Back to the Amazon

As you know, prior to Christmas, Robin was in South America.
It's actually the second time this year that he has ventured up the Amazon, here's the post I wrote last time:
'Arrival in the Amazon, Caruso and Fitzcarraldo'

Before Crystal Symphony set sail there was a couple of days to enjoy Manaus, Brazil, especially as Robin had 9 days before his first concert...

Here you can see the famous Opera House and beautifully decorated tree:





A trip to the fish market highlighted the many different fish available when shopping in the Amazon, Robin was however quite pleased to be recovering from a cold and therefore had a reduced sense of smell...




It was in the tiny village of Boca de Valeria that one really sensed they had arrived in the Amazon:



This is a typical village house:



A local tradition for recycling involves old Kayaks. Put to good use growing flowers and herbs:




It was a particularly long trip, especially for 2 concerts, but both were received enthusiastically with standing ovations.
Appropriately Robin played lots of South American music, featuring composers such as Federico Bustamente, Dilermando Reis, Pernambuco and Heitor Villa-Lobos.



Robin kept busy though with lots of practice and plenty of table tennis although he declined to try piranha fishing.
Not being a fisherman, I think it was a wise choice, his fingers are rather important to him....

There were plenty of concerns about getting home for Christmas.
First British Airways threatening to strike. And as soon as this situation resolved, the weather changed.
Severe snow hit the UK.
Robin left Buenos Aires, Argentina, for Heathrow without any problems, and 15 hours later arrived to find his connecting flight cancelled.
Eventually a coach was supplied and a travel weary musician slowly made his way home.

At least it gave the rest of us time to make this little fellow for him:

'Musical Bar'

As Robin makes his way up the Amazon on Crystal Symphony, it became obvious that Christmas preparations were underway in Manaus, Brazil:



He has already visited some incredible places and I'm hoping for photographs soon.
However sending them is proving a problem just at the moment.
But regardless of the fantastic sights he is seeing Robin has two concerts to prepare for, so he is keeping busy.

Meanwhile I thought I would share this joke with you.

It was sent to me by our wonderful friend Paul Griffin.

So at this busy time of year, take a few minutes to sit back, relax and release the inner musician...

Musical Bar

C, E-flat and G go into a bar. The bartender says, "sorry,
but we don't serve minors." So E-flat leaves, and C and G
have an open fifth between them. After a few drinks, the
fifth is diminished and G is out flat. F comes in and tries
to augment the situation, but is not sharp enough.

D comes in and heads for the bathroom saying, "Excuse me.
I'll just be a second." Then A comes in, but the bartender
is not convinced that this relative of C is not a minor.
Then the bartender notices B-flat hiding at the end of the
bar and says, "Get out! You're the seventh minor I've found
in this bar tonight."

E-Flat comes back the next night in a three-piece suit with
nicely shined shoes. The bartender says, "you're looking
sharp tonight. Come on in, this could be a major
development." Sure enough, E-flat soon takes off his suit
and everything else, and is au natural.

Eventually C sobers up and realizes in horror that he's
under a rest. C is brought to trial, found guilty of
contributing to the diminution of a minor, and is sentenced
to 10 years of D.S. without Coda at an upscale correctional
facility.


AXJ66SAEE4BT

Dangerous Time In Los Angeles.....

Today Crystal Symphony arrives in Los Angeles and Robin will be making the long journey home.
He has enjoyed the trip, his concerts have both gone very well, and he has caught up with a few friends.
Mark Merchant I have already mentioned, but the pianist Naki Ataman, has also been on board.
He's an interesting chap, he started playing at the age of 4, and made his stage debut at 8!
Naki is the son of the concert violinist and conductor, Zeki Ataman, who used to conduct many Turkish orchestras.
Naki had an interesting story, and one that may appeal to any conductors out there. At the time, occupations in Turkey were given an unofficial ranking, with musicians pretty high up on the list, and conductors in particular, being held in very high esteem, with a ranking the equivalent of a General!

However I have other things on my mind today.
As I have said, Robin will be leaving Crystal Symphony in Los Angeles.
I do have a concern.
In Los Angeles is one of Robin's favourite shops, and you guessed it, they sell guitars.
Not just any old guitars, but concert guitars.
I also know that he will have time to visit, before he goes to the airport.
We have dealt with this place many times in the past, and he assures me he's only going so he can meet them face to face.

