Pugwash Puganini Hill

We have had a very exciting weekend.
Many months ago son number two was promised a puppy.
He's too young to remember the whole 'puppy' experience and was desperate for his own small furry friend.
Having established that this wasn't just a passing phase we finally relented.
So, here she is, introducing:

Pugwash Puganini Hill




She is a delightful little girl, a cross between a Pug and a West Highland White, therefore known as a Pugland.
Having taken delivery of her on Saturday she has managed to make herself very much at home, and win over all the Hillhouse members, human and furry.

In fact as I type, at a rather unusual angle, she has fallen asleep on my knee.
Fortunately she has a big, confident personality, despite her size, as she has a lot of different noises to get used to.

So far, luckily for us, she is very happy with the sound of the guitar.
There was a momentary hesitation with the violin, but she has now got over that.
And she appears perfectly at ease with the harmonica and the tambourine, (yes, all played regularly here at Hillhouse.)
We haven't subjected her to the drums yet, much too loud for those little ears.

So watch this space.
Traditionally every pet we have ever introduced into our home has had a piece of music composed for them.
Pugwash Puganini will be no exception.
Expect something big.
Although small she is full of character, and her Dad's smitten...

Electric Light Orchestra - Mr. Blue Sky

Traditionally Sunday morning in Hillhouse is iPod shuffle time.
As Robin has been away so much this year we have lapsed in this most enjoyable pastime.
But this morning we did put shuffle on, and the first track to play brought a smile to our faces, and a grimace from the children, as in Pavlovian fashion they thought it was Monday.

The reason for this is that the track was, 'Mr. Blue Sky' by the Electric Light Orchestra.

But why should Mr. Blue Sky make our children think it was Monday?
Well, it is because we have found it a very effective means of motivating reluctant schoolboys to embrace the day.
It doesn't have to be Monday.
We use it most days of the week.

I'll set the scene.
All had breakfast.
All watching the hands of the clock as they progress perilously close to the time we need to leave the house.
Two long faces.
The solution is simple.
You turn on the iPod, select ELO, pump up the volume, and then all dance around and sing along to this wonderfully enthusiastic and optimistic piece of music.

When I say 'we', I actually mean me and sons numbers one and two.
Robin is usually looking on with amusement, or, far from home imagining the scene.

But it isn't just random gyrating.
We each have our own little part to play.
For example, the harmonies are planned out and practiced to perfection.
All three of us give virtuoso 'air guitar' performances for the guitar solo, and we each have our own lines to deliver.
Mine being, of course, "Hey you with the pretty face, welcome to the human race," in which I use artistic licence to gesticulate wildly at both boys as it wouldn't do to show any favouritism.

By the time we reach, "Today is the day we've waited for," we are singing in unison and all more than ready to launch ourselves out into the world.

There is a down side.
We may all be motivated to 'carpe diem', but the whole process requires a minimum of five minutes.
Like most houses on a weekday morning, there's a very tight schedule.
The result is the school run becomes just that. We run all they way there, arriving just as the bell is ringing.
But it's worth it.

However, you don't need to have children to use this particular 'Hillhouse tip' to start your day in a positive fashion, anyone can try it.
To help you on your way I have posted a video to get you started.

Off Again...

I know that I have neglected the blog in the last few days, but hopefully you have been keeping up to date with Hillhouse proceedings through Twitter.
It has been busy here as Robin arrived home after a month away, but only for three days.
After such a lengthy separation (apart from my 2 hours in Alicante airport...) it is important to spend time together as a family, and simply enjoy a few precious days together.

Robin was amazed at how much son number two had grown in the four weeks since he'd seen him, and even more amazed at the progress he had made on the violin.
Do we have another budding musician in the family?
Only time will tell.
I'm just pleased that his enthusiasm for the instrument continues.

However, all too soon the alarm clock was ringing, and before we knew it we were on the road once again to the airport.

But it wasn't easy.
We had to leave the house by 6.30, as any later and the traffic would have been at a standstill.
We were lucky today.
We got there without any problems, said a quick goodbye, which caused much amusement to some passing air hostesses, and even made it back in time to sit down for half an hour before I had to take the children to school.

