PLAYING the odd cover is one thing, but recording a whole album of your hero's music must surely be the ultimate tribute.

By Karl Steel ( email )

Ulverston musician and guitar teacher Matt Cowe has launched a CD dedicated to the music of American country guitar legend Chet Atkins, and he will be bringing it to a wider audience with a live appearance next week.

The show at the Laurel and Hardy Museum, in Ulverston, on Friday November 4, will see Matt playing a selection of instrumental tunes from the new CD, Matt Cowe Plays Chet Atkins, as well as various tunes from Chet’s long career which spanned from the 1940s to the late 90s.

He will be sharing the stage with an experienced band, comprising local musicians Steve Simpson on bass, Jack Davies on drums and Jon Moore on rhythm guitar.

Matt says: "I hope people will really enjoy hearing something from the past, which is played with passion and skill, and there are some classic tunes that really are timeless.

"Chet’s career spanned nearly 5 decades and his legacy is huge in the music world - I am hoping to introduce people to this music again."

In addition, local vocalist - and Matt's fellow band member in The Retros - Becki Fishwick, will be singing some classic country and swing tunes from the likes of Patsy Cline and Peggy Lee.

Matt has a highly popular YouTube channel , which now has over 1600 subscribers, and sees him playing tunes from Chet’s extensive catalogue.

This first local live show playing his music follows on from Matt's recent appearances in Nashville, where he was invited to play at the prestigious annual Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention.

The event gathers the best "fingerpickers" from around the world every year, and this year included such luminaries as Tommy Emmanuel, Richard Smith and Guy Van Duser. Matt played three times on various stages at the event and was hailed a great success.

"It was like being in guitar heaven for four days and nights," he says.

"I had heard about the convention and had booked tickets anyway. I had hooked up online with another player from Tennessee via my YouTube channel, and he had mentioned me to the organiser of the convention, Mark Pritcher. He asked me if I would play a set on one of the main stages and another one of the organisers, Palmer Moore, asked me to play in one of the smaller rooms.

"It was amazing to be there amongst all those really great players and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I was also pleasantly surprised at how many people knew me from seeing my videos, it was a great feeling.

"I was dead nervous before my first show, but it all went well and I relaxed after that and just enjoyed myself. I really hope to get back there next year if I possibly can."

While Matt also appears in local Beatles cover band Dig A Pony, and counts gypsy jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt among his biggest influences, it was the discovery of Chet's music that has had the most profound effect.

He says: "I was introduced to Chet’s music by my music college tutor who got me into his early stuff - from 1950 to 1955. I like this particular period because Chet is young and ambitious and he really plays the hell out of his guitar.

"It was pre-rock 'n' roll, and he was doing something very different on the guitar - part country, part jazz. I think his playing from this period is genius and the more I got into playing it myself the more genius it became.

"He was way ahead of most players and still is in some respects. The music itself is very sweet and melodic and for me, I think sometimes we need to hear music that just brings a smile to your face.

"As a guitarist it really has stood the test of time, and anyone who tries to play this stuff realises what’s involved."

Copies of Matt's CD will be available to buy at the concert, which gets under way at 8.30pm on November 4.

There will be cabaret-style seating and a limited number of tickets available, so advance booking is advised. Tickets are available here from the Laurel and Hardy Museum or by emailing Matt at info@mattcowe.com