Two Guitar Concerts in the Norwegian Fjords

I thought you might enjoy a brief update into the life of this musician over the last week, and it has been pretty eventful.
Robin is currently in the beautiful Norwegian Fjords and enjoying the views:




But of course he is actually there to give two concerts, both of which he has now performed.
The theatre, which holds more than 1000 people, was full on each occasion and the audience very appreciative.
Robin has spoken to many of them since, who so enjoyed the first performance that they went along to the second.
In fact one gentleman, who's father was a pianist, thanked Robin for the two concerts saying he had, 'such a wonderful touch on the guitar'. He was close to tears.
For a musician this is a fantastic reward for the many years of hard work that go into each performance. To move a person, not only during a concert but also after the event, is quite an achievement.

But Robin has had time to enjoy some of the spectacular and dramatic scenery, including the snow capped mountains which are making him wish he had taken a coat...



Here you can even see the QM2 amongst the mountains and houses:



But even in remote parts of the Norwegian Fjords it's possible to bump into someone you know.
As Robin enjoyed a walk he met an old friend, Francisco Yglesia, a Paraguayan harpist and former member of Los Paraguayos.

Last I heard they were discussing strings....

Robin Hill & Izzy Cooper Recording & Concerts on the QM2

The onset of 2010 has been a busy one.
After a snowy start, and precarious journey to Dewsbury, for a highly successful lunchtime concert, Robin set off for a week in London recording with soprano Izzy Cooper.
I'm listening to the recording as I write and I know you will all love it.
Robin and Izzy have performed many times together, and due to high demand this classical guitar/vocal album will be released in 2010.
With everything from the sweetness of Rodrigo's 'En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor', the raunchy flamenco of de Falla and a Robin Hill original, 'Cancion', there really is an eclectic mix.
It was an intense week, recording all day with the evenings spent preparing for the next session.
This was made all the more difficult by the death of my Grandmother. She and Robin had a very special relationship, as can be seen by this post, 'A Professor Calls and Lunar Bianco'. But professional as ever, the recording went on, and when you hear the words to 'Cancion', you will hear how difficult this must have been.
So it was a very tired guitarist that arrived home in the early hours of Saturday 23rd of January. This didn't prevent us spending an hour or so listening to his weeks work accompanied by the dawn chorus.
But by the 26th Robin was off once again.
This time flying to Dubai to join the Queen Mary 2, for an extensive trip visiting Cochin, Phuket, Penang, Port Kelang, Singapore, Laem Chabang, Vung Tau and finally Hong Kong.
Four concerts were performed in the beautiful Royal Court Theatre and with four different programmes Robin was kept very busy.
However, it wasn't all work.
Over the 2 1/2 weeks he met up with some old friends.
First there was the fabulous and extremely talented magician, Brett Sherwood.
The two get on very well and discovered they had a mutual interest in table tennis.
During one of their games some passing passengers stopped to watch.
They couldn't resist asking Brett if he could make the ball disappear. Sure enough, quick as a flash, the said ball disappeared before their eyes, only to to reappear a few seconds later.
This was a virtuoso performance by Brett and made Robin's task of beating him at table tennis all the more difficult.
The next time I'm in a pub with Brett I shall be plying him with drinks until he tells me how he does it!
I'm also very grateful to Simeon Wood, another old friend who was also on the QM2, and in fact left the same day as Robin. After completing his own gruelling 13 hour flight from Hong Kong he took the time to 'phone me and make sure I was aware that Robin's flight had been delayed and that he had therefore missed his connection.
All the more ironic as a few weeks previously he had been laughing about the fact that travelling with Robin always seem to result in some form of disruption.
Believe me, I know.
But now he is home, for a while anyway, and the house is once again filled with the sound of the guitar.

John Paul Gaultier and the Life of a Musician?

Robin is on the QM2 and has already completed his first concert.
It all went very well and he is now preparing for the next one.

But I haven't been idle as I've had other things to think about, and therefore have something a little different for you today.

I have been asked many times by various companies to 'discuss' their product on this blog.
Sometimes it's an easy decision to make.
If the product is relevant, and I believe in it, then there's a chance I will write about it.
Sometimes I just like the approach they have taken and think it might be nice to add something a little different.

However, it can also be a balancing act.
You don't want to alienate your regular readers with blog posts that won't interest them.