I did send him an email outlining my concerns. You can probably judge the tone of my message, when I tell you his response:

"It will take more than a knife wielding psychopath with an Oedipus complex, or a serial killer with a chainsaw to deter me..."

Oh, well, I suppose it's OK to look.

Cabo San Lucas, Hard Rock Cafe, and the Tale of an Iguana

Yesterday Crystal Symphony spent the morning in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, a very nice place indeed.
As you can see, the harbour is full of beautiful boats:



In the 40's and 50's Bing Crosby and John Wayne were frequently seen here as they enjoyed the deep sea fishing.

Even today there appears to be something for everyone, including a restaurant called, 'Squid Roe', and a 'Hard Rock Cafe':



Then I had rather a surreal 'phone conversation with Robin which went something like this:

Robin: "It's really beautiful here, and I'm just stroking an Iguana, it's being held by a lady, (crackle, crackle, it wasn't a good line), ...wearing a sombrero."

Me: "Really, wow, an Iguana, that's fantastic. I suppose the lady should be wearing a sombrero, you are in Mexico."

Robin: "No, the Iguana's wearing the sombrero."

Me: "Don't be ridiculous."

The conversation continued in this mode for some time...

Once back on board the photographic evidence was forwarded.
Here it is:



Word is also out that Robin's nail repair kit has proved very handy. Not only for nails and a President's eyebrow, but you can now add stiletto heel to the list.

Concert Comments and George Bush's Eyebrow

The final concert went very well and Robin has had some very nice comments.
He was delighted to meet a member of the audience afterwards that is an eminent jazz guitarist. I shan't identify him, as he is after all there on holiday, but he enjoyed the concert very much and they spent some time 'talking music'.
To receive compliments on your performance from a distinguished musician in his own right, is very nice indeed.

This chap is a friend of the legendary jazz guitarist, Lee Ritenour, who has many recordings to his name and has done session work with some of the best around. Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie and Pink Floyd to name just a few.
So they had plenty to talk about.

Another lady said that Robin, "Played with so much soul that she could see it rising out of his body."
Whilst one couple announced, "We enjoy your playing very much, we're in the next room."
However, they added that both their children play guitar, so they were used to hearing it, and that they had been to both concerts and thoroughly enjoyed them.
I hope they enjoyed the scales and arpeggios as much...

Also a chance meeting with an American gentleman proved amusing.
Robin had just convinced himself that no one would notice him doing some laundry. He found the laundry room and was just loading up the machine, a sight I would dearly loved to have seen, when this man came in and said incredulously, "A guitarist like you has to do his own washing!"....Yes, please don't discourage this new found skill...

Last night it was Mark Merchant's turn.
Robin was just about to go out to watch Mark's show, when 10 minutes before it was due to start, there was a knock at the door.
There he stood, clutching George Bush, minus his right eyebrow.
Knowing that this particular guitarist never travels without superglue, in case of any nail damage, Mark was hopeful for some emergency repairs.
It worked.
George Bush now has perfectly symmetrical eyebrows once more, and went on to give an excellent show, with the help of Mark of course.
Life's never dull on board Crystal Symphony!

Interview in 'Lancashire Magazine' Plus Robin Hill's Travel Tip

For anyone able to get hold of a copy of 'Lancashire magazine', March edition, you will see a familiar face on the front cover, and a lengthy interview with one Robin Hill.
Angela Kelly talks to Robin about his musical career to date. I wasn't actually in when this interview took place, but it appears to have gone well, as the article covers a great deal of ground, and makes for very interesting reading.

It did cause some mirth in our house though, both children were very amused to hear their Dad described as 'quietly-spoken', not something they are familiar with. Also, son number two was delighted that their ages had been muddled up, and he was now 10.
Age is all important to small children.
Whilst son number one had been relegated to the meagre age of 5. But he wasn't too phased, he has had enough publicity in his own right, and had his age miss printed enough times, not to be bothered about it.

There are even some very nice photographs which show the distinctive markings on Robin's beautiful Miguel Rodriguez, guitar.

