Reviews

'As always, it was sheer pleasure to observe Robin Hill's remarkable fluent technique: everything looks easy when he plays it.' Colin Cooper- Classical Guitar Magazine ----- 'Wonderful for their (Hill & Wiltschinsky) precision, touch and clarity of sound... refined virtuosity, the achievement of a long interpretive process.' Il Giornale D'Italia (Rome) ----- 'I loved your CD and thought your technique and performance were fabulous...' Rick Wakeman

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Music with Matt Munro

Last night we watched a documentary on Matt Munro. He had an incredible voice and after a slow start to his career evntually found fame and fortune after moving to the USA. On his return to the UK he was then given the acknowledgement that he deserved, but it makes you wonder why the British can't appreciate their own home grown musicians without a struggle.
This all brought back many memories for Robin. In the late 70's and early 80's he did a lot of session work, both on classical and electric guitar, and consequently played with many big names.
At the time Robin was listening to bands like 'Tower of Power', and performing in his own band 'Force Ten', (more on them another time), as well as his classical concerts which were beginning to take off.
Even though he didn't naturally listen to the 'crooner' style of singing, he could certainly appreciate it.
During this period he worked many times with Matt Monro, usually for week long stints at various venues around the country. He therefore played songs such as 'Portrait of My Love', 'My Kind of Girl', 'From Russia With Love', and 'Born Free'.
Listening to these tracks reminded Robin of many of these shows. One memorable occasion Robin trapped one of his fingers on the left hand adjusting a stool seconds before the gig started, but despite the throbbing digit, he made it through the performance.
Matt Monro was an entertainer in every aspect of his shows which made it a pleasure for any of the band members to work with him.

2 comments:

Anna said...

Hi Mark,
Thanks very much for your comments. Robin remembers Kenny Clare although didn't actually play with him.
It must have been a great, if not daunting, experience for you to plat with Matt but sounds like you pulled it off!
Matt was right, the more you enjoy it, the less the audience will notice any mistakes!
If you're still playing, then enjoy!!

Anna said...

Mark,
That should, of course, say play with Matt rather than plat with Matt. That is what happens when you try to work when children are around !
Anna