Songs in the key of Ben Shepherd

A CD and book have been made to commemorate the life and work of 29-year-old Norfolk musician and lyricist Ben Shepherd.

Songs In The Key Of Ben and the book Sometimes I Pretend To Be A Writer were created as a tribute by Norfolk acts including Bearsuit and Tiger MCs.

"Ben was a loveable, friendly person and a faithful friend," said Charlene Katuwawala of Bearsuit.

Ben died unexpectedly of a heart attack on 15 May, 2007.

He was a creative writing student at the Norwich University College of the Arts (NUCA), where he found inspiration for his lyrics.

He was also a member of local band Lalia and wrote music as a solo artist under the name We Are The Dots.

Ben's family and friends got together to make a tribute CD to celebrate his life.

Norfolk acts Bearsuit, Magoo, Tiger Mcs, Mia Vigor and Girl in a Thunderbolt, have all made their mark on the CD, along with tracks from Ben's own musical projects.

Many believe that Ben had not lived to see his full talent blossom

The media package pays tribute to a man many thought had not lived long enough to see his potential blossom.

"The fact is that Ben did not pretend to be a writer, he was one - he was only at the beginning of a road," said George Szirtes, Ben's lecturer at NUCA.

"He was unaware of his talent. It's lovely to see his work in the book and hear the interpretation of his lyrics in the songs," said Charlene from Bearsuit.

A launch event for the CD and book at the Norwich Arts Centre marked two years since Ben's death, on Friday, 15 May, 2009.

The gathering saw readings and live one-off performances from Alto45, Andrew from Magoo, Bearsuit, Cruiser Chimps, Girl In A Thunderbolt, Angela and Rob from Lalia, Master Solo, Mia Vigar, Tell Me How and Tiger MCs.