THIS young Ladywell sax player had a summer holiday to remember after he was spotted performing outside a train station and ended up on national radio.

Sam Barnett, 12, was playing to crowds at Victoria station when he was spied by Jazz FM presenter Nigel Williams.

He and dad David were whisked off to the station's studios where Sam performed his "song of the summer" - a version of the Ray Charles classic Georgia on my Mind - before being interviewed by the DJ.

Sam said: "We went straight over to the studio after I'd finished. We couldn't really believe it was happening."

He added: "I don't know how many of my friends listen to Jazz FM to be honest.
"In my school they all know about jazz now because of me, but I think they probably prefer listening to pop than swing."

The Colfe's pupil first picked up a saxophone on his seventh birthday, and has become obsessed with the instrument ever since.

He has taken his Trevor James Signature Custom Raw Alto Sax around the capital, performing at Blackheath Halls, Lewisham People's Day and even the Southbank Centre.

And Sam has high hopes for the future and is currently composing music which combines jazz with drum 'n' bass.

He said: "I want to try and bring jazz back in because I think it's really important.

"It sums up a whole time period as well and it kind of shows that history."

Dad David, 44, said: "We're so proud. He's been obsessed with the saxophone since he got it but this journey in the last few months has been huge.

"He just loves performing and making music so we're just happy to make that happen for him if we can."

Sam is taking part in the Mayor of London's Gigs competition which seeks to find the capital's best young musicians. Visit the website to cast your vote.

For more on Sam, who is supported by the EMI Music Sound Foundation, visit sambarnettsound.com