Sshh - It's a Secret....

Robin has gone back down to London today. He's there for an important meeting, and no, I can't tell you anything about it at this stage. In fact, I'm not sure when I'll be able to pass on this exciting news, so you'll just have to keep checking in. Nothing like a bit of intrigue to keep you all guessing, and no, I'm not open to bribes...
He decided to go down on the train and I think he quite enjoyed the experience of travelling without his guitar. It certainly makes life easier.
Robin seems to be making a habit of heading south at the moment. If you remember he was in London last week doing his bit to save the rainforest.
Here's the picture to prove it.




Meanwhile, I've been holding the fort at home, as always. I did remember to take a break and listen to 'Tales from the Stave', BBC Radio 4. This week Frances Fyfield discussed the creative process behind Benjamin Britten's opera 'Peter Grimes', with the musical experts Dr.John Evans and Dr.Paul Banks. It's such a delight to hear them thoroughly enjoying themselves as they pour over the score. I recommend it as some lovely lunchtime listening.

From Rachmaninov to The Mousetrap

I listened to the BBC Radio 4 programme I mentioned the other day, 'Tales from the Stave'. Francis Fyfield talked to conductor Marin Alsop and music critic Geoffrey Norris about Rachmaninov's Second Symphony finally being restored and now on loan to the British Library. The enthusiasm as they looked through the hand written score was infectious and it reminded me of the points I made in my blog the other day.
Future generations won't be able to see the work unfold, with alterations being made, as composers now often work through music software programmes. But, if you read my earlier blog, it does offer some suggestions as to how future historians will still be able to unravel the composer behind the music by looking in a slightly different way.
Meanwhile down in London, Robin is finishing his last day at ExCel, supporting Brazilian Springs in their quest to save the rainforest. The whole team have worked very hard and Robin has played his guitar for so long that I don't think he has any fingerprints left. Actually, he doesn't have any on his left hand anyway, they were worn away many years ago and only string shaped grooves remain.
As a reward for all their hard work they are off to St.Martin's Theatre tonight to see 'The Mousetrap', the longest-running murder mystery in the world.
Well, even Robin has to have a night off occasionally.

Mothering Sunday Madness

I was rudely awoken at 5am by the alarm clock, not the traditional start to Mother's Day of a lie in and burnt toast, but business is business.
As I waved Robin off to the airport shouting, 'Nice weather for a flight', (it's currently gale force winds and hailstones here), I did feel a twinge of guilt, especially as I crept back under the still warm duvet. However, I was joined by a wriggling and squirming son number one, so sleep remained elusive.
After only four hours sleep and a rather bumpy flight I think a few extra cups of coffee will be required to get those fingers moving on the Brazilian Springs stand at ExCel this afternoon.
If you happen to be there, go along and say hello, in the less formal setting of an exhibition, it's an ideal opportunity to get up close and see how it's all done.
I'll report back later when I have more news.

UPDATE:
I am pleased to say that Robin, guitar and suitcase all arrived safely in London. He had no trouble taking his guitar in the cabin which was a huge relief. Mind you, as it was BA that lost it last week, I don't think they would have dared refuse entry today. Interestingly, they also told Robin that all airlines should now have the same policy. Lets hope they are right.
His first afternoon has gone very well and I should have a bit more to tell you tomorrow.

Robin Hill Turns to South America

Sometimes I can't quite believe how lucky I am, and today is one of those days.
The sun is streaming through the window and I've just been listening to a selection of some of the most vibrant, ebullient, rhythmic, melodic and lively music you can imagine.
See if you can guess the theme, here's some of the composers:
Jorge Morel, Federico Bustamente, Dilamando Reis, got it yet?
No, well here's a few more:
Villa-Lobos, Antonio Lauro, Agustin Barrios and Pernambuco.
Answer:
They are all South American.
The reason is that Robin is deep into his practice for ExCel starting on Sunday afternoon, all day Monday and Tuesday. As he will be on the Brazilian Springs stand we felt a South American feel would be appropriate.
As the whole exhibition is an international food and drink event I'm sure there will be plenty there to satisfy all the senses.
I must now get back to my eavesdropping, all that music and it's not even lunchtime!

Help Save the Brazilian Rainforest

The tradition of musicians being associated with good causes goes back a long way.
High profile artists such as Paul McCartney, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell have all been connected with rainforest preservation worldwide.
So when we were approached by Brazilian Springs, to help promote the work they are doing in aid of the Brazilian rainforest, there really was no hesitation.
The Brazilian rainforest is often referred to as "the lungs of the planet", as it not only reduces global warming by absorbing harmful gases, but also produces 20% of the world's oxygen.
For every 300ml bottle of Brazilian Springs water you purchase, the Brazilian Rain Forest Foundation can buy at least 12 square meters of rainforest. One bottle a day for a year adds to an area the size of a football pitch.
Alongside preserving and regenerating the forest they are also helping local farmers to find alternative farming methods.
Follow the links to the sites for more information and some very nice pictures, and even better, if you are in or around London on the 18/19/20th March come to ExCel and talk to the company yourself whilst listening to Robin play his guitar on and off throughout the day.
They will be on stand No ST4723, or, just follow the sound of music.

Meanwhile out a sea, Robin had the luxury of enjoying an evening as a member of the audience for a change, and watched an enjoyable show with singers and dancers covering songs by Cole Porter and Irving Berlin amongst others.

Robin Hill Relaxes...

As Robin has now finished his work on board ship he can allow himself some time to relax.
Unfortunately the weather has taken a decidedly misty turn.



What is that in the middle of the picture?
Is it the Mozambique Channel equivalent to the Loch Ness Monster?

There has been plenty of positive feedback from various members of the audience which is always nice. One lady has asked if Robin has recorded 'La Paloma'. He was able to reply that it is soon to be recorded on the next CD.
La Paloma, which means 'The Dove', was composed by Sebastien Iradier who also composed the famous Habanera in Bizet's 'Carmen'. Bizet thought it was a folk melody but later realised his mistake and credited Iradier with the theme.
I'm sure Robin will be making good use of the time practicing La Paloma, and many other pieces, as he has a busy time coming up.
Don't forget the 18/19/20th March at the ExCel London, international food and drink event.
You'll need to look out for the Brazilian Springs Europe LLP stand. More soon.