Singer-songwriter Bubby Jackson, 18, exudes guitar-playing talents beyond his years, skills similar to that of the teen's idols, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jonny Lang, and Buddy Guy. "I think he's [Bubby] one of the best guitarists around here," Joel Jackson, Bubby's father, (modestly) boasts of his son.

Giving guitarists twice his age a run for the money, Bubby, a Perryville, Md. native, attracts crowds of all ages, especially the college scenes at the University of Delaware and Salisbury State College in Maryland. And what's the draw? "My tricks," says Bubby with a chuckle. "The crowd gets a little rowdy." The guitar prodigy sometimes picks the guitar strings with his teeth, or plays behind his back.

Believe it or not, Bubby's first-love instrument was the drums - from third grade on through drumming for his father's band, Bad Moon, seven years ago. Bubby only picked up the guitar in 1998 and, without a single lesson, found he was a natural. "It's hard to explain," says Bubby, "I was just able to play the first time I picked it up."

Bubby now fronts his own band, aptly named The Bubby Jackson Band, comprised of his father on bass, R.B. Hunter on drums, and Randy Zwitch on guitar. The band plays a mixture of blues, alternative, and classic rock covers. Bubby describes their originals as "bluesy-funk"; the group is in the process of gathering originals for a CD, and Bubby will be releasing a solo album in four months.

"It's a thrill playing with my son," says Joel. "Not too many parents get to do that." Joel says it's time for him to step down, though, in order to bring in a new lineup. As for Bubby, the recent high school grad plans to continue his full-time music career because, after all, "It's a good feeling to be on stage," he says. For additional information, visit www.bubbyjackson.com.