For an unsuspecting guitar shop owner like Norm, the day-to-day doesn’t necessarily involve discovering young guitar prodigies.
That said, it seems to keep happening to the man!
The latest bright young talent to wander into his shop was not some twenty year-old Jimmy Hendrix, or even a fifteen year-old Slash.
This guitar power-house is even younger.
How young could a guitar pro really be?
There are lots of really young guitarists out there, but this kid has that boyish rock star charm so watch out for him.
In fact, they can be as young as twelve years old!
When Norm was busy writing a forward for his guitarist friend’s book, he heard the sweet tones of one of his 1964 Fender Stratocasters. So good was it in fact, that he was compelled to go out and see who was playing.
“I was sitting in my office and I was listening to somebody play and when i walked out I went -WHAT?”
The guitarist was Jaden Lehman from Florida.
And he’s already got fans in the comments section.
“He Looks Like A Young Bob Dylan. He Looks Like He’ll Become A Great Musician In The Future. He Has Less To Talk About Yet A Lot Of Great Talent To Show. Thumbs Up For This Kiddo!”
When Norm saw who was playing, he couldn’t believe his eyes.
At this point in time, Jaden had only been playing guitar for four years.
While that doesn’t seem like a long time to become an expert in something, that was a third of his life so far!
Apparently for someone with the unbridled talent that Jaden possesses, that’s plenty!
And this isn’t the first time this has happened to Norm.
He regales a story of many years ago, when another guitarist who was twelve at the time entered his store.
It was now-successful guitarist Joe Bonamassa. Fast forward, and now Norm and Joe are old pals.
In fact, that book that Norm was writing the forward for-is Joes.
Joe is now a top guitarist, and also wrote the forward for Norm’s book.
So now, all these years later Norm gets to discover another prodigy.
He introduces young Jaden, and lets him show us what he does best.
Jaden kicks into gear with spectacular blues style.
With seasoned dexterity, and remarkable control, he expertly navigates the neck of the guitar.
As if it requires next-to-no conscious thought, he handles complex riffs.
And he hasn’t let it go to his head!
Slightly bashful, he plays for a few bars, but humbly stops.
Even though he’s been put on the spot, he seems to suffer no stage-freight while he plays.
That said, he doesn’t seem eager to show off his incredible talent, rather happy to play when asked.
When he jumps back into playing he brings even more heat!
It’s not only the usual guitar techniques that this kid nails.
He expertly wiggles the whammy bar, giving the sound a little extra twang.
This ahead-of-his-years guitarist pulls out all the stops.
We can only imagine what lies in store for this talented young fella.
If Norm can witness one twelve year-old prodigy become a successful musician, I’m sure he could do it twice!
Who knows, maybe in a few years another young talent will be blessed by Norm’s guitar store.
But I guess it’s not always easy witnessing such young talent.
It can incite envy too! As Norm puts it:
“For us old guys it’s a sad day when a young whipper-snapper like that comes in and plays like this.”
Norm just realized the reality of his situation but that’s the way life is.
One minute you’re a young, talented looker and the next, you’re a has-been to others. But music transcends age and time, doesn’t it?
Watch the full video below to enjoy this incredibly skilled young musician.
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