News from Crystal Symphony.
Well, the pressure is now off Robin as he performed his final concert, of this trip, last night.
More details when I get them.
I do know that Robin did go into Acapulco yesterday. He allowed himself a little time to relax as he really likes the harbour, and town beyond.
One problem everyone faces when travelling abroad, wherever they are, is being inundated with local men, woman and children, trying to take you places you don't want to go, or sell you things you don't want to buy.
They go to the trouble of learning standard phrases, in many languages, and it is often difficult to extricate yourself from the situation without appearing rude.
Well, Robin has devised a cunning new method.

As the locals corner him, and start offering everything, and anything he may desire, (and I mean anything...) Robin has taken to looking straight at them in a bemused way, shrugging his shoulders and gesticulating wildly, whilst muttering, "Mish mash mush," in as thick an accent as he can muster.
A path clears around him and he goes on his way.
I can imagine these poor people going home and 'Googling' 'Mish mash mush', in the hopes of finding the origin of this new language, so they can become fluent within a few days.
Good luck to them.

Jose Feliciano and the Ventriloquist

Crystal Symphony has spent a couple of days out at sea, so communication has been limited.
The last time Robin was on dry land, he ventured into Puntarenus, Costa Rica.
He proceeded with caution after the bus driver told him a few facts about the area.
Costa Rica has 36 types of poisonous snakes, they have anti venom for 35 of them, so advised not getting bitten by a sea snake....

Not to be deterred Robin continued into town where he found an interesting shop.
His ability to spot guitars at more than 100 paces is legendary.
From a great distance he saw a very old shop, with some dusty guitars hanging in the window.
His heart leapt.
Could there be a priceless guitar hiding in the back of this place? Maybe even one of Barrios's very own...
But he was to be disappointed.
The shop was full of guitars, all very old and tired, and all without strings. (For the non guitarists amongst you, guitars should never be left stringless.)
I breathed a sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, back out at sea, life on board Crystal Symphony continues.
Robin has been enjoying the company of a friend he made some time ago, and occasionally their trips coincide. His name is Mark Merchant and he is a comedian and ventriloquist.
He's a very funny man, I know because I've watched his DVD, 'Naked in a Full Length Mirror'.
They have also enjoyed attending each others very different performances.
Not only that, but they have managed a couple of games of paddle tennis, and eaten out together a few times.
He, like Robin, has travelled extensively and worked with many interesting people.
On one occasion Mark spent a few weeks opening for Jose Feliciano in Los Angeles.
Jose Feliciano is a guitarist, born in Purto Rico, who has managed a successful career despite being blind from birth.

After the first week, Mark and Jose still hadn't met.
But as Mark walked past Jose's dressing room, his voice called out, "Is that you Mark?"
He went inside.
Jose continued, "Hey, good to meet you man, you are a great ventriloquist - I haven't seen your lips move once."
Nice.

Anyway, Crystal Symphony will be arriving in Acapulco later today. I'm not sure if Robin will go ashore this time as his second, and final, concert is tonight. But it's only a couple of weeks since he was there anyway.
Mind you, I seem to recall that he liked it very much, so maybe he will allow himself a short excursion.
We'll see.

'Fiesta de Xabia' by Robin Hill - Guitar

Robin is enjoying some very pleasant weather, as he approaches Costa Rica on board Crystal Symphony, and I think he felt sorry for me back here in the frozen North of England.
So he sent me an audio file, of a piece of music he composed during a family holiday in the sun, to remind me of warmer times.
He recorded this piece just before Christmas, and wanted to share it with you as a taste of things to come, when he is home long enough to record the rest of the album!

The piece is called, 'Fiesta de Xabia'.

It was inspired by the bull running festival in Xabia which we witnessed whilst on holiday in Spain.
It's an incredible sight, the narrow streets are lined with cages, bulls are released into the street, and the men of the town literally run ahead of the bulls, diving into the protective cages at the last minute.
The piece reflects the mood of the whole town.

Ominous trills at the beginning signal the tension and excitement prior to the release of the first animal.
Then the exuberant theme announces the appearance of the first bull.
The increasing virtuosic variations depict the local young (and not so young) men who exhibit an amazing agility in avoiding the horns.
The slowing of the tempo towards the end shows the bull majestic as the final victor and the piece finshes with an ebullient restatement of the main theme.

Hope you enjoy it.

'Fiesta de Xabia' - composed and performed by Robin Hill

For now, you can hear 'Fiesta de Xabia' from the player in the sidebar.