Although slightly delayed, Robin arrived at Heathrow along with his luggage, (which is always a relief), was met by a driver, and taken to Southampton.
He has now boarded Cunard's Queen Mary 2 which will be his home for the next 12 days.
Robin now has to prepare for a T.V. interview later today which will be broadcast tomorrow, plus his first concert, which is also tomorrow, the second one being next week.

One things for sure, the life of a musician is never dull!

New Release on CD Baby 'Eyes That Talk To The Sky'

Today I can announce that a new CD has been released on CD Baby.

'Eyes That Talk To The Sky' is now available on CD Baby, with iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, and many others to follow shortly.

This is a very different album, comprising of all original Robin Hill compositions, which have been inspired by Robin's fascination with the island of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island.

As long as I have known Robin he has been intrigued by this curious and enigmatic place, which is reflected in this recording, by lyrical and emotional guitar compositions.

It's the sort of CD that you should put on, sit back, and relax...and after the last few days here at Hillhouse, that is exactly what I shall be doing this evening.
Go over and have a listen to the clips and I hope you enjoy!

Shame (Flute) about the African Nose Trumpet

I haven't as yet been able to establish why, but in the last few days there have been a number of new visitors here from America, all arriving at the same page.

They found their way to a post I ran back in October 2007, called, The Shame Flute, which you can read here.

Whether there has recently been a radio or T.V. programme featuring the said flute, I'm not sure, but whatever the source, the interest has spanned from coast to coast.
But I am very pleased to welcome all new visitors and hope you enjoy the Hillhouse experience!

This got me thinking about unusual and interesting facts connected to instruments, so, I did a bit of research.

Did you know, for example, that the flutes used by Inca chieftains were made from the arms and shinbones of their captured foes?
Worth remembering next time you happen to be asked to play one.

Or that drums on the island of Timor are carved in the shape of a human torso, because an ancient tribal hero could imitate the sound of the drum by thumping his chest.

Finally, that the national instrument of Polynesia is the nose flute, which is played with one nostril.

This last point reminds me of a rather harrowing time our eldest child recently had.
He was being interviewed for a place at senior school, by the headmaster.
This, as you can imagine, is a stressful situation for an 11 year old, especially when shown an unusual object and asked to guess what it was.

Poor son was at a complete loss.
He'd never seen the item before, and correctly surmised that he was being tested on his lateral thinking.
After much examination, and soul searching, he still had no idea, so decided to try injecting a little humour.
"It's an African nose trumpet," he declared.
Their was no response from the headmaster, and I spent the next few days reassuring son number one, that his response had been acceptable given his family background. (By that I mean musical and not raving mad...)

Anyway, he starts at the school in September, so I assume he either guessed correctly, and the item was in fact an African nose trumpet, or, and more likely, the head 'overlooked' the attempt at humour and dismissed it as youthful high spirits...

Rodrigo and Steely Dan 'Aja'

We listen to a lot of music here at Hillhouse.
Currently we are alternating between two very different styles.
As I have mentioned, Robin is performing the 'Concierto de Aranjuez' next year.
Part of the preparation involves listening to many different interpretations.
So when I can't hear Robin playing through the piece himself, or working on parts of it, then I frequently hear recordings by various artists.
Robin does, of course, have his own interpretation, but it's always good to hear others performances.

But it's not all work.
We are also revisiting one of the best albums ever made, 'Aja' by Steely Dan.
We have listened to this album for many years, but on one of Robin's recent trips abroad, he happened to come across a documentary about the making of Aja, which offered a wonderful insight into this remarkable recording.

Although released in 1977, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker created a classic album which sounds as fresh today as it did 31 years ago.

This is due not only to the incredible quality of composition and intelligent lyrics, but also to featuring some of the greatest session players around.
Joe Sample, Wayne Shorter , Steve Gadd and Tom Scott, to name but a few.

If you are unfamiliar with the 'Aja' album, then I strongly recommend that you get yourself a copy immediately.
Meanwhile, we shall continue to alternate between Rodrigo and Steely Dan. Not a bad backdrop to my work.

Waltz with Electric Sitar and Electric Guitar

The final track on Robin Hill's Eklectica is another composition by the quartets pianist Daniel Bath.
'Waltz', is unusual in the sense that it incorporates singing, electric sitar and the electric guitar.

In fact the piece starts with Daniel singing and then Robin joins in on the electric sitar, with its highly distinctive sound.

The main section of the piece consists of interplay between the keyboards and electric guitar, with a melodic, laid back, late night listening feel to the whole piece.

