Concert: Launch of 'Cancion', Izzy Cooper and Robin Hill

As regular readers will know Robin recently collaborated with the soprano Izzy Cooper to record their debut album together, 'Cancion'.
This has been an exciting and interesting project, and one that gives a new and refreshing look at the unique blend of the voice and guitar.

The official launch will be on Wednesday 1st September 2010, held in the beautiful gardens of 'Salon El Canor, Teulada, Spain'.
After a champagne reception, the concert begins at 8pm, there will be drinks and canapes available during the interval and the evening culminates in a firework finale.

For those lucky enough to attend there will be an opportunity to purchase the CD a few weeks before it is available for digital distribution, plus, a signing session has been arranged!

So far tickets have been brought from the UK, Sweden, Belgium and of course Spain itself.
For details, see the poster, or contact Izzy Cooper at www.izzysings.com

What a perfect way to end the summer with a few days away in the sunshine of Spain....

The first of many interviews have already taken place, this one 'Back in the Groove', by Jack Troughton

More will follow and once Robin arrives in Spain he will have a very busy schedule!

For those interested in the word cancion, it is the Spanish word for 'song' and is not only the album title but also the name of one track which was composed by Robin and inspired by the haunting and lyrical aspects of Izzy's beautiful voice.

As I know my blog readers like a little extra inside information, I can tell you that whilst the music had been written a few months earlier, the lyrics were composed the night before recording, by Robin in his hotel room, literally on the back of a guitar string packet!
In fact, he sang it down the 'phone to me, making alterations as he went, and by breakfast the next day had the completed version that can be heard on the CD.

So if you want the chance to hear many track from 'Cancion' live in a one of performance, then book yourself on a flight and spend a few days in this beautiful part of Spain.

From Brazil to Barcelona with a Classical Guitar

Since my last post a lot has been happening.
The life of this musician is certainly varied and thankfully very busy.
In the last month alone Robin has performed 5 concerts and shared his music with in excess of 2500 people. Not to mention travelling to Brazil, Spain and Portugal.
This is an incredible achievement.
The time away spent away from home can be difficult, but this is eased by the reaction to all the concerts performed.
Both audience and organisers have been equally positive and enthusiastic.

Returning to Brazil was a real treat for Robin. Although the journey there is long and exhausting, the rewards on arrival are incredible.
Lovely people and amazing scenery.
To wake up to this sort of view is really something special:



There's one village in particular that Robin always loves visiting, and in fact this was the second time he'd been there in just a few months.
The village is, 'Boca de Valeria', and the local people are keen to talk to any visitors and show them around their homes.
The children all get very excited and Robin has decided that on his next visit he will offer to play for them in their small church:



You can read more about Robin's previous trips to Brazil and see some lovely pictures, here, 'Arrival in The Amazon, Caruso and Fitzcarraldo' and here, 'Back to The Amazon'.

Robin managed to get home before the disruption of the volcano in Iceland and spent a whole 10 days with the family!

It wasn't without its difficulties though.
A lunchtime concert in Doncaster Museum had to be cancelled as Robin broke down on the way there.
He was devastated by this.
In the whole of his career he has never had to cancel a concert. (Even when extremely ill on a two week tour in Ireland some years ago he managed to complete every single performance. Although on the last concert he was unable to go on stage for an encore as he physically couldn't face the bright lights. The next morning we found out he had measles.....medical advice was to stay in a darkened room....)
However, a new date has been found for the concert in Doncaster so put it in your diaries now: 9th March 2011.

After another week away, travelling to Spain and Portugal, and 3 further concerts Robin returned home for a quick visit.
In just two days he managed to catch up with all the family news and start memorising some new pieces.
This is an essential process when performing so frequently.
New pieces have to be learnt and rehearsed until ready for public performance.

Now Robin is off again.
He is back in Spain and preparing for his concert in 2 days time.
There are so many exciting things being planned at the moment that I sometimes wonder when I will find the dates to fit them in.
However I usually manage it. Somehow.
So keep checking in to find out what happens next...

In Ibiza with Robin Hill & Izzy Cooper

Anyone considering a career in music might be swayed by this post.

The years and years of dedication to your instrument can result in some very special events.
To be booked to play at a private party on a private beach was one such occasion.

Robin was flown from the UK, whilst Izzy Cooper arrived from Spain, and with only two days rehearsal it was a pretty tight schedule.
However, they have performed together before and had been working on their parts separately for some time.

By all accounts it was a fabulous evening. But then with such a beautiful backdrop everyone was bound to be moved:




As Robin and Izzy performed the sea rolled gently in behind them and after the interval Robin couldn't resist informing Izzy that the waves were now only a matter of feet from them....
Ever the professional, and also used to Robin's sense of humour, she managed to remain calm and they finished the programme without getting their feet wet.

Whilst not rehearsing Robin could sit back and enjoy the view from his hotel:




And in fact spoke to me a number of times from his balcony:




But this was always going to be a busy weekend.
The next morning Robin had an early flight to Stansted as he was performing a concert that night at the Rhodes Art Complex, Bishop's Stortford.

They had thoughtfully put a poster in the window so that the travel and work weary musician knew he had arrived at the correct destination:



As I write Robin is off on his travels once again and can currently be found somewhere in Canada.
But more of that trip on another occasion.