One Down One To Go

Well the first set of concerts went very well.
On Crystal Symphony they have a different system.
Robin performs one concert of 45 minutes, at 7.30, and then repeats the same performance again at 10.30pm.
This is due to the large number of passengers on board and allows everyone the chance to see the recital.

Both the performances went well, and with the capacity to hold 600 people for each concert, that's a lot of audience!

He did take some time out during the day to go up on deck with his binoculars and try and spot some crocodiles.
They are fequently seen basking on the banks of the Panama Canal, but as they were going through a lock at the time, the crocs were nowhere to be seen.
There were however circling vultures way up high which is a little unsettling...

His next concert isn't until Thursday, so, Robin can relax for a while and then start preparing his second programme.
For us, here at home, it is the last day of half term, and a beautiful sunny morning.
So we shall make the most of the day before school resumes tomorrow.

Dancers' Dilemma

Well I don't have any pictures of Cartagena to show you as Robin didn't make it into the town.
This highlights the amount of committment required to perform in public at such a demanding level.
Rehearsal and practise always comes first.

Just before he was about to head off into town, to have a look around, the cruise director called.
The forecast for later that evening wasn't good.
A storm was brewing out at sea.
The show scheduled for that night was a group of dancers.
They can't perform if the sea is too rough. Dancing is difficult enough when the stage is stable, never mind if it's pitching and rolling in an alarming manner.
At least a guitarist is sitting on a chair...albeit a moving one.
So the cruise director put Robin on standby, to swop his concert from Saturday, to Friday.

Consequently he didn't go into Cartagena, even though it is one of the rare occasions that it is a port he hadn't been to, and, had told me earlier, looked very interesting.
Instead he stayed in his room, and cranked up the practise, to concert day level.

He didn't mind.
In some ways he was ready to get the first performance done.
It made for an uncertain day though.
Am I performing/aren't I performing.
He was told he wouldn't be informed until about 7pm local time.

The last I heard from Robin the sea was calm, but the decision hadn't yet been made.
He was assuming things were back to plan A, and the dancers would dance, and he would go through the whole pre concert preparation again tomorrow.

I haven't heard from him yet today.
But I guess that when he gets up, he will be getting on with some serious practise.
Even though Crystal Symphony is going through the Panama Canal today, he will just have to look at it through his window, as he gets on with his scales and arpeggios.

Cartagena - Colombia

Robin spent yesterday at sea, and used the time to practise and memorise, 'Cancion y Danza', by Ruiz Pipo.
He won't be playing it in concert on this trip, it needs to be firmly cemented in mind and fingers before a public performance, but he will quite likely introduce the piece into his repertoire very soon.

Today, Crystal Symphony has arrived in Cartagena, Colombia, and Robin is looking forward to going ashore.
From a distance it appears to be an interesting mix of old and new buildings and the area is famed for its emeralds.
The port itself is on the Northern coast of Colombia, with two old fortresses either side of the entrance to the harbour.

It's has been said that in years gone by, a huge chain was attached to each of the fortresses, remaining out of view under the water.
When a pirate ship was spotted, the chain was pulled up, ripping the bottom of the incoming ship, to protect the land from the pirates.

Luckily, no such problems today for Crystal.
I'm hoping for some nice pictures at some point and will pass them on when I can.

Stolen Identity

Since I last posted, which was only Tuesday, Robin has settled into life on board Crystal Symphony.
He has spent a day at sea, then enjoyed the pleasures of Grand Cayman, before returning to sea again.
He is doing plenty of practise in preparation for his concert on Saturday, but also, enjoying the wonderful weather. I know this as a call was interrupted to apply further suncream and prevent burning.....

Meanwhile, here, I have been involved in a case of stolen identity.
My alert system informed me of a mention, somewhere in cyberspace, of the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo.
I followed the link, as I normally do, just to check it out.
I was therefore amazed to find what appeared to be a blog.
The title was one of mine, the entry was one of mine, all the content was mine, but the author had an entirely different name.

Someone, somewhere, had gone to the trouble of creating a page, adding my blog entry, making a links section, contacts etc. to give the illusion that they were writing about the duo.
I won't give them the satisfaction of a link to show you what I mean, as I'm pretty sure there are dubious and unsavoury connections, but the original post from me was written back in January 2007.
This was my version, 'Accidents Happen: Part 1'.

