Too Much Inflammation.....

Since my last post Robin has actually been back to Norway and performed three more concerts!
However, today I am talking about something completely different.

Regular readers will know that this year has been very busy.
Robin has travelled to all corners of the world including three trips up the Amazon, one to Egypt and the middle East and one visit to Mumbai.

It was therefore with some irony that in a visit to our local park he was bitten by an unknown insect probably a spider or an ant.

An allergic reaction followed, in the most frightening place for any musician....his hand.

To highlight the problem let me first show you Robin's normal left hand.




As you can see, it is very strong and used to many hours of playing, every single day.
If you follow the regime outlined in this post, 'Music Practice Tips - Classical Guitar' this will be the outcome.

However, currently, Robin's right hand looks like this...




As I'm sure you can imagine, this has caused a great deal of anxiety.
A very sore and swollen hand certainly affects playing and on the brink of a lengthy trip this is far from ideal.

Although I have written about hand problems before, 'Recording For Teldec With Sutured Finger...'.

I have also referred to Robin's hands frequently in posts such as, 'Robin Hill, His Hands and an Unknown Mozart Score' and here, 'Guitarists Hands - and Nails'.

The inability to play is worrying on many levels.
Obviously his income depends on it, but the issue runs far deeper than that.
Musicians who perform at this level live for their playing. The fear that something may prevent them doing this is very frightening.

Luckily for us, our dear friend, and also doctor, quickly prescribed various medications and, hopefully, the problem will resolve in the next few days.

Meanwhile, I shall attempt to calm the nerves of this musician whilst he is restricted in his playing....
Wish me luck.

From Wild Wood to Norwegian Wood

The life of this musician has been a busy one.
Last weekend Robin enjoyed a very successful concert in Kent at the 'Wild Wood Barn'.
The venue was sold out with an appreciative audience and very hospitable hosts.
Robin was interested to discover that the home of Charles Darwin was merely a few yards down the road, but sadly wasn't open when he was ready to set off home again.

After a long drive back he had only a few days to prepare for another trip.
This time joining the Queen Victoria in Southampton for a week in the Norwegian Fjords.

His first concert was the very next day, and I must say that I have rarely heard Robin so enthusiastic about his performance.
Like many musicians he is highly critical of his work, but on this occasion he actually said it was one of the best he had done.
The audience seemed to agree as he was rewarded with a standing ovation and many shouts for more. It was left to the MC to calm them as Robin left the venue.

However, due to the reception he received, he has been asked to perform an extra concert this evening, so is currently preparing a third programme!

It hasn't all been work though.
Yesterday he was in Stavanger, and enjoyed a walk around despite the weather being cold and wet.
However, today the sun is shining and Robin is investigating Alesund.

I look forward to news of the concert this evening and also hearing about some very interesting places coming up in the next few days.