A few days ago I was approached to show a 'teaser video' for John Paul Gaultier.

Basically, "MA DAME is celebrating her first birthday and has invited an artist to the party whose favourite art is one of surprise".

I watched the video and thought it was very good.
Then spent some time trying to think of a way that I could possibly connect this to the 'Life of a Musician'.

Other than the fact that I am a fan of Gaultier perfume I couldn't really come up with anything.

But, the campaign does highlight the need to approach marketing from a new perspective.
The pressure to come up with fresh ideas, ways of connecting with ones audience, and making use of technological advances are all essential marketing tools.

So in the end, I decided that if John Paul Gaultier was happy to invest in me, then I should return the favour and show you the video.

But there are other reasons.

Those who regularly read the blog and twitter, will know that I follow, listen and try to learn from those at the cutting edge of promoting their music.
One of my roles is to try and convince the world of 'classical music' that this is the way forward.
As we try to encourage younger people to learn to love all types of music, we have to meet them in the arena in which they are most familiar, so the use of the Internet is vital.
Already there are changes, for example, many orchestras now use Twitter as another way to promote themselves and engage their audience.

So that's why I decided to show you the video.
It's a great example of creating a buzz around your product, and, in this case, beautifully done.

So, for a few days, enjoy 'What's happening at Jean Paul Gaultier Maison de Courture' by clicking on the image in the sidebar.

Rodrigo Round Cape Horn and from Chile to Chilly

After Robin's arrival in LA, he didn't catch a flight home to the UK, but instead made the long journey to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Unfortunately he didn't have any time to explore this exciting place, (but will be back there later in the year), as he had to immediately board Cunard's QM2 as she set sail.

Nor was there much time to acclimatize as his first concert was the very next day.
So it was straight down to some serious practice to get the travel weary fingers in perfect working order.

Despite feeling decidedly jet lagged the concert went very well and made an immediate impression on the audience, many of whom attended the other two solo concerts he performed.

But Robin was also reunited, albeit temporarily, with his old friend Izzy Cooper. You can read more about Izzy here, 'Review: Robin Hill & Izzy Cooper' and 'Post Rodrigo Adagio'. Alternatively, if you type Izzy Cooper into the 'search this blog' function at the top you will find all the references I have made.

A musical collaboration did take place as Izzy asked Robin to join her to perform Rodrigo's 'Aranjuez Mon Amour'. He did, and it was a huge success.
Shortly after Izzy left and another friend, also a soprano, Annette Wardell, arrived.
I have previously mentioned Annette here, 'Soprano, Socialising and Nova Scotia.'

The headline acts tend to stick together, as there are only a couple on board at any one time, and Annette certainly helped out during Robin's last concert when she manned the computer to 'bring in' the orchestra as Robin performed the entire movement of Rodrigo's 'Adagio', from the Concierto de Aranjuez.
Annette did well, and coped with the tricky orchestral entrance after the second cadenza.
Having said that, Robin also did well and was rewarded with a standing ovation and request from passengers to perform more concerts!

Whilst all these musical events were taking place the QM2 navigated the trecherous seas around Cape Horn.
This was actually Robin's second experience of Cape Horn and it was relatively calm as opposed to his last experience when they were 40 foot high and breaking windows of the lower decks...see 'Stormy Weather' to refresh your memory.

Fianlly Robin arrived at Valparaio, Chile, and was driven to Santiago to begin the long and tortuous journey home.
Whoever books the flights certainly likes him to suffer for his art as he endured a 12 1/2 hour flight to Madrid, 4 hours to London, Heathrow, then just time for a quick coffee on the 40 minute flight to Manchester.

Thankfully he avoided all the snow which hit us the following day.

Robin Hill, his Hands and an Unknown Mozart Score

The current trip on the QM2 is nearly complete.
Robin actually performed his last concert on Wednesday.
It went very well and he must have been playing with his usual enthusiasm, as the piece of a table tennis ball that had been reinforcing his right thumbnail, managed to shatter!
It wasn't a problem though.
He had another piece prepared in his jacket pocket.

One of the differences when giving a concert at sea, rather than on land, is the access the audience has to the artist, for days after the event.
Robin is always very happy to talk to people, particularly about the guitar, which was highlighted recently when one guest said he'd, "Never met anyone that talked about an inanimate object with such passion"!!!