It's always refreshing to hear musicians obviously enjoying each other's company and making music together.
This album brings these factors together beautifully.
When you hear the tracks in their entirety, and hear the music 'breathe' and develop, you'll know what I mean.

The Bolling in particular is an exciting performance. There aren't many versions of it available, partly because of the unusual instrumentation. I hope you all enjoy this music as much as I do.

Meanwhile here at Hillhouse travel plans are well underway.
Yes, Robin is off again tomorrow.
Check in then for more details...

'The Incredible Lightness of Being' - Robin Hill

'The Incredible Lightness of Being', which is track 8 on, 'Robin Hill's Eklectica', was composed by Robin, specifically for the quartet.

The piece begins with a solo guitar introduction and a fine example of the tremelo technique, which is fluent and rhythmic, setting the tone for the whole piece.
After the introduction there is a change of tempo, commencing with the guitar, which plays a demanding and energetic semiquaver sequence, 'moto perpetuo', which continues throughout the rest of the piece.

Gradually the other instruments are introduced, starting with the piano.
As the marimba joins in I'm afraid the extract then stops, but the piece goes on to culminate with all four musicians playing together.

I have always found this piece very intriguing.
It draws the listener in and mesmerises with it's constantly evolving repetition in a very satisfying way.
An ideal piece of music to sit back, close your eyes, and let the music take you wherever you want to go.

It often reminds me of timelapse photography of city life, where the sound of traffic and people going about their busy lives is removed, and replaced with this much calmer and hypnotic soundtrack.
Listen for yourself and come up with your own conclusions.

Meanwhile here at Hillhouse, Robin is enjoying his time at home, whilst preparing for his next trip.
Today his mission was connected with school.
Son number two has been enjoying animal/wildlife week.
Whilst Robin was away a letter was sent home asking if any parent would like to take a pet in to show to the children.
I volunteered Robin, and then let hom know, by email.
Today was the day.
He got up early to take Miss.Bimps (our chocolate labrador) out for a run in the hopes that it would take the edge off her enthusiasm.
Son number two was very excited.
Off they went.
It was a huge success. The class of 4 and 5 year olds loved her, and, she was very well behaved.
The most amusing part in these situations are always the questions session.
There were the usual, "How many walks does she have?", "Why Miss.Bimps?" (see other entries on Mozart's dog...), but most amusing, "How many dogs are there in the universe?"
To which Robin replied he didn't know, and one small boy added, "I think there's about 100."
Robin was so pleased he was here to carry out this parental responsibility. One of those occasions that would have been very sad for all concerned if he had missed it.

A New Year and an Old Recording

Normality, or what passes for it in this house, hasn't quite returned yet, and won't until school re-opens on Monday.
However that hasn't stopped Robin from getting on with his work.
He has a lengthy foreign trip coming up, which requires a number of programmes to be prepared, so rehearsals are in full swing.
He did however allow himself some time to listen to an old reel to reel recording of Eduardo Abreu playing 'Madronos' by Torroba.
You can guess what's coming.
Yes, Robin dug out the music and has been relearning it in his leisure time.....

He has in fact recorded this piece, many years ago, on an album for the BBC, which was never for sale, but frequently played on air.
What I find interesting is the way that revisiting a piece of music highlights the learning curve which never diminishes for classical musicians in particular.

As Robin has been playing through 'Madronos', which incidentally means 'Strawberries', he has discovered new fingerings and positioning for both left hand and right hands, which makes for a smoother performance.
Years of practice, listening and observing really do pay off in the world of music, and there's always more to be learnt.

Nor does Robin's delight and enthusiasm diminish over time.
The reverse is probably true.
The pleasure he got from listening to Eduardo Abreu play this piece, and also from the rest of the album featuring both Abreu brothers, was immense.
It reminded me of this quote, even if it is a little tongue in cheek:

"The older I get, the more I admire competence, just simple competence, in any field from adultery to zoology."
H.L.Mencken

Genius...a Bit of Fun

Well our busy weekend has nearly come to an end, and, as expected, I have had to put on my 'kid gloves' to deal with the younger generation in Hillhouse...
We have survived though, and, Robin has been working hard, so we shouldn't complain.

