From New York to Cartoon...

It has been a long time since my last update, but then you all had 712 previous posts to look back through!

Whilst quiet on the writing front it has been very busy on the musical one.
Robin has performed 8 concerts and travelled to many places including the Norwegian Fjords, Italy, Greece, Croatia and finally New York.

Here is the welcoming sight of the Statue of Liberty, albeit a little hazy:




And the familiar New York skyline:



Plus the spectacular Verrazano Bridge:



But despite seeing some incredible places Robin was very sad to be away from home on youngest son's 8th birthday, the downside for the travelling musician is they frequently miss these significant family moments.

Now home again, recording of some 'warming' flamenco style pieces is underway, which has been particularly beneficial given the 'big freeze' currently sweeping across the UK.

Here the poor ducks have been reduced to a minimal swimming area, and believe it or not this is actually a very heavy frost rather than snow!



Another problem with frequent trips away from home is that 'others' take advantage of your comfortable armchair and refuse to give it back....



And if you are wondering how a musician relaxes when at home, well, they draw pictures of fictitious musicians of course!

Still Waters Run Deep

At last I can reveal the final stage of the Evian campaign!

If you remember, I recently ran a post, 'Arrival in New York and Baby Moonwalk' which included a rather amusing video.

I also ran another post, 'To Eat or Not to Eat - Before a Concert' in which I mention the amount of energy that Robin expends during a performance.

The need to rehydrate is paramount and Robin always has a bottle of water backstage.
After seeing the latest video I may well insist it's a bottle of Evian.
If it can have this effect on babies just imagine his next concert....

The Moonwalking babies have been in training.

They may not be playing Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez', complete with 'baby' orchestra, or even attempting some flamenco with 'Malaguena', but I think you'll find the final video rather entertaining, if not a little surreal.

Take a look at the Evian Roller Babies:

Freddie Hubbard 1938-2008

We start the New Year with the sad loss of one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of all time, Freddie Hubbard.
You can read a report here.
Born in Indianapolis in 1938 he first recorded with the Montgomery brothers before moving to New York and quickly establishing himself within the jazz scene.

By 1966 Hubbard worked mainly with his own quintets and quartets, although finding time to tour the US with Herbie Hancock's group V.S.O.P.

Hubbard recorded many albums and participated in experimental sessions such as with Ornette Coleman's, 'Free Jazz', and John Coltrane's, 'Ascension'.

The 'New Grove Dictionary of Jazz', describes him as, "foremost hard-bop trumpeter, his improvisations combining imaginative melody with a glossy tone, rapid and clean technique, a brilliant high register, a subtle vibrato," and employing "bluesy, squeezed half-valve notes."

It's good to know that audiences were able to enjoy his music live until very recently.
Only last year I had a 'phone call from Robin as he walked the streets of New York, to say he had seen a poster advertising a performance by Freddie Hubbard, later that day.
Unfortunately Robin couldn't attend as he was leaving at the time.

What more can you say?... except that the music of Freddie Hubbard will inspire and entertain for many years to come.

Bananas on the High Seas and Bottom E

When sitting amongst an audience, waiting for a concert to begin, have you ever thought about the musician you are about to watch and wondered what they are doing backstage?

Every artist has their own routine, but most will be warming up, and in Robin's case this means scales and arpeggios.
So I was quite surprised to receive this photograph, taken immediately before going on stage for his first concert on the QM2.




Yes, it is Robin brandishing a banana in rather a menacing fashion.
From experience I know that shortly after this picture was taken he will have eaten the banana.
As most will know, bananas are an excellent way of giving yourself an energy boost when you most need it.
Performing before an audience is both mentally and physically tiring when a soloist, (funnily enough Robin never feels like this when playing his electric guitar) so pre concert is the perfect time to boost those levels.

He's not precious about this.
He doesn't demand a dressing room full of bananas in various stages of ripeness so that he can select the perfect one. In fact on many occasions event organisers have commented on how self reliant and low maintenance he is!
It's just if he can, he will eat one.
Every little bit helps.