Robin also appreciates it when anyone takes the time to say how much they enjoyed his music.
This morning I think he had one of the more unusual compliments.
It occurred whilst selecting a croissant for breakfast.
A lady tapped him on the shoulder and told him how much she had enjoyed his concert.
She then went on to say, "I hope you don't mind me saying but you have very nice hands!"
Robin wasn't quite expecting this, all before his first coffee of the morning, and responded with, "Well, thank you very much."
It turned out the lady is an artist, that specialises in painting hands and feet, so had a professional interest.

I must say I agree with her, but I would add that Robin also has very distinctive hands.
Many years before we married, I heard the sound of the classical guitar coming from the television and dashed in to see who it was.
At that moment the camera was focused on the hands of the musician.
I studied the image and declared it to be Robin.
Sure enough, as the camera pulled back to reveal the performer, it was indeed him.
But that's enough about hands.

Robin has had plenty of time to relax since his concert. He has visited Gibraltar, is currently in Lisbon, and later today starts the journey back to Southampton, arriving on Sunday.

I however, have decided to visit my local library.
You never know what you might find.
It seems that a handwritten score by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been discovered in France. Read about it here.

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.

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!

Naked Wife and Everest...

Since I last posted, Robin has been to many places, and carried out the first of his two concerts on the Queen Victoria.
This took place on Sunday whilst cruising the Ionian Sea and all went very well.
There was a good, and extremely appreciative audience, many of whom have been passing on some very nice comments.

This is all very helpful for Robin.
Now he is in his 4th week away from home he is rather travel weary, so to know that your music has been appreciated really makes a great difference.

Since the concert he has been to Aghios (Crete), Izmir (Turkey), and today, Athens (Greece).
So whilst Robin called me from one sunny destination after another, I escaped the rain, by checking out the latest Google searches.
I must say there have been some particularly amusing ones recently.
Here are a few:

'My wife nude on the QM2' - I really would like to know more about this one. I assure you that Robin was in no way involved with this incident, but as he will be joining the QM2 very soon, I shall ask him to investigate!

'Julian Bream's wife' - Sorry, you got the wrong guitarist.

'Robin Hill private bank' - I wish....

'Plastic making machine of Robin' - We've had lots of merchandise over the years but I'm pretty sure we have never made plastic Robin figures.

'Robin Hill jean weeks' - Neither do we have a line of designer jeans.

'Robin Hill and Everest' - Yes, Robin has travelled to most parts of the globe, but he has never performed a concert on Everest. Now there's a thought...

'Downside to being a musician' - If you're even asking that question then music isn't for you...

'Can musicians have children' - err, yes. We have living proof on that one.

'Robin's dark side' - I didn't know he had one.

So there we are, just a few randomly selected and quirky Google searches that have amused me recently.
Meanwhile, back out at sea, Robin performs his last concert of this trip tomorrow. So he has been rehearsing all day in preparation.
At least he won't be suffering with cold hands in the Mediterranean climate.
On second thoughts, maybe Everest isn't such a good idea.

The Mystery of the Mandolin

Today Robin is in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, but I am going to tell you about exciting developments, on the mandolin front, that occurred over the weekend.

Little over 4 weeks ago Robin was in Sorrento.
Whilst walking the streets, he found a very nice antique shop, and in the window was a beautiful Mandolin.
If you remember, I blogged about it at the time, 'Sorrento a Mandolin and a Music Box'.

Well, on his return from that particular trip, Robin was furious with himself for not buying the magnificent instrument.
The more we researched the luthier Nicola Spoto, the more we realised that an opportunity had been missed.

But then we started looking at the various photographs that Robin had taken whilst away.
Sure enough, there was one of the mandolin, in the shop window.
Unfortunately neither the name of the shop, or the street, were in the image.
We were very frustrated.
As we zoomed in, and out of the picture, I noticed a parasol, shading a table, which must have been from a cafe or restaurant...
We zoomed in further.
Sure enough, it was, and it had the name of the restaurant, printed on it.
So, we then found the telephone number for the restaurant, on the same street, as the antique shop, that housed the mandolin.

The next part I left up to Robin.
He called the number.
Now Robin does speak a little Italian, enough to get by on holiday, or to buy basic provisions.
However, this conversation was way beyond your average Italian phrase book:

"Hello, I'm calling from England. Do you know if there is an antique shop on your road with a mandolin in the window?"
Ermm, we didn't really get very far, although they did exchange email addresses, as one of the employees, due in later in that day, spoke a little English.

