Sound Checks Complete and Wives of Musicians Unite...

My ears and head are aching.
For weeks now we have been testing microphones and trying out various settings.
In just the last 3 or 4 days, I have listened to 109 takes of, 'Un Dia de Noviembre' by Leo Brouwer.
It isn't the playing that I am expected to comment on, but the sound, timbre, balance, etc.
I have added sound engineer to my list of jobs....
Finally, we have settled on a microphone, and now we can focus back on the music.
It was with great joy that I listened to take 109, and enjoyed the piece and the playing, rather than scrutinising the sound.

Hopefully recording will commence next week....

As you know, I have been following the progress of David Juritz in his project, 'Around the World and Bach', as I feel it is not only an interesting concept, but also supporting a worthwhile cause.
David has added a 'round up' of the first week over on his site, which, is a good way to gain insight into what he is doing.
I was particularly pleased to see that he acknowledged the strain that this project puts on his wife Jane.
It's difficult enough when tours are organised down to the last detail, but when you are literally playing to pay your way, there is obviously more at stake.
There's no doubt that it is hard for the performer to be away from home.
Robin always finds this difficult, particularly when travelling alone, although he does of course have his guitar!
But, it is also hard for those left behind.
As David has said, 'Jane is sounding tired and trying not to show her anxiety, alongside the increased workload of updating websites and dealing with 'phone calls'.

In case Jane, or David for that matter, read this, remember, it will all be worth it.
I have blogged before on the situation that 'wives of musicians' find themselves in.
It's pretty well summed up on a post, 'Traits of a Guitar Widow', over on 'Guitarist Widow' site.
The instrument doesn't really matter, if you are married to a musician, then you'll understand.
So as Jane, fends off calls, deals with websites, looks after children, runs the home, and if it's anything like our house, receives many calls from various parts of the world - day and night - just to make contact, then remember, you are not alone....

Mutual Appreciation - Jimi Hendix and Force 10

"There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." Oscar Wilde

There's some mutual appreciation going on between me, here, and 'Guitarist Widow', over the the US.
Read 'Traits of a Guitar Widow' to see what I mean.

I must say, I was very touched, and also delighted, to find that there is someone else in the world, that truly understands what it takes to be 'behind the scenes', of a musician.
Some of the observations made are so accurate, it's almost as if they have been following me around for the last 15 years!
Yes, you do have to recognise the love and passion that your 'man' has for his music.
Yes, the guitar is another member of the family, and probably the most demanding one.
Yes, you do have to give over your home to guitars, music and associated paraphernalia. (Do you remember an entry I made about finding music stored in a disused fridge...)
Yes, you do travel with them as much as you can.
For many years I got to see some fantastic countries and places all over the world. It isn't as easy these days with young children, but, I'm always there on the end of a 'phone, or computer in the really far flung places.
And, yes, you do wonder what goes on when you're not able to be there. However, I got over that a long time ago. Luckily, Robin does appreciate that the true 'guitar widow' is an extremely rare breed.

All that said, it is a very nice feeling to know that somewhere out there, are others that understand the sacrifices that are made, to enable this exciting, fascinating, unusual, musical journey that we are taking.

Whilst on the subject of the back up I provide for Robin, I'm under strict instructions to tape a programme for him this evening.
Neil McCormick explains in this article, 'Turn on, tune in - but who's dropped out?

So, I'd better prepare for a late night, as once Robin has returned, and we have watched this programme, I feel sure that he will be getting out his Fender Stratocaster, and playing along with Jimi Hendrix.
To hear some examples of Robin playing electric guitar you can revisit this post, 'Force Ten to be Reckoned With...'.
Enjoy.