Writing this has also reminded me about fish.
From choice Robin always eats a good meal before a concert.
Some musicians don't. They wait and eat afterwards.
But Robin wouldn't entertain performing without a hearty meal.
His food of choice is fish.
To explain why, you can read an old post about fish being brain food for musicians, here.
For those interested in musicians and their brains, you can also read this post from 2007, 'Musicians Have Bigger Brains,' which I wrote after watching a particularly interesting programme.

The banana served him well and Robin went on to deliver a great concert.
Despite the incredibly rough sea, and many passengers feeling decidedly unwell, there was an excellent turnout and have been many nice comments since.
Robin was delighted to receive one in particular, "You play like a machine gun," and had obviously made quite an impression on this chap, as he remembered meeting Robin once before and went on to quote the time and place! (April 4th, New York, apparently)
It must be a very nice feeling to know that you have made such an impression on an individual that they remember the meeting so well.

QM2 to JFK

The QM2 has arrived in New York and Robin will be spending some time at JFK waiting for his flight home.
I wonder if he'll see the lady in the toy shop again?
The second concert went very well, and once again, it was a full house.
Robin has received many nice comments, and also, lots of interest in his nails since the 'problems' of the first concert.
In fact, one lady said that she saw what she thought was his nail, fly off when he was playing, but luckily, as I wrote the other day, it was actually glue and silk, but immediate repair was required.
Still, it was a good talking point, even if it was one that Robin would rather have done without.

I have added a few new pages in the 'Links' section so feel free to browse. Also, in the next few days I will be launching a new site I have been working on, so there's plenty coming up which I hope you will enjoy.

Concert, Corruption, and Recording Company Chaos

Before I discuss the music on 'Arrival' I did promise to give you a little insight into its background.
This particular story does highlight the challenges that musicians sometimes have to face in order to get their music heard, and, occasionally, the murkier side of the classical music recording industry.
Really, this is a re-release as the recording dates from 1983, but, as it is no longer available, we felt that it was important to make use of the modern way of delivering music to the world, and release it on the digital market.

The story really starts before the recording was actually made, around 1982/3.
A man, whom shall always remain well and truly nameless, in fact I shall call him Mr.X, went to see Hill/Wiltschinsky play at the Hexagon in Reading, UK.
He was most enthusiastic after the concert and very keen to sign the duo up for a record label he was in the process of forming.

So keen was he, that he booked, and paid for, one of the best recording studios in Manchester, at that time, Pluto Studios.
Recording of the album took about a week, which is an incredible feat, especially when you consider that there was very little editing as this was such a cumbersome process then.

Mr.X also wanted to manage the duo and he sent a contract to be signed.
It was at this point that alarm bells started ringing.
It was a very poor deal, with issues too numerous to mention, although one was that the duo would have to pay travel expenses wherever Mr. X travelled worldwide...
It must be remembered that this was to be the duo's first recording, and they were very keen to have it released, but had to balance this against the fear of financial exploitation.

They decided the contract was unsound, and Robin arranged, and met Mr.X. for a showdown in a local hotel, and explained that he wasn't happy to sign the contract.
The irate reaction was, "I'm gonna sit on this goddam album and it will never see the light of day."

This was obviously not a good position to be in.
The duo needed this album releasing and were rightfully proud of it.
Also, it should be remembered that at this time it wasn't as easy as it is today to record and promote music. The backing of a record company was a great achievement.

Fortunately, Robin, whilst angry, frustrated, and shocked, managed to keep his cool.
He left the hotel and immediately drove to the recording studio, unsure whether the master tapes were still there, or, whether they had already been collected by Mr.X.
Luckily, they were still there, so Robin paid for them and removed them from the premises, all carried out whilst thinking that X could arrive at any moment, and cause a great deal of trouble.
He didn't and Robin made his escape with the precious master recording.
Mr.X did go to the studio the next day to collect the masters, and was utterly furious to find them already gone.
He did threaten legal action, which we later found out was quite ironic.
It was discovered that he had spent time in jail in the UK, and was being urgently sought by the Canadian police for fraud. True to their reputation they got their man, arrested him, returned him to Canada, and imposed another lengthy jail sentence.
We never heard from him again.