A lot of blogs have been taking the 'blog readability' test, which up to now I hadn't got round to.
But, last night, whilst waiting for Robin to come home, I decided to have a go.
This is what it came up with:



So congratulations to all our regular readers for being so intelligent!

Liner Notes for 'Virtuoso' and Classical Star...Don't Tell Me Who Won...

In the early hours of this morning I had an idea which was prompted by some recent posts by Ben over on 'Classical Convert'.
He has recently been discussing the need for liner notes to accompany digital music, as he wants to learn more about the music he is listening to, its structure, key, harmonies etc.
You can read his two related posts here and here.

Whilst not exactly what Ben is after, I decided that over the next few weeks I shall take each track from 'Virtuoso' and discuss it in more detail.
Not just the technical aspects of the music but also any situations which arose during the recording of that particular piece.
For those interested, they can download the music, and then read all about it, as they listen.
Hopefully, for those who don't actually want to purchase the music, they will find it interesting anyway.

I will,of course, still be adding any day to day happenings in Hillhouse, so, even if you are not reading out of 'technical' interest, I hope there will still be something for you.

This will, hopefully, start tomorrow.
As for today, well I am spending most of it avoiding reading any newspapers, blogs (especially UK ones) and generally walking around with my fingers in my ears.
The reason.
'Classical Star' finals was on last night on BBC2, and, as yet, we haven't watched it.
I know there are people out there waiting for some comment about the last programme in the series, as within 15 minutes of the show ending, my statcounter told me of a number of visits, but, I'm afraid you will have to wait until tomorrow.

The reality of living with a musician is the unpredictable nature of life.
Today is a concert day, and consequently last night Robin remained in his music room, hard at work, until late.
So we didn't get to watch the programme.
We will though, and until then, I shall be avoiding anyone who may tell me who has won. (Although I suspect I already know...)

Oh, yes, the concert.
Robin has returned and had an eventful lunch time recital.
Whilst warming up, there was a knock at the dressing room door, and the caretaker asked where Robin had parked his car. A traffic warden was circling and waiting to pounce.
Luckily all that was required was an 'Artists Permit' which Robin was then issued, and after his car keys had been located, (He'd left them in the toilet and the same caretaker found them) Robin was able to continue with his warm up exercises.

The hall was full, the audience appreciative, and the music played well.
Robin had been concerned about the opening piece as he hadn't played it before.
It was one of his own compositions, 'Fiesta', which is a lively flamenco style piece.
He needn't have worried, it went very well, as did the rest of the performance.

All that and home in time for tea!

The Sacrifices Musicians Make

It has been a particularly busy weekend in Hillhouse, hence my absence yesterday, and it isn't over yet.
As the school year gets underway so do the many activities that the children are involved in.
We have had swimming, two parties and a family gathering, which has resulted in me becoming a taxi service for the duration.
Robin has unfortunately had to miss them all, as he has been working very hard, out both Friday and Saturday evening, and again, at another private function, on Sunday afternoon.
This is the sacrifice that many musicians have to make.
They tend to work when every one else is relaxing and enjoying the weekend.
He was disappointed that he couldn't attend a close friends special party on Saturday, but they understand the situation, which does make it easier.
After all, it is Robin that has to get up there in front of an audience and perform, he has to be prepared.
Hopefully he will be home in time to catch the end of the family gathering today, probably arriving just as sons and cousins have worn themselves out, and are past their best!
As he hasn't seen much of our two boys over the last two days I think I'll get him to organise the bedtime routine.
Two overtired children, with that Sunday evening feeling, should help to keep his feet very firmly on the ground...

Sleep Deprivation and The Simpsons...

Robin fulfilled his parental duties last night by taking son number one, and his friend, to see 'The Simpsons Movie'.
Now, we have an unusual way of rating films, here in Hillhouse.
A little background before I explain.

Robin is a highly energetic person and always has a huge amount to fit into each day.
Sitting down and relaxing is way down on the list and something that only usually occurs around 10.30 pm.
But he's also a good father and periodically takes son number one to the cinema.

Our rating system is this.
1/10 is a score achieved by a film that Robin has managed to miss in its entirety as he fell asleep with the opening credits and was woken by said son during the closing credits. (Bare in mind these films are aimed at children...)

The score goes up in direct proportion to the reduction in sleep that Robin has, so, a film that rates 10/10 means that Robin has remained awake for the whole show.

