Michael Berk - instrumental guitarist - 5 March Open Stage special guest - review

Michael Berk’s vibrant and energetic guitar playing brought to a close another successful evening of acoustic music by promising local performers at the Cambridge Folk Club.

London-based Berk’s special guest set featured tracks from his recently released second CD ‘Unashamedly Questionable.’ Whether exploiting the guitar’s potential by strumming, fingerpicking, using the body of the guitar percussively or producing harmonics, Berk’s style was well received and suited the club’s intimate listening atmosphere.

Demonstrating his versatility with guitar chords and dynamics alike, Berk disguised the familiar Amazing Grace’ with cascading melodic riffs. He invited his audience to identify the tune in his version of the reggae standard ‘No Woman No Cry’, and created time for reflection with his thoughtful B minor song.

If you have a taste for the instrumental guitarist, Berk is one to watch closely as he develops his style over the coming years. Whilst his technical ability leaves little to be learned, a touch more sensitivity to the feeling of the song would add panache to his performance.