So, the duo found themselves in the position of having a finished recording, and no label to put it on.
It was taken to London and had very favourable responses from a number of companies, and it was decided to sign to 'Hyperion' for a 10 year period, and was eventually released in 35 countries, on both vinyl and cassette, as 'Virtuoso Music for Two Guitars'.

After a traumatic start this album proved to be a turning point for the duo, who went on to record many more times, with various, high profile, labels.
All the stresses that Robin went through to ensure this album wasn't destroyed were certainly worth it.
In fact, he was in Tower Records, New York City, in 1986, and it was the only guitar duo recording that they had, which was a very proud moment.

As this recording has now been unavailable for a few years, and had such an impact on the classical guitar world at the time, we felt it needed to be heard once more.
The change of title?
Well, after that sort of start in life, wouldn't you want a new beginning?

Last Day at Sea and a New CD...

Apparently there were great celebrations yesterday as the QE2 left Fort Lauderdale, as it will be the last time she leaves the port, before retiring.
As yet, I don't have any further news or pictures, but I will add some if, and when, they arrive.
Today she is cruising the Atlantic, on her way to New York, and tonight is Robin's third, and final concert, before he makes the long journey home.
Whilst he prepares for that, I have been busy here.
I have just had news that the latest CD to be released, 'Arrival', will be ready in the next few days.
So there will be more on that, probably next week.

Today though, I have many things to do in preparation for this event, so I will direct you to Izzy Cooper's blog, where you can read all about her impressions of performing Rodrigo's Adagio with Robin the other night.
Enjoy!

An Englishman in New York

Robin has arrived safely in New York.
After spending the night in a hotel, he has now transferred to Manhattan, where he will join the Queen Victoria.
This makes a change as usually you board in Brooklyn.
But there's a very special reason.
The QE2, QM2 and the QV, are all in New York together.
This is an historic day for Cunard, as it has never happened before, and won't again, as the QE2 will shortly leave the fleet.

To celebrate the occasion, there will be a firework display later today, against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty.
As snow is also forecast, it should be an incredible sight.

I'm hoping for more news tomorrow, and have requested some photographs, but we'll have to see if they arrive!

Dark Side of the Moon

It is a cold, damp, January day here, and I wasn't pleased when the alarm clock rang out at only 6.30 am.
Neither of us wanted to get up, and we managed to silence the noise, and grab a few more minutes.
But reality set in, and we had to organise ourselves, and set off for the airport in a short while.
It's a well practiced procedure in this house and we all know the routine.
Before long we were in the car, and on the motorway, which was thankfully quiet.

We said our goodbyes and then I had to drive off as Robin made his way inside the terminal.
This is always the hardest part.
Especially as son number two was howling in the back of the car.
Luckily, other son had stayed at a friends last night, so I was spared two sets of tears.

By the time I got home Robin called to say he was checked in and ready to go.
It's as hard for him as it is for us.
I don't envy him the flight to New York.

However, after watching a programme on, 'the making of' Pink Floyd's album, 'Dark Side of the Moon', Robin decided to download it, and was looking forward to putting his feet up, his headphones on, and revisiting the music.
When I say 'putting his feet up', I mean that literally.
He's quite tall, so usually has to adopt the full lotus position whilst flying, due to the lack of leg room.

But it will all be worth it.
He gets an overnight stay in New York, and then will be joining Cunard's 'Queen Victoria'.
Weeks of sunshine, good food and plenty of sleep lie ahead.
Oh, and a couple of concerts of course.
I'm not envious, not a bit....

Robin Hill Plays - 'Wizard of Waukesha'

The other day we put a track on the blog, 'Fast Forward', which has proved very popular.
We decided to put another track on today, of Robin, and his band 'Hooper'.
This one is called, 'Wizard of Waukesha', named after the 'Wizard' himself, Les Paul.

Les Paul was inspired to take up the harmonica, aged 8, by a Waukesha ditchdigger, but Les Paul's interest was the electric guitar. He was hugely influenced by Django Reinhardt, and went on to make a name for himself as a brilliant jazz guitarist.
Such was his love of the instrument, that in 1948, when involved in a horrific car accident, he insisted that his arm be 'set' in a right angle position, suitable for playing the guitar! (Amputation was the other option, which, thankfully wasn't undertaken.)

