Life of a Musician - Robin Hill... is 6 Years Old!

I can't believe that another year has gone by and that 'Life of a Musician' is now 6 years old!

Last year, on its 5th Birthday, I reviewed the blog in general and highlighted some of the most popular post: 'Life of a Musician - 5 Years of Blogging'.

This year, as always, has been eventful.
There have been laughter, tears and the occasional tantrum, as one would expect when following the life of any musician trying to travel the globe these days.

A major highpoint was the release of, 'Standing on Air', which was accompanied by a, 'Making of Video', in which Robin talks openly about his eclectic approach to music and offers some insight into composing and the recording process.
You can read the post here: 'Standing on Air - Robin Hill arrives on iTunes, Amazon etc...'

As part of the promotion of 'Standing on Air' we were extremely proud of the video made by our eldest son Oliver, 'Chill 22', which you can watch below.



There's more about the track, 'Chill 22' here.

But it hasn't all been good.

Unfortunately the release of the new CD was hampered by Robin breaking his arm.
This is a dreadful situation for anyone, but for a musician it brings its own sort of terrors.
Read 'Psychology of the Injured Musician' for more details.

We have also launched a brand new website, packed with information, videos, pictures etc. More about that here.
From the site you can join our mailing list and keep up to date with new releases and the 'soon to be avaialable' sheet music.

One of the most popular posts this year has been, 'The Scale' from The Guitar Gymnasium', which is an extract from Robin's book, and is a must for any player wanting to improve their technique.

As always, travel has played a large part of Robin's day to day life, and as is often the case these days, there are frequently traumas to cope with.
'Fly with a Little Help from Lebrecht...' was probably one of the most frustrating situations Robin has had to face, when an airline refused to allow his guitar in the cabin, even in a paid seat....

The next year of, 'Life of a Musician', promises to be just as exciting.
There are plans for more videos and another album is already underway. So there is plenty to look out for over the coming months.

There are now 727 posts in the archives, scroll down the left hand sidebar, and feel free to have a look around.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for reading and for making 6 years of blogging so enjoyable.

Robin Hill's new website...

We have now launched a new 'Robin Hill' website which I hope you will all enjoy.
It has a crisp, clean appearance to make navigation an easy and enjoyable experience.

The Homepage features one of the photographs taken at the recent photo shoot for the album cover of, 'Standing on Air', by photographer Jonathan Keenan, and required several hours on a trampoline and, after a long haul flight only a matter of hours later, three days on anti inflammatory medication....(I know how you blog readers like a little inside information.)

Some of the features can be seen throughout the site.
For example, the red music player at the top contains 4 tracks which you can listen too uninterrupted as you browse the other pages.
Also, currently there are two videos to watch, 'The Making of Standing on Air', and 'Chill 22'.

You will also notice a convenient box where you can join our mailing list. This will be of particular interest to anyone wanting details of any new recordings, or for the players amongst you, sheet music, which will soon become available.

To move between pages you simply select from the left hand sidebar.
The 'Bio' page tells you a little bit about Robin and his music.
'Blog' brings you directly here...
If you select 'Store' you will find there are currently 7 items available, 6 CDs and The Guitar Gymnasium.
There are many payment options and all you need to do is click the title of the item you are interested in and choose one that suits you.
For some items you can buy directly from us using the 'Add to Cart' button.
Other items are available through iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. Simply click the button which appeals the most.

We had great fun compiling the 'Photo Gallery'. There are 42 pictures spanning Robin's life from childhood to current day, and even a very fleeting glimpse of me... Click on the first photo to enjoy a slide show.

'Press/Reviews' contains many whole reviews, quotes and even samples from letters which we hope will give you a little insight into other peoples' views of Robin's work.

Finally, the 'Contact' page is where you can leave me a message and I will respond as soon as I can.

We hope you enjoy the new site and keep checking in for the latest news and information.

'Chill 22' - Robin Hill from the new album 'Standing on Air'

Today we released a video of 'Chill 22', the first track from the new album 'Standing on Air'

The album itself, featuring all original compositions by Robin and on which he plays all the instruments, will be available in January 2012, but we thought it would be nice for you all to have a sneak preview.

This composition was inspired by Robin's newly acquired Manuel Reyes guitar which was made by the master luthier in 1963. This instrument is capable of producing not only the aggressive rasp of the Andalusian flamenco, but also a beautiful sweetness of tone when played with sensitively and expression.

As he was in a hotel at the time, the title of the track was taken from his room key and initials, 'Chill 22', his first name being Charles.

As time went on the piece evolved.

Chill 22 has a laid back jazz groove yet the incisive triplets and use of rasgueados reflect Robin's love of flamenco music. The cuica drum, rainstick and shakers are Brazilian inspired.

Alongside these latin and flamenco elements you may also discover a quote from Igor Stravinsky's, 'Rite of Spring'.
This is one of Robin's favourite classical pieces and the tongue in cheek reference opening the guitar solo pays tribute to this.

Generally the album as a whole not only reflects Robin's diverse musical tastes but also his constant extensive travelling.

The influences of many countries can be heard in each and every track and he often returns home with an indigenous instrument from some far flung land.

Chill 22 also features a Neapolitan mandolin.
Back in 2008 Robin was in Sorrento when he came across the most beautiful mandolin.
The story about how we came about purchasing it is quite amusing, and restores ones faith in humanity.
Here's 'The Mystery of the Mandolin'.
The use of the mandolin was also an opportunity for Robin to use his enviable plectrum technique acquired after many years of playing electric guitar....

You will have to wait a little longer to hear all 14 original compositions from, 'Standing on Air', but for now, sit back and enjoy 'Chill 22'.