on the acoustic or electric guitar, Ian is a master and a mentor of the instrument.

Enjoy an afternoon of virtuoso guitar playing, stories and songs from far off places and scenes at Macksville Ex-Services Club.

Doors open at 2.30pm and the show starts at 3.00pm.

For more information see Ian Date Music on Facebook.

By Andrea FERRARI