Les Paul was a pioneer of the music industry, experimenting with multi track recording, and inventing the solid-body electric guitar, Les Paul.

You can clearly see, in this picture, Robin playing his Les Paul guitar.



It was with great delight, that on one of Robin's recent visits to New York, he saw a poster, in the window of a Manhattan jazz club, advertising that Les Paul regularly performed there. It's amazing to think that at the age of 92, he is still out there, entertaining audiences.
Unfortunately Robin was due to fly home that day and therefore didn't get to see him.
But, Les Paul, was the inspiration behind this piece of music.
Listen out for one of Robin's specialities, the super fast, pizzicato, rhythm playing.
So sit back and enjoy Hooper playing, 'Wizard of Waukesha'.
For now you can hear it from the player in the sidebar.

Classical Guitar Appreciation and the Long Journey Home

Robin has now returned, and looks remarkably well, despite his long journey.
He whiled away the 7 hour wait at JFK airport by taking a stroll past some of the shops.
Not only did the lady in the toy shop recognise him, but, she also banged on the window as he passed, to say hello!
Robin then moved onto the duty free shop where the assistant remembered the perfume he had purchased on his last visit, and, congratulated him on his choice this time. (As did I)
Is there some sort of covert, classical guitar appreciation society, in New York, whose head quarters are based at the airport?
The lady in the toy shop told Robin to call her the day before he's next there, so she can bring some new stock in, maybe we'll find out more then...

After all the excitement of shopping, Robin found himself a wi-fi spot, logged into the blog, and brought himself up to date with what he's been doing for the last week.

Eventually it was time to board.
A quick last 'phone call home, then an hour on the tarmac, waiting 40th in line for take off.
They got under way, and Robin spent the journey sitting next to a nice young lady, with a very small baby.
The baby promptly vomited all over the poor woman, but it broke the ice, and Robin reassured her he was very used to children, and their less endearing tendencies.
Robin also made the analogy that being in charge of small children, is rather like spending time with a drunk. One minute they are laughing and happy, the next...
The rest of the journey was uneventful.

Now he is home and the house is once again full of music - and washing.....

Muted Strings and Mahler

This is Robin's last full day at sea as the QM2 is heading towards New York.
It is also the day of his second, and last, classical guitar concert. The performance is this afternoon, but, due to the now quite significant time difference, it will be tomorrow before I report back.
Robin was up early to get on with his practise, and if you look closely, you will see he is using the 'sock' technique.





Yes, it is simply that, a sock stuffed under the strings to dampen the sound and prevent waking your neighbours!

He did take some time out again last night to watch a film.
Not one to stray too far from music, he watched the film,'Bride of the Wind', which, although it has been on release since 2001, appears to have passed us by.
It is a film about Alma Mahler, her marriage to Gustav Mahler, and her many passionate affairs with some of the most talented artists of her time.

Robin thoroughly enjoyed the film, and, we hope to be able to watch it together soon.

Jekyll & Hyde, The QM2, and the Stowaway Cat

Robin is now on board the QM2, and preparing for the first of his two classical guitar concerts, taking place later today.
Prior to packing his suitcase on Friday, this, is what we discovered:



It appears that Ramsbottom the cat, quite liked the idea of a trip to New York, and was prepared to stowaway.
As you can see, the case hadn't been fully 'unpacked' from the previous trip, but it hardly seemed worth bothering.
In case you are interested, the book you can see is, 'Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde and other stories', by, Robert Lewis Stevenson.

Robin did repack the book as he hadn't quite finished it.
I do have a slight concern over his choice of reading material.

One review said, 'Truly a great work of English literature, 'Jekyll and Hyde' is a magnificent story that takes the reader to the very edge of madness.'

We should be alright as long as the weather remains good, and therefore no bouts of seasickness follow, requiring long periods of isolation in ones room.
Cabin fever and Jekyll and Hyde may just push Robin's sanity to the limit.

As for the hairdryer in the background, well, I must admit that it's mine. I'm afraid I'm one of those annoying people that just leaves it on the floor instead of putting it away.
Now, I must go and see if I can find Ramsbottom...

