Album deal and city gig set to show off guitarist's amazing skills
He's picked up an army of fans across the globe thanks to his amazing guitar skills – now a West Midland guitarist is preparing for a homecoming gig where he will showcase his debut album.
Pete Kent has already attracted an international following after posting clips of him playing on YouTube.
The fast-paced style – which is huge in France and Canada – sees Pete play the baseline, melody and chords all on the same acoustic guitar.
The Wolverhampton singer-songwriter, from Goldthorn Park, has signed up to the city's Revolver Records and will perform at the Robin 2 Club in Bilston later this month.
His debut album The Sands of Time was released last month and will go on sale in the USA in the coming weeks, as well as across Europe.
Pete, aged 40, said his unusual style was getting interest from around the world.
"It's a unique style, it's pretty rare and there's a lot of interest in certain countries.
"I picked it up from watching other people on the internet and it took about seven months to master – I think I've got my head round it now and hopefully mastered it."
Pete was a session musician and played with several bands in Wolverhampton and Birmingham before being noticed when supporting acts such as Midge Urge at the Robin 2.
His first headline gig at the Robin took place a year ago and now Pete is preparing for another big homecoming gig.
"I've got a good local following and it'll be great to be back at the Robin 2 as well," he added.
"I play a mixture of styles – medleys of 1960s hits to hip hop and dance instrumentals and even jazz and funk.
"I do a few Beatles tunes and if you listen to one, hopefully it's like you're listening to the whole song as I play the singing part as well."
Mr Kent has also received plaudits from some of the world's most renowned finger-style players including Andy McKee, Joe Robinson and Adam Rafferty.
Among the popular songs covered by Pete and uploaded onto YouTube are Tracy Chapman's Fast Car and Level 42's Something About You.
Some of the videos have attracted thousands of views.
The impressive playing style, called fingerstyle, has grown in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to artists such as French-Canadian guitarist Antoine Dufour and Andy McKee.
It originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when southern African-American blues guitarists were trying to imitate the popular ragtime piano music of the day.
The Robin 2 gig takes place on February 18.
Tickets are £5 in advance or £7 on the door.
