Acoustic Shock are the result of a collaboration between two guitarists looking to create something different from the generic singer/guitar duo.
Martyn Cast and David Ashurst, both guitar teachers at Jenca Music School, Jersey’s Premier contemporary music school, hit upon the idea four years ago to play guitar instrumental music – without the singing – after collectively playing in numerous cover bands since in their early teens.
With one guitarist providing chord and rhythmic passages and the other combining with melodic vocal phrases, the music they play unfolds and reveals itself into distinctive, recognisable songs.
Added to this, Martyn and David display their talent for creating by using their improvisational skills to enhance and shape the songs into their own unique style and setting.
Specialising in performing songs covering a vast array of styles and genres, they can switch from 1930’s Jazz and Swing, to Pop classics from the 1960’s, right up to today’s chart toppers. During the course of a two hour set they can blend into smooth Blues & Soul, lay down some Funk; R’n’B grooves, sun-drenched Reggae sizzlers, or some smoking Classic Rock standards and finish off with some beautiful, romantic Ballads. Acoustic Shock aim to cater for all those special moods and occasions to help to make the day both enjoyable and memorable.
Averaging between 80 – 100 gigs a year, Acoustic Shock have graced everything from weddings, corporate events, private functions; birthday parties, (from teenage to 90 years old), Christmas & New Year parties, local music events and fetes, pubs, clubs, hotel bars and restaurants as well as the Jersey Boat Show. They also have a residency at The Square Restaurant and play regularly at The Old Court House and The Radisson Blu in Jersey.