Bar Harbor, Maine and David Juritz on a Unicycle...

The QE2 is about to dock at Bar Harbor, Maine, USA, but I haven't heard anything from Robin as yet, so I assume he is still sleeping.
I'm pretty sure he will be going ashore, to have a look around, as it is another 'first' for him.

Whilst waiting for news from abroad, I decided to check in on David Juritz's epic journey, as he busks his way around the world.
Since I last looked, he has been touring extensively around Africa, Australia, briefly back in the UK, and is currently in the USA/Canada.
Robin and David will miss each other by 10 days, in Boston, but I did notice that they will both be in New York at the same time later on in October.
Who knows, maybe they will bump into each other, and form a busking duo!
For more details about David's trip, and the charity, Musequality, visit his site, 'Round the World and Bach'.

At some point David did find time to make this very funny film, which highlights just how mad musicians can be!
I do hope his violin was insured, but even so, it's a very brave thing to do.
I can't see Robin attempting this with his Miguel Rodriquez guitar, but, you never know...

The QE2 and 'Music Practice Tips'

Robin is now on board the QE2, in Southampton, and waiting to set sail.
We had an early morning family outing to the airport in which son number two declared, "This is the way to New York!" I suppose that indirectly he is quite correct.
Whilst Robin is away on this trip he will miss the same sons birthday. Thoughtful as ever, Robin had brought him an early birthday present, so that he could give it to him himself.
Said son was absolutely delighted with the Buzz Lightyear laser gun that makes 10 different horrendous noises.
Judging by the look on Robin's face, he was well aware that by the time he returns, the novelty of the toy will have worn off, and it will have found its way to the bottom of the toy box, under a mound of new birthday gifts.
Thus Robin has all the pleasure of giving such a present, and none of the discomfort of the unbearable noise for the next few days...

Today I have also added a new link to the 'Links' section. Ben Clapton, over in Australia, has a new site, 'Music Practice Tips', which is, 'a source of practice tips and inspiration,' and is, 'designed to help promote effective and efficient music practice.'

It covers many types of instruments, and we have been asked to do a 'guest blogger' spot, in the near future. So keep your eye on the site for useful tips, and I'll let you know when our article on guitar practice is available.

Robin Hill Remembered, in a New York Toy Shop...

You know you have done a lot of travelling when you go into a toy shop in the JFK airport, New York, and the assistant says, "Oh, you back again so soon!"
I was quite amazed, and amused, when Robin told me this had happened.
She must get hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of customers each week. It's not even as if Robin is buying large, expensive, presents each time. It tends to be just a small memento for the children.
Mind you, there can't be quite as many shoppers with large guitar cases slung from their shoulders.

The journey home proved the usual tedious event we all now expect with air travel.
Robin's direct flight was cancelled, reason unknown, so they put him on a flight to Heathrow.
On paper it should all have worked out fine.
Except for the security checks.
So he watched his flight to Manchester depart, whilst he was still trying to get into the terminal building at Heathrow.
Coincidentally, I read this related article today, by David Millward.
I think Robin was beginning to think, "Why do I do this?".

I certainly was.
Having got two children up very early to go the airport, then a call to say wait for further information, by which time we were all too wide awake to go back to bed.
Shouldn't complain really, at least we'd been to bed!

So there we have it.
Instead of getting home at 6 am, Robin is now biding his time in Heathrow,due home approximately 6 hours late.
I know that doesn't sound a lot, and if you only travel by air a couple of times a year, then it's manageable.
But it's very frustrating when such a lot of your work is done outside the UK.

So next time you are at a concert, watching a musician from abroad, just remember the trials they have gone through in pursuit of their music.
They just want to play.
Unfortunately they usually have to jump through a few hoops to do so.

New York, Nails and Harpo Marx

The QM2 has arrived in New York and I have therefore been able to talk to Robin for the first time in a week.
He was enjoying a view of the 'Statue of Liberty', which never loses its magic, no matter how often you see it. That's probably a good thing as I think he has lost count now.
It does, on this trip anyway, signify the start of the journey home.
As you can imagine we are all looking forward to his return.