Next step, call the tourist board.
Here we had a little more luck.
We were able to make ourselves understood, and even sent the picture of the shop that we had been studying so closely, to help them identify the area.
We also told them that if they did find this place, to tell the man that Robin would be back in Sorrento on June 21st, and ask him to keep the mandolin for him.

For a few days there was no further news, and we beginning to think that the poor people of Sorrento had humoured us, then gone away thinking the English are crazy.
But then a message.
The man at the tourist board had located the shop, and told the owner when Robin would be in. He also said that another local man had been in saying the same thing! (Obviously the chap at the restaurant had been as good as his word.)

By now we were beginning to feel hopeful.
But also, concerned the the antique dealer would start thinking that there seemed to be a lot of interest in this instrument, and maybe he should put the price up. Inadvertently we may have created a demand.

So, it has been with increasing anxiety that Robin arrived in Naples on Saturday. He got up early and went ashore.
He then caught the first ferry around the coast to Sorrento, which is a journey of 40 minutes.
As he retraced his steps through the lovely streets he was still not quite sure whether the instrument would still be there.

He found the shop.
No mandolin in the window.
Despair.
He went inside and introduced himself.
The owner beamed, opened a drawer, and pulled out the beautiful instrument, still in its original case.
Delight!
But he still had to examine it closely for any damage, warped neck, that sort of thing.
As he played it, two passing tourists came in the shop and said they had been drawn in to see where the lovely sound was coming from. They also added that he would never regret buying it.
Inspection complete, Robin was very pleased to find that it was in near perfect condition.
Made in 1888 and kept in the same family for generations.
Until now.
The deal was done and a very happy Robin left the shop.

As he had a couple of hours to wait for his return trip to Naples, he found a quiet park, sat on a bench, and played away.
I suspect I shall be hearing a lot more of the mandolin on his return home.
Once back on board the QM2, he was able to send me a photograph.
As you can see it is a very ornate instrument:



Although I don't as yet have one of the case, this is its protective cloth:



So now I have to wait a few more days until I see it for myself.
But my faith in human nature has been restored.
The fact that 3 complete strangers were prepared to put themselves out for a rather odd request, is a wonderful thing.

Barcelona and The Guitar Gymnasium

Robin is spending the day in Barcelona and judging by the calls I have been receiving, he's having a great time.
One conversation was interrupted by him suddenly exclaiming, "Wow, spectacular."
"What is?" was my frustrated reply as I emptied the washing basket.
It turned out to be a very ornate roundabout!
Since then there have been a number of similar conversations.

Before going ashore he had obviously done his homework.
He was armed with the addresses of two music shops. Both of which he found.
Yet more, "Wow, spectacular, fantastic", type talk followed, and this was just at the rows of stringed instruments that lined the walls.

He was equally delighted when the owner of one of the shops pulled a copy of, 'The Guitar Gymnasium' from the shelf, opened it up, pointed to a picture of Robin on the inside cover, then pointed to the man himself!
As you can tell, the shopkeeper spoke no English and Robin speaks little Spanish.
However, it's an exciting moment for any author to be shown a copy of their own book, particularly when overseas.
They gesticulated wildly at each other for some time, Robin managed to buy some guitar strings, and then he went on his way.

He has of course also been looking at the wonderful buildings in Barcelona and hopefully I will have some photographs for you at some point.
When we last spoke he was lost.
My sympathetic advice, "Head downhill. You don't find many ships perched on the top of one, do you."
I'm now waiting to see if he finds his way back to the QM2...
UPDATE:
My advice proved sound. Robin found his way back and didn't get lost once!

The Mind of a Musician

Those of you who are close to a musician, classical in particular, will know that they are their biggest critic.
For many years Robin never came off stage pleased with his performance.
Even when the audience had obviously loved the concert, and the reviews were excellent, there was always something that he was unhappy about.

I frequently toured with the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo, and spent many hours reassuring both players, that their concert had gone very well.
But this is a common situation.
Questioning ones ability is a normal part of the musical process. It's what drives musicians on and encourages their musical development.

However, over the years, I have noticed that occasionally, just occasionally, Robin will say a concert went well.

