Copyright © Alec Stansfield 2013
In 1964 I was eight years old and the Beatles were top of the UK charts. I got my first guitar (which cost 30 bob - £1.50 in new money), the Bert Weedon “Play in a Day” book and a tortoise-shell pick - and have been playing guitar ever since.
My first guitar teacher thought my hands were too small to start learning guitar, but I was keen so he agreed to take me on. After five years studying classical guitar I developed an interest in folk music, inspired by Bert Jansch. At the age of 13 I acquired my first electric guitar from a school friend (Paul Williams) for £11 and was soon listening to Jimi Hendrix.
My style shows a mixture of influences, with a strong emphasis on melody and exploiting the guitar’s facility to express a wide range of emotions using its almost unlimited tapestry of sound textures.
I played in various bands including Rhythm Method - a pop/rock band in pubs and clubs for several years.
In the mid 80’s I worked for the SynthAxe company, travelling to Europe and the USA as an engineer and also demonstrating the instrument at international trade shows.
More recently I have been playing with the Tom White Experience and my new three-piece band - Tariqa. We perform in a classic blues / rock format as well as a low-key instrumental format using a stand-up bass and cajon.
First classical guitar at age 9
