12:10pm Wednesday 28th October 2009
STUDENTS at a Southend college were treated to a music masterclass from a former guitarist with the Prodigy.
Jim Davies, who played on the band’s top ten hits Firestarter and Breathe, visited the students at the Access to Music centre, at Nightfly Studios, in Wallis Avenue, for two workshops.
Mr Davies also played on the band’s top-selling album, the Fat Of The Land, and has since gone on to carve out a solo career, recently releasing a new album called Jim Davies Electronic Guitar.
He said: “I don’t teach that often, but I love it when I do.
“It’s really nice, but teaching a group of 20 students can be intimidating, despite all the experience I have being on stage. They hang on everything you do.”
The workshop enabled students to question Mr Davies on his vast experience as a musician.
He said: “I lived a career in music and there are things I would do differently if I could do it all again.
“I have interesting stuff to say to students and can make them aware of the different career paths there are in the music industry.”
Mr Davies also made a special appearance at PMT music store, in Queens Road, Southend, where he treated customers to a short performance to promote his album, which is out now.
Asked about his Prodigy days, Mr Davies said: “I still speak to the guys. I have moved on since playing with them.
“I’m extremely happy doing my own thing and happy that it has kicked back off for them.
“Their new album is incredible. I have nothing but praise for them. They have played such a massive part in my musical life.”
Gerard Esser, Access to Music course tutor, said: “It was a massive coup for us, as Jim is part of the music business, and he can talk about his life and how he got involved.
“Students have told me it was a brilliant experience.”
Access to Music provides courses for pupils aged 16 plus, and has 20 training centres across the country.
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