Joan Armatrading is recognised as one of the World's leading singers, songwriters and guitarists. Three times Grammy nominated, Two times Brit Award nominee, Gold Badge and Ivor Novella winner, in a career lasting 40 years Joan has supported local talent throughout. On her tours around the world Joan has always tried to get a local artist on to the bill in the many different cities she performs in.
In early 2011 Joan started a search for a regional singer songwriter to open the show in their home town or city on her 2012 UK and Ireland tour. Literally hundreds of regional up and coming singer-songwriters sent in demo tracks to be considered for the tour dates and it really was a mammoth task choosing the final 56, the quality was simply astounding. By late 2011 the final 56 had been chosen. As far as possible each singer songwriter on the tour will represent their local area but in some cases, especially where the quality was very high and it was difficult to choose a single act, some were offered the chance to play in a different location.
I'm sure that anyone attending one of the shows on the 2012 Joan Armatrading UK and Ireland tour will be just as delighted as Joan was to hear what superbly talented yet undiscovered singer songwriters the UK and Ireland possess. Indeed one participant, Lucy Spraggan who was picked in 2011, is currently riding high on the current 2012 series of 'X Factor'.
Chris Wood is Joan's Special Guest on her 2012 UK tour but at each venue on the 56 date tour a local artist will perform for 15 minutes before he appears. These 56 singer/songwriters will not only get to perform on the night in their city or one of the nearest cities to their home town but will also have a track featured on a special three CD package that will be available for sale at all the venues on the tour. Released on the Hypertension record label, the CD package will feature a different song by each of the 56 chosen artists and is accompanied by a 24 page booklet. This will be a superb souvenir of the tour.
This is the website dedicated to the Local Talent participants. The website contains all the artists names and where they are performing along with the very latest news.You can also post your comments on the LocalTalent Facebook page www.facebook.com/jalocaltalent