Why they should choose this particular entry I have no idea.
Why they should choose Hill/Wiltschinsky I have no idea.
Why they should choose me I have no idea.

The internet is an amazing and informative tool when used correctly. It has opened up the world in a way that wouldn't have even been dreamed of not that long ago.
But like most advances there is a downside.
It isn't always as it appears.
This 'stolen' blog would appear authentic to anyone who hasn't visited the official site.
They could therefore follow many of the links to read further, only to find themselves taken to pages very far removed for a classical guitar duo.
I assume the owners of this page get something out of it.
But I didn't like to linger too long, once I realised what had happened, for fear of some contamination/virus.
This occured a few weeks ago, and I haven't had any problems, so I assume they must get some sort of financial reward for clicks on their links.

The reason for telling you all this.
Well, just to be aware that things aren't always as they seem.

New Media & A Night Alone...

Robin has arrived in Miami after a 9 hour flight and was consequently very pleased to be shown his lovely room on Crystal Symphony.
He now has a few days to relax and prepare before his first concert on Saturday.

I found myself in a strange position yesterday.
Husband away.
Then a call from my Mum asking if she could have the children for the night.
Yes was my reply.

So, there I was, in the house, alone, except for my three furry friends.
What should I do?
Call some friends and arrange a wild night out?
You have to remember that I haven't been in this position for many years - about 11 actually....

What I did.
Some site maintenance, the observant amongst you will see that I have added Google Ads to the blog.

Then I checked out some of my favourite sites and became inspired.
Jason Heath has made a really interesting video on 'New Media Marketing for Arts Organizations', and it's well worth a look.
It amazes me how he finds the time to be a technical whizz kid, and regularly perform as a musician, but he does.

When you are computer illiterate, as I am, it's very nice to have someone out there explaining the fast changing face of the media today, in terms I can understand.
So thank you Jason!

Also I noticed that Robin now has a Wikipedia page.
Whilst I didn't add this, it is of course, much appreciated.
You can find it here, 'Robin Hill (guitarist)', but, if you are searching for it away from this blog, remember to add the 'guitarist' part, otherwise you will find yourself looking at a theme park on the Isle of Wight!

Paris to Miami

It was an early start for Robin today.
As he was getting into a taxi at 4.30 this morning, he was already looking forward to coffee and croissant, on arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.

However, Air France were particularly efficient and I had a call from Robin as he waited for take off on his connecting flight.
He was rather put out that there hadn't been time to go for breakfast, and the longed for croissant had been denied him.
But, at least he will have the opportunity to partake of plenty of coffee on the long flight to Miami.
Why is it that the French are so much better at making coffee than we are?

Often I take Robin to the airport myself, but, the thought of getting two boys up so early in the morning, and then having to suffer the consequences for the rest of the day, were just too much for me.
Esecially as it's half term here, so they will be home all week, without their Dad.

Later today, Robin will arrive in Miami and join Crystal Symphony.
He has been on this lovely ship many times and always enjoys it.
I look forward to hearing from him, when he has settled in after his long flight.

Cochin - India and Classic FM

Friday, so it must be Cochin, India. The good news is that it's also the day that Robin will start his journey home. Not that he gets here until Saturday evening, but at least he's on his way.
The last guitar concert on Crystal Symphony was yesterday, and the message that I got from Robin was that it had been fine. From many years experience, I know that this actually means that it went very well, and he had been pleased with the outcome.
He's always very critical of his own performances, so fine, means excellent.

I was very pleased to read Richard Alleyne's article today, 'Teens tune in to Classic FM'. Apparently, their initial interest in classical music stems from film scores, such as Star Wars, but they are now tuning in to help with their homework. For more details follow the link.

I have also discovered that 'On classical music', over in Finland are enjoying following Robin's life, so hello to everyone there!

'Concierto de Aranjuez' on Crystal Symphony

A day at sea for Robin, again, but he was beamed live around the Crystal Symphony today!
He recorded an in-house T.V. interview yesterday, in which he talked for a while to the cruise director, and then performed part of Rodrigo's, 'Concierto de Aranjuez'. Obviously this was just a taster as he didn't have a full orchestra with him, unfortunately!
It was broadcast today to prepare the public for his final concert tomorrow.
At least we are now counting days, rather than weeks, before his return.

