She’s shared stages with Michael Jackson on three world tours, now his favourite guitarist Jennifer Batten is heading to East Lancs with a stunning tribute show starring Navi. JOHN ANSON asked the questions

You have had the opportunity to watch the real MJ on stage night after night. How does Navi compare?

Navi helps bring back the magic. He’s a rare breed that doesn’t need the big sunglasses to look like MJ. His eyes and frame are scary similar. He puts on a great show and I really enjoy the vibe. Tons of people buy VIP tickets to see us after the show and many become so emotional they can hardly get through taking a photo with us. It really means something to them. In seeing his show and the similarity of his look, he can transport people back to the peak of the MJ era. I often catch people in the audience weeping too. Navi is a well seasoned pro. Plus he doesn’t try to affect Michael’s voice and mannerisms like some of them do. I appreciate that.

What made you want to go out on the road with Navi having done three world tours with Michael?

It’s just fun to play that material, and the fans want the music kept alive. His bands are always really good, so I know the groove will be there. We all get along really well.

It’s a question you are probably fed up of answering but what was Michael Jackson like as a person?

He was wonderful. He was a creative tornado and constantly inventing things whether it be lyrics, videos, stage ideas, or one of a kind special effects for the live show. He was kind, respectful, and very appreciative of what the band brought to the shows. His mother raised him right.

When you auditioned for him did you ever think that he would choose you to tour with him?

I didn’t put that much energy into the outcome. I just did my best and hoped for the best. But I also didn’t tell a soul that I auditioned. I didn’t want to jinx it. I knew I was qualified.

What was the first rehearsal like? How nervous were you?

I think I was more excited than nervous. I knew I could handle the music and I’d spent a lot of time memorizing everything and getting my parts accurate. It was a little intimidating playing with such seasoned pros as Greg Philingaines and Ricky Lawson with their long resumes. We didn’t meet Michael until we’d been rehearsing for a month, so we as a band were good and ready to support him by then. He started dancing right away because he liked what he heard.

As a creative person yourself, were you constantly surprised at Michael’s talent?

I always had and still have a deep reverence for Michael. He was gifted in so many areas and so in command of the stage and audience. There were generally 50,000 crazy fans every single night that all knew his lyrics so the energy was through the roof. Not too many people could command that energy connection consistently over time. My appreciation was renewed nightly.

Do you try to play the guitar every day?

It totally depends on what is going on in my life and what gigs are coming up. I have taken long chunks of time off of music to pursue other art forms like stained glass, and video making. When I return to the guitar it’s much more fresh and fun.

Most top guitar players become serious collectors. How many guitars do you own?

Under 10 for sure. I’m not a collector and I don’t like changing strings. I like to find my main guitar and that gets 98 per cent of my attention for years. My last main guitar lasted 20 years. I just switched over in the last two years to a Washburn Parallaxe.

When did you first start playing and were you good at practicing?

I was diligent with practice since age eight. At first it was 30 minutes a day but grew into 8-10 hours a day, for several years, after I graduated Musicians Institute.

Did you have any role models, particularly as a woman starting out in the music business?

I listened to Monette Sudler ( a New York jazzer) and Emily Remler (also jazz) but back then (late 70s/early 80s) it was slim pickins’ re: female guitarists. Much later I discovered Mary Osbourne and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. So it was mostly men that I listened to, and hundreds of listening hours went to Jeff Beck who I ended up playing with for three years from 1999.

Working with Jeff Beck, were you surprised at just how good a player is really is?

I was well aware of his talent and he remains my (and most guitarist’s) all time favourite. I learned every note on his CDs Blow By Blow, and Wired long before we met.

There are a lot of ‘tributes’ to Michael. What makes the King of Pop show different?

The quality of the drummers makes a huge difference. I’ve played with at least three drummers in Navi’s shows and they’re all top notch. If that groove isn’t there, the show is hopeless. There will always be something missing whether the audience realises it or not. If you don’t see people’s heads moving, there’s probably a drummer issue. I’ve guested with maybe half dozen tributes and some of them make me want to run away screaming! And of course there are so many other elements that have to be there from the quality of the dancing to the pacing of the show. Navi seems to have a knack of connecting to his audience.

Which song do you enjoy performing the most?

Human Nature. I will always remember how that felt playing with MJ, and the magic of his voice, the harmony, and the sensitive lighting. It is a brilliant song that transports you.

Sum up, if you can, the King of Pop show in three words

Can’t miss it!

King of Pop, Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre, Sunday, July 22. Details from 01254 398319 or www.civicartscentre.co.uk