It’s hard to discover a rival is even more talented than you imaged, writes Daily Echo Editor Ian Murray.

I already knew Lee Desty was a first rate journalist in his role as Editor of BBC South Today. Realising he was also a consummate singer songwriter who can command an audience with his performances should have grated.

It didn’t, of course. I, along with other members of the audience at Southampton’s Soul cellar were held spellbound by the talent of the man who usually hides behind the camera as he launched his debut album On Roosevelt.

Switching between a considerable array of guitars, Lee performed some ten numbers from his solo album, explaining how each work came into being. This Child spoke of the plight of young refugees, Homburg and Havana of Desty’s admiration for his hero Winston Churchill, Completely Yours speaking of the love between couples.

The instrumental Scoop poked fun at some stories the newsman wondered had been more hype than truth.

The set, introduced by South Today presenter Sally Taylor, ended with the haunting Beautiful Sad.

Throughout Desty’s guitar-playing proved stunning, a true master of his craft.

The free concert fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition to create his own album of works and play to a live audience, Lee told the Soul Cellar. It also enabled him to mark 25 years at the BBC and support chosen charities Southampton Children’s Deaf Society and the Hampshire Air Ambulance.

Donations can be made to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LeeDesty.

More information: leedesty.co.uk and soundcloud.com/leedesty