Illegal Download Blues & 38459 - New tracks by Robin Hill

These newly-released tracks represent a very different facet of Robin's eclectic musical personality (he's singing and playing electric guitar and keyboard on these!)
For many years Robin has been associated with the world of classical music but he has in fact played and sung in many bands, and worked as a session musician with some of the finest around.

It was a simple dinner party that provided the catalyst for Robin to return to his rock and blues roots.
When the conversation touched on illegal downloads of music and films, Robin, as the only musician present, felt he had to voice his opinions and stand his corner.
He quoted Pete Townshend's thoughts on the subject, "If you illegally download my music you might as well come round to my house and steal my kid's bike."
He also made the very salient point that other people are making money from illegal downloads.

He thought his feelings could be most articulately, and appropriately, expressed via the blues...hence "Illegal Download Blues" a slightly tongue in cheek but, nevertheless, emotional and heartfelt song...

Having written this track he decided it would be an interesting and enjoyable challenge to record a whole album of songs...the next to appear was "38459" a funky kind of rock song.
Many more are now in the pipeline and an album will surely follow.......

As it says at the end of the video, "This track is dedicated to the creative industries everywhere whose livelihoods are diminished by piracy."

Both tracks are now available from iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and many other digital outlets.

Enjoy the video for, 'Illegal Download Blues,'then have a listen to, '38459', you have to hear Vanessa Haynes on backing vocals...

Hill is Home and Jeff Beck - 'A Day in the Life'

After a successful second concert Robin has now arrived home.
It was something of a stressful journey as hold ups in security meant he boarded his plane with only minutes to spare.

However, he is delighted to be back, and we spent a very pleasant evening watching Jeff Beck at Ronnie Scott's on BBC4.
What a fantastic, original and virtuosic performance by Beck very ably supported by his excellent band.
How refreshing to see and hear him, at 64, still innovating - a master,not only in the art of the electric guitar, but also of music itself. Highly effective, lean arrangements utilising silence and space and brilliant dynamics.

For the next 6 days you can witness Jeff Beck at Ronnie Scott's, here, courtesy of the BBC.

I knew it would happen though.
I turned my back for a minute and Robin disappeared.
Then the distant sound of his Fender Stratocaster could be heard from his studio.
Robin just couldn't resist going off and having a quick blast...

One of our favourite songs on the programme was Beck's version of Lennon and McCartney's 'A Day in the Life'.
Here it is, not from Ronnie Scott's, but Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

From Elgar's 150th Anniversary to the Latest Member of The Zimmers?

Today is the 150th anniversary of Elgar's birth. To read more about him you can take a look at 'The Elgar Society' site.
There are many celebrations going on around the country over the next few weeks, and here are a few of them.

Meanwhile, at home, my gran has been over for the day.
She's always interested in current events and keeping up to date with the world of blogging.
She has been following the success of 'The Zimmers', and was rather amused by the video.
If you want to see it, go to this earlier blog of mine, 'From Concerto Premiere Coming Soon to The Zimmers: My Generation', and follow the links.
I think it all went to her head, at 87 years young, she found Robin's Fender Stratocaster, learnt a few power chords and is now hoping for an audition....