First Day at Sea - First Concert

Yesterday Robin performed the first of two guitar concerts on board the QM2.
It took place in the 'Royal Court Theatre', which seats 1000, and on this occasion the theatre was full.
It isn't often that Robin is enthusiastic about his own performance, he's usually highly critical of his playing, but he was pleased yesterday.

There was one 'nail' incident, which regular readers will know happens from time to time, and is always a guitarists nightmare.
It was severe enough to actually stop playing, the nail literally became unstuck, and if Robin had continued, it would probably have flown off into the audience.
He was playing 'Zapateado' by Sabicas at the time.
He felt the nail give way.
Stopped.
Explained what had happened, and generally chatted to the audience, whilst he re-glued it.
Then started again, completed the piece, and was rewarded with a standing ovation.
He actually received another one at the end of the concert, so I think we can assume that the audience enjoyed it.

Later on he met a gentleman who thanked him for a "great" concert and went on to say, "I wanted to shout, quick, is there a manicurist in the house??!!"

As the concert was held at 2.30 in the afternoon, Robin went off and celebrated with a large bottle of Perrier, followed swiftly by a strong coffee.
At least that's what he told me...

Sabicas, Savarez Strings and the Suitcase

A day of preparation and packing for another trip abroad.
However first Robin had to go and buy a new suitcase.
His old one, which he hasn't had that long, was beyond repair.
Some months ago the lock was broken by an over enthusiastic security guard, and, since then, has been held together with a Savarez guitar string.
See a previous post, 'The Many and Varied Uses of Savarez Guitar Strings...', for other applications of the many thousands of used strings we have.
But, on Robin's last trip, the handle of his case also broke, beyond repair of even the strongest guitar string, hence the need to purchase a new case.

That is now done and all I have to do is fill it with clothes.
Robin meanwhile took himself off to the recording studio to try out a new flamenco technique he's been working on.
He recorded 'Zapateado', by Sabicas, to put his new hand position through its paces.
Recording yourself, and then listening back, is an excellent aid to improving technique and interpretation.
It's also a great way of immersing yourself in your music to try and forget the prospect of yet another flight.