A SALTCOATS teenager has had the first taste of solo-gigging when he performed tracks from his first EP to a packed Ardrossan Civic Centre last Thursday.

Local singer/song-writer, James Hopkins. 17, took his audience by storm in his first ever solo performance.

The crowd sung and danced the night away to his self-penned songs. In a 90 minute set, James performed tracks from his EP ‘Guided’ as well as previously unheard material written since ‘Guided’ was released on iTunes.

He also played and sang some of his own favourites by artists such as Paulo Nuttini, Ben Rector and Sam Smith.

The local audience, well acquainted with his songs, joined in enthusiastically, singing along to the up tempo rhythm of ‘Set the World on Fire’.

Equally at home playing guitar and keyboards, James’ versatility shone throughout the show with ‘How to say goodbye’ and the haunting ‘Summer Rain’ being the perfect vehicles for his rich contemporary voice.

His most-downloaded track, ’As Long as You’re Happy’ was many people’s favourite of the night, a wistful yet mature love song the lyrics of which belie James’ tender years.

However, it was ‘One More Night’, with its pulsating hook which really got the hall jumping and which James had to play for an encore before the excited crowd would leave the front of the stage.

A highlight of the entire event was the appearance of James’ cousins, Roan and Cailiegh from Boston, USA, who, together with James’ sister, Amy, joined him on stage for a final number.

You can download ‘Guided’ from iTunes.