So last night I was very pleased to receive an email form Robin, after the first of his concerts on board the QM2, informing me that he was delighted with his performance.
Many factors had fallen into place.
The sound was good, the lighting good, his nails remained intact, tuning wasn't a problem, the audience plentiful, and also very appreciative.
As he stood to take his final bow, he saw a number of people standing and applauding at the back of the theatre.
Then, some on the front row stood.
Before the clapping had died out, the entire theatre, 1000 people, were showing there appreciation.

This moves me immensely.
It also moves Robin.
When you invest so many years, and so many hours, every single day, in the instrument you love, then it is bound to affect you.
And finally, after more than 35 years of entertaining many thousands of people, all around the world, on land and on sea, in concert halls and through recordings, he can finally, occasionally, admit to himself, that he played well.

From Venice to Southampton

Robin spent the morning yesterday in Venice and sent me some lovely photographs:


A typical canal:



He found a shop full of carnival masks:



And if you ever want an entire orchestra made from glass, here they are:



But then he left, as he was jumping ship, and arrived at Gatwick in the early evening.
This proved rather frustrating.
Knowing that Robin was in the country, only a few hundred miles away, yet being unable to see him, wasn't easy for any of us.
However, he spent the night in a hotel, we watched the news together whilst talking on the 'phone, and he was collected this morning, and driven to Southampton.
Now Robin is on board the QM2, settling into his room, and preparing for the first of his two concerts.

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.

The QM2, Billy Connolly and a Tea-cosy

There has been little communication from the QM2 so far today, mainly because of the time difference.
However I do know that Robin spent yesterday evening dining with the cruise director and a few guests.
He will be rehearsing most of today as his second guitar concert is tomorrow.

As there isn't much to report from mid-Atlantic, and photo opportunities on board are rather scarce, unless you like sea and fish, I was lucky to have another unusual Google search.
The search was:

"If you were locked in room which had nothing but a tea-cosy in it how long would you wait before putting it on your head"

Now anyone that has only recently joined us here, may well think there couldn't possibly be a connection with this search, and a classical guitarist.

That's where you are wrong.

Back in October last year I wrote a post, 'Cosi Fan Tutte', go over and have a look, to find out how Billy Connolly, a tea-cosy and a classical guitarist can in fact be linked.

New Right Hand Position and a Return to the Iguana in a Sombrero

After Robin's recent guitar concert, on the QM2, you would expect him to relax and take it easy today.
But, as always, there is another programme to work on, in preparation for the second concert, which is on Friday. Plus his usual daily routine of scales and arpeggios.

I did get a message explaining, in great detail, a new hand position that Robin is working on.
Apparently, by altering his right hand position very slightly, scales can be performed with more speed and less effort.
I look forward to a demonstration on his return.
It continues to surprise, and amaze me, that after all these years of playing, Robin still comes up with new approaches.
I suppose the secret to any success, whatever you do, is to constantly examine your actions, assess their efficiency, and readjust as necessary.
His email was titled, 'You can teach an old dog new tricks', so any students reading, take note.

Whilst Robin works on his scales, I was amused to find that someone in America had done a Google search, 'Iguana with sombrero', and found themselves here.
I am assuming that they have previously read this post, from back in February, and wanted to return to it.
Unless of course anyone out there can think of another reason why someone would type 'Iguana with sombrero' into Google...

First Day at Sea - First Concert

Yesterday Robin performed the first of two guitar concerts on board the QM2.
It took place in the 'Royal Court Theatre', which seats 1000, and on this occasion the theatre was full.
It isn't often that Robin is enthusiastic about his own performance, he's usually highly critical of his playing, but he was pleased yesterday.

There was one 'nail' incident, which regular readers will know happens from time to time, and is always a guitarists nightmare.
It was severe enough to actually stop playing, the nail literally became unstuck, and if Robin had continued, it would probably have flown off into the audience.
He was playing 'Zapateado' by Sabicas at the time.
He felt the nail give way.
Stopped.
Explained what had happened, and generally chatted to the audience, whilst he re-glued it.
Then started again, completed the piece, and was rewarded with a standing ovation.
He actually received another one at the end of the concert, so I think we can assume that the audience enjoyed it.

Later on he met a gentleman who thanked him for a "great" concert and went on to say, "I wanted to shout, quick, is there a manicurist in the house??!!"

