Maverick Sabre gives all access to students in Norwich...

As Maverick Sabre seems to be climbing right to the top of the class in the UK charts, the Irish soulful, rootsy songwriter came to Norwich to give some Access to Music students an unforgettable opportunity. 

Inviting several colleges from around the country to break down and work on their own versions of Maverick Sabre's new single, 'I Need', Norwich was first stop on the trip to see what the students had made of it. In Mav's words, the results "sounded BIG." 

Having had just a couple of hours to get to grips with the song the Friday previous, the students welcomed Mav to their Access to Music college on the 26th September and had an hour with the man himself to share their ideas and get ready to lay it down in the recording studio.

As Outline went to check out the action, the band of seven students - 3 backing vocalists, drums, 2 guitarists and one on bass - were getting ready to put it on file. Invigorating and delighting the students, Mav joined in on the recording with them. The room went from being a boxy recording room that smelled curiously of a bowling alley to a soulful haven, with everyone working in one groove. It was as special to watch, as it was for those performing.

Two of the backing vocalists, Dan Law and Georgia King were describing the experience afterwards; "He kept complimenting everyone", said Dan, who was talking about how encouraging the chart star was to the students. Georgia was full of compliments for Mav... "he's safe". There's no bigger accolade.

Parts of the recordings from the collective colleges will be made into an accompanying video for the single's release and talking to Maverick, he said that there were no opportunities like that for him when he was young, and that he loved the experience with them. "They're hungry for it", said Mav, who went on to say "Music should be taught more in schools. It should be a compulsory lesson in every school. Everyone loves music. It can do so much..." 

Possibly turning the day into the best of their lives, Mav went on to tell the three backing vocalists from the college that he'd be bringing them on stage with him when he comes to the Waterfront on November 9th. For tickets to the show, go to www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk 

Maverick Sabre's single 'I Need' comes out on November 7th. Check out our Outline TV section for a stream of the collaboration when it comes out. 

For all the pics from the day, click here.

Emma Garwood