It was a good trip though.
The nails were an issue, but I was delighted when Patricia, over on oboeinsight, picked up on the problems.
As she pointed out, she hadn't thought about guitarists, and their nails. Why would you unless closely associated with the instrument.
But nails are a major problem for all guitarists, apart from a very lucky few, so there's a constant search for new products to make life easier.
Silk wrap and super glue are not easy to apply/shape/file in front of 1000 people!!

Apart from the nails, both the concerts were very well received, and for the remainder of the trip Robin has been having some lovely comments from members of the audience.
Annette, the soprano singer, saw his second concert and gave him a standing ovation, high praise indeed from another musician.
He equally enjoyed her performance in a rather posh private function.

But you also meet interesting people.
One was a harpist from South Carolina that showed Robin how the harp works and explained that she had been taught by two of Harpo Marx's teachers in New York!
All done against the backdrop of a foghorn for the last few days, which, Robin swore was being blasted from his wardrobe...

Music and the Great Outdoors

This could prove to be an interesting weekend.
Tonight Robin is playing at a charity event - in North Yorkshire.
That in itself is very good.
However, this event is being held in a marquee, and as most people are aware, the UK, especially Yorkshire, is suffering severe flooding.
I was talking to the event organiser the other day, and the area is very wet, but not completely under water.

I'm not sure whether to pack Robin off with his concert clothes, plus wellies, which would cut quite a dash I'm sure.

On Saturday 'Live Earth' gets under way with 24 hours of music hosted by eight cities, London, Johannesburg, Shanghai, Rio De Janeiro, Sydney, New York, Hamburg and Tokyo. Whilst many of these venues should remain dry, London could be in for a wet time.

Then on Sunday, Robin has another outdoor event, at Entwistle Remembrance Park. Whilst he will be seated under a pagoda the audience will be open to all the elements.
It's never easy playing the guitar outside, or in a marquee for that matter, but competing with rain drumming on tarpaulin could prove interesting.
I'll keep you posted.

Early Morning Music and Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius'.

I was alerted to the fact that jet lag hasn't quite resolved itself, when I was woken at 5.30 this morning by the distant sound of music.
As I slowly 'came to', I realised it wasn't a dream, and that half of the bed was empty.
Drifting up from the music room was a beautifully performed version of 'Passage to New York', freshly composed on Robin's last visit there, only a few weeks ago.
It's a good job it is such a nice piece, otherwise, I may not have been quite so understanding. Especially as a sleepy son number one, appeared by my bed, and decided he may as well keep me company. Son number two sleeps through anything.
We did both get back to sleep, and Robin was still playing his guitar when I was awoken again at 7am, by the much more distressing sound of the alarm clock.

Continuing 'Elgar week' in The Daily Telegraph, there's a lovely article in which the mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker recalls singing the role of the Angel in Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius'.
Again, this is an edited extract from, 'Elgar: An Anniversary Portrait', published by Continuum on May 28th.

From A Day in New York to Heavy Weather to Rostropovich

Robin was lucky enough to have some time in New York yesterday. This was a rare treat for him as usually he is just passing through. He didn't have a full day, as getting through security took longer than anticipated, and he had to be back on board the QE2 by 4 pm. So, unfortunately, didn't manage to get to The Cloisters, as recommended by Paul, in New Jersey, and Ted, in New York. Many thanks for the directions though!

One thing he did need to do was to get some new strings for the next stage of his trip.
He found himself a luthiers in Manhattan and stepped inside, the first thing he saw was a copy of his very own book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium.' He was quite delighted and it reminded him of seeing a Hill/Wiltschinsky album in Tower Records a few years ago.

After a chat with the owner, Robin purchased some strings, along with another footstool, and this rather beautiful capo.



As he left the shop and walked down the road he came across the legendary Birdland Club. This is the famous New York jazz club that so influenced the band Weather Report that they named their famous song 'Birdland' after it.
This has always been rather a special track for us. In the early days we would listen to it very loud, late at night, often with musician friends, and just enjoy.
Now, well, usually son number one tells us to turn the music down, he's trying to sleep...

However, we should also take a moment to remember Mstislav Rostropovich the outstanding cellist, conductor and pianist who died yesterday. Obituary provided by The Daily Telegraph.