As the concert was held at 2.30 in the afternoon, Robin went off and celebrated with a large bottle of Perrier, followed swiftly by a strong coffee.
At least that's what he told me...

QM2 Southampton - New York

Those of you following on Twitter will already know that Robin has gone off on his travels once more.
After three weeks at home it was rather a wrench for him, but, he was also ready for the challenge of two, high profile concerts, in the next week.

After a busy weekend, with three performances in two days, it was rather a weary musician that set off on Sunday morning.
Luckily, there wasn't a long haul flight to face, merely a quick hop down to London. Frankly, for Robin, that is rather like catching a bus into the nearest town.

It was with some concern that he arrived at Heathrow, Terminal 5, and waited for his luggage to materialise. There has been such a lot of bad press recently surrounding Heathrow, that I'm sure most people would be anxious.
However, his suitcase did appear, and he made his way to the meeting point to be collected.
We've never understood why he's flown from Manchester to Heathrow, then collected by car and driven for a couple of hours to Southampton. You can fly there direct after all...

Still, on this occasion, his driver was an interesting chap.
When he found out that Robin was destined to join the QM2, he recalled his own experiences, working in the boiler room of the original Queen Mary.
4 hours continuous, back breaking work, of shovelling coal into the hungry beast, then 8 hours rest before starting it all over again.
Robin's two concerts in a week, should seem a little easier now...mind you, he'll be playing an awful lot of notes, and there will be a lot of people watching...

But it helped pass the time on the journey, and eventually Robin made it on board Cunard's QM2.
He just had time to settle in, coincidentally in a room he has stayed in previously, before setting off to record an in house T.V. interview, to be broadcast today.
This often happens, as it allows the many guests to see what is coming up in the next few days.
I know there was an explorer also being interviewed, but information has been patchy so far.
It takes a while for email to be set up, and, once the ship is more than 2 miles form coast, we can't talk on the 'phone.

Today is Robin's first concert. So he will be busy practicing and preparing himself, along with a sound check at some point.
I'll let you know how it goes.
In the meantime, if you're in the UK, enjoy the bank holiday, anywhere else, have a good Monday!

Cunard's Queens in New York

There has been little communication from the high seas today and we are now reduced to e mail.
However, I did talk to Robin late last night, and he was very impressed with Cunard's new ship, the Queen Victoria.
He thoroughly enjoyed the experience of standing on the deck, with Mozart playing gently around him, whilst he watched the QE2, which was alongside, and the Hudson Bridge in the background.
The QM2 was of course also there, and the celebration of this historic event, complete with fireworks, was fantastic.
You can read more about it in this article, 'Three Cunard Queen Ships Meet in Manhattan for Once-in-a-Lifetime Event'.

When we spoke, the QV had set sail and the QE2 was still with them, but I expect they have now gone separate ways.

I was rather amused to discover that someone found this site by a google search, 'Cunard Queen Victoria, Does it have irons in the rooms'?
Well, from my experience of Robin's many trips abroad, on various lines, I have never seen any evidence of there being an iron even in the same hemisphere, never mind in the room.
However, I suspect they do have them on board, and probably in each room, but that Robin hasn't quite worked out its function.....

He is there to work though and it's the first of his two concerts tomorrow.
So I would imagine that Robin is running through the first programme, and limbering up his fingers with some right and left hand exercises, to recover from the long journey.

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!

New York and the Ancient Mesopotamian Proverb

The guitar concert went very well, and I trust the passenger Robin met, who expressed a passion for a certain composer, enjoyed the Dowland!
Robin has now arrived in New York, is in the process of leaving the QM2, and, is very keen to start his journey home.
He has a lot of hanging around to get through before boarding the plane, but, is enjoying being on dry land, and the weather, which is warm, if a little humid.
I think he'll get a shock when he arrives in Manchester to find it rather colder than he has got used to.
He has already planned a trip to the toy shop at JFK airport, and it will be interesting to see if the assistant remembers him again, as she did last time.

For Robin, a day without the chance to practice, is very frustrating. He passes the time by working on his computer or listening to music, but, what he really wants, is to get home.
I'm sure this is the same for any traveller, keen to return to family, and not relishing the prospect of an overnight flight.
In fact, here is an ancient Mesopotamian proverb, circa 2000 BC:

"Pleasure is beer, misery a long journey."

Somethings never change...