The Simpsons Movie scored a massive 10/10, (never achieved before) and not only did Robin remain awake, but he enjoyed it immensely.
For a film to appeal to such an age range is not an easy task.
All credit to The Simpsons team, not only for making two boys and Robin very happy, but also for providing us with regurgitated one liners all day long.
Oh, and it's well worth visiting their site, which is interactive and good fun.
Here's the link, 'The Simpsons Movie', check it out and enjoy.

Harry Potter Meets J.S. Bach - Sort of...

We are all a little bleary eyed here at Hillhouse this morning.
Son number one wanted to go to our local Waterstones bookshop at midnight to collect a copy of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'.
As we encourage reading, and wanted him to participate in the 'collective experience', in a mad moment we agreed.

Some years ago when Harry Potter exploded onto the scene, there was great excitement here when Robin was asked to play at the 'Proms in the Park', and was therefore sitting on stage when the John William's score was first performed.

Prior to this expedition I had to go out.
I left the house at 7pm, Robin was in the music room, working on a Bach minuet which is part of one of the many projects currently underway here.
Robin is in the process of recording a number of CDs, one of which is made up entirely of the music of J.S.Bach.
As Robin is frequently away from home, he has to make the most of the times that he is here.

I returned 4 1/2 hours later to find son number one desperately trying to keep his eyes open and Robin in exactly the same position - still practising.
He assured me that he had stopped to put son number two to bed, and when I checked he was in pyjamas, in bed, and asleep, so I had to believe that some adult involvement had taken place.
This was an ideal evening for Robin.
Normally by about 10 or 10.30pm I tend to storm the music room or recording studio and insist it's time to stop.
Last night he was able to pursue his perfect evening unhindered. (Especially as son number one was keeping a very low profile in case he was sent to bed for looking too tired...)

On my return Robin finally put his guitar away at 11.45pm and off they went to purchase the book.
They thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being out at that time of night, despite the presence of local drunks spilling out of the pubs, and taunting the excited shoppers as they waited for the store to open.
When they told their story on their return it reminded me of the blog Kenneth Woods did a few weeks ago about a similar experience.
I can only hope that it has put son number one off excess alcohol consumption when he is a little older and inspired him to much greater things....

What a Difference a Day Makes

The sun is shining and the birds are singing.
It's such a shame it wasn't like this yesterday.
But that's life.
Robin has agreed to go back in two weeks time, to appease those members of the audience who couldn't fit in the tiny pavilion, so hopefully the weather will be a little kinder then.
One thing which surprised those lucky enough to hear the guitar at such close quarters was the power the instrument has. But the guitar was designed for small, intimate, gatherings, which that certainly was!

The whole experience yesterday must have shaken Robin up more than he realised, as shortly after he left the venue, I had a call from an anxious event organiser.
He wanted me to get hold of Robin, and ask him to return, as he had left his guitar there!!!
In all his years of performing he has NEVER let his guitar out of his sight, let alone got in the car and driven off.
The poor man in Entwistle, was rather anxious to reunite the two, as he didn't want to be responsible for such a valuable instrument.
Can't say I blame him.

I called Robin and he was merrily telling me about the washout afternoon when I interrupted to ask if he had forgotten anything.
"No, son number one is right here," he replied.
"What about your guitar?" I said.
The next part of the conversation can't really be repeated but I feel son number one has extended his vocabulary somewhat...

Robin swiftly returned and relieved the organiser of the rather precious object.
After allowing himself a break to watch the exciting tennis at Wimbledon, he then returned to the music room, and got on with some more practice.
Just a normal day in Hillhouse.

An Eerie Quiet in Hillhouse

An eerie quiet has descended on Hillhouse.

There are three reasons for this.

1) Son number one is in school.

2) Son number two has a cold and is therefore subdued. To say he is normally 'high energy' would be an understatement. To give you an example, the other day, Robin took him in the park with our two dogs. As they went about their walk they came across the boxer, Amir Khan, training. As Khan and his running partner ran down the hill, they had to make way for son number two as he steamed past them, at twice the speed, going UP the hill, with Robin and canines in hot pursuit...

3) Robin has taken himself off to the recording studio, shut all doors on the way, and started recording in earnest.

All I can hear is the very distant, muffled, sound of the guitar, which I'm sure will not be the case on the end product, thanks to the two Neumann microphones currently being put through their paces.