Meanwhile back at home, I have just found out that I've been linked to a site in America called, 'Guitarist Widow'. I had to check it out, after all, we have to stick together!
Whilst a different form of playing, there are some interesting, and funny, takes on life, with a husband who's obsessed by guitars.

As if by Magic - The Bay of Bengal

As Robin left Myanmar he sent two further pictures.
The first is of this rather beautiful lady and her child. She explained that the face paint was made from wood pulp and worn mainly by the women and children. It's function is not only decorative, but also, to help protect from the vicious sun.



Secondly, an image of a lovely flower:



But now, Crystal Symphony is back at sea, crossing the Bay of Bengal on its way to India.
Robin left home so long ago that his return flight tickets weren't yet available.
I had to pass on a message that I found rather amusing.
When he arrived on board Symphony he had to find the magician, who was bringing out Robin's flight details and tickets, and as if by magic, he would be able to return home.
As it turned out, the magician, Brett, found him, and they immediately got on very well. They have enjoyed many evenings discussing music and found they have very similar tastes.
Robin has also been amazed by some late night, private viewing, of some spectacular card tricks.
His guitar practice will be stepping up a gear now as his second concert is on Thursday.

How to Boil an Egg - Sir John Barbirolli

Robin will spend the day taking in a few sights in Yangon, but mainly, will be on board practicing his guitar. Still, he can take comfort from the opulent surroundings.



I'm not sure if this is inside Crystal Symphony or Serenity, but, hey, looks alright to me.

As there is only me and son number two at home at the moment, I decided against the traditional Sunday lunch. Didn't seem worth it.
So, eggs it is, and here is how to make the perfect one:

"I always have a boiled egg. A three-minute egg. Do you know how I time it? I bring it to the boil and then conduct the overture to 'The Marriage of Figaro'. Three minutes exactly."

Sir John Barbirolli (1899-1970)

Enjoy!

Yangon, Myanmar - Where's That...

Yesterday Robin did his first concert on board Crystal Symphony, which I assume went well, as I read a post on a cruise board that said they had, 'seen the classical guitar player who was wonderful'. That's OK then.
I can also report that the pianist made it off his elephant, and back on board, as he dined with Robin last night.
Today they are heading for Myanmar, (if like me, you are unsure where that is, then it used to be called Burma.)
This looks like an interesting place.
If you go to the tourist sites for Myanmar, there are lovely pictures, as you would imagine.
He is actually docking in Yangon, and again, that looks and sounds great.
However, if you check out 'Lonely Planet World Guide', then it appears that some caution is needed.
As Robin will be there for a few days, he will be able to assess it for himself.
After more than 30 years of travelling the globe, and many strange, and often rather frightening experiences, I'm sure that he'll handle this without any problems, and just enjoy the experience.

Frustratingly, a new microphone arrived yesterday, ready for testing. I'm sure the travel worn musician will be delighted to put it through its paces on his return.

Singapore for Robin - Da Vinci Code Cracking for Me

Robin has now arrived in Singapore and is settling into his room on Crystal Symphony. His first, of two concerts, isn't for a few days, which is excellent news, as I'm sure he needs a few days to recover from the journey.
You would think he would lay down and relax for a while, but no, when I spoke to him he was repairing a nail.
Before he left America, Robin e mailed me a new piece he has composed called, 'A Passage to New York'.
Sight reading isn't really my thing, and despite Robin assuring me I would be fine with it, I feel some work is required.

Not as much as Thomas and Stuart Mitchell though.
They were intrigued by the markings on the arches of a chapel of a church featured in 'The Da Vinci Code'. Using their musical knowledge they have unlocked the notes of a piece of music that has been hidden for centuries. It's an interesting story by Richard Alleyne which you can read here.
I look forward to hearing it and many congratulations to them for their perseverance.

Meanwhile, I must get back to my own code cracking. I'm keen to hear this new piece of Robin's, especially as it's dedicated to me.
At least I have the luxury of playing through it on Robin's Miguel Rodriguez guitar. He has the 'Churchdoor' with him, but his other concert guitar is here with me.
If you happen to be in Singapore, on Crystal Symphony, don't tell him that I'm torturing his music on his precious guitar....