Review: Robin Hill & Izzy Cooper

On the 28th August Robin and the soprano Izzy Cooper performed a concert in Spain, 'Viva La Classica'.
I mentioned how it had gone at the time, rather briefly, as I was in the process of retrieving my son before he became stranded, when his Dad flew off to another concert.
You can read the post here.

So I was very pleased, when yesterday I was notified about a review, written by Jack Troughton, in 'Round Town News'.
I was even happier when I read the first line, "The golden blend of Izzy Cooper's powerful voice and the glorious guitar playing of Robin Hill made Viva La Classica an enchanting success."

The programme was a varied one:

Act 1:

Les filles de Cadix - Leo Delibes
Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas - Manuel de Falla
Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 - Heitor Villa-Lobos

Un Dia de Noviembre - Leo Brouwer (solo - Robin Hill)
Recuerdos de la Alhambra - Francisco Tarrega (solo - Robin Hill)
Malaguena - trad arr.Hill (solo - Robin Hill)

En Aranjuez, con tu amor - Joaquin Rodrigo
Granada - Agustin Lara
Tu Quieres Volver - Gypsy Kings


Act 11:

Lascia Ch'io Pianga - George Frederic Handel
Plaisir D'Amour - Jean Paul Martini
Scarborough Fair - Simon and Garfunkel
Fields of Gold - Sting
Ave Maria - Charles Gounod

Tango en Skai - Roland Dyens (solo - Robin Hill)
Cavatina - Stanley Myres (solo - Robin Hill)
Asturias - Isaac Albeniz arr.Hill (solo - Robin Hill)

My love is like a red red rose - Robbie Burns
Somewhere over the rainbow - E Y Harburg & Harold Arlen
O Mio Babbino Caro - Giacomo Puccini
Imagine - John Lennon
Por ti Sere - Brendan Graham & Rolf Lovland


Here's a photo, courtesy of Round Town News, of Robin whilst performing one of the solo pieces.
The more observant amongst you will notice the lack of footstool. He is in fact, on this occasion, using a special cushion, designed to mould to the shape of the leg.



The review itself is a great one.
Izzy is described as a, "star", and Robin, "holds an audience spellbound", and one line I particularly like, " His fingers flew along the guitar's neck like the wings of a hummingbird."
But don't take my word for it. Follow the link and read it for yourself, "One Enchanted Evening".
Both Izzy and Robin are delighted at the reception they received, and have already been taking orders for the album they will be recording together.

My job, to find a time in their busy schedules to make that possible....and soon.

Coffee in Alicante

We have had a strange few days.
Robin and son left Crystal Serenity some time ago.
To prove Robin did actually do a concert whilst there, here's the poster:



And this was taken during the sound check:




They then spent a few days in Spain preparing for the concert with Izzy Cooper. This is one of many rehearsals:



Apparently the concert was a huge success.
The beautiful setting was the perfect backdrop for a lovely concert, with a programme that included pieces by Leo Delibes, Manuel de Falla, Villa-Lobos, Leo Brouwer, Tarrega, Joaquin Rodrigo, Handel, Puccini and many more, and there was even a firework display at the end!
I'm hoping to get some pictures at some point, but I do know that the audience had a wonderful evening.
Despite some technical problems, which required Robin to tell a few jokes whilst the team sorted it out, all went extremely well.
So successful was the event that a recording will hopefully be made in the next few months.
It was 2am before the audience finally let the pair go, so it was rather a tired party that arrived to meet me at the airport.

Not that I minded.
I'd been up incredibly early myself in order to arrive in Spain at 11 am....
The reason for this madness??
Well, when it was arranged that son number one would accompany Robin on the Crystal trip we thought they would both be returning home at the end of it.

After all flights were booked and plans made, it became obvious that the only available date for the Robin and Izzy to perform, was the 28th August.
So, the Hill men were diverted to Spain.

Unfortunately, Robin then had to fly straight off to Malta...
So, on Friday, I flew over to Spain to collect my son, before he became an abandoned child.
We had checked out all possibilities for him to fly solo, but unbelievably it isn't possible between Alicante and Manchester before he is 12 years old!!

Actually, it did at least mean that I briefly met Izzy, and also had a whole 2 hours with my husband.
Obviously coffee and a sandwich in Alicante airport isn't the romantic of settings, but when he's away for a month anything is a bonus.

The time sadly flew by, and before we knew it there was a tearful farewell, as Robin boarded a plane to Malta.
Son and I then spent many hours sitting in the sun, outside the airport, catching up with news, before our flight home.

Now Robin has joined the Queen Victoria where he has two concerts over the next week, the first one today.

More on that soon. Hopefully.

Take Five, Spain and MySpace

It's rather a strange experience for me, and for Robin, on this trip.
He is so used to travelling alone, and even has his usual room on Crystal Serenity, but this time is sharing it with son number one.

For me, it's odd to be receiving e mails from both of them, and pictures of my eldest, globetrotting around Europe!

To prove they are both there, here is the official Crystal photograph, of them beside Serenity:



The first two days were spent in Venice, and here he is again, sporting a Crystal t-shirt given as a present from a previous trip:



After a day at sea, they arrived in Katakolon, Greece, and spent a very pleasant time having a good look around.

But it isn't all fun.
Robin has also been working hard. Not only on the programme for his recital in a few days time, but also the new pieces and arrangements for the concerts in Spain, with Izzy Cooper, which are on the 27th and 28th of August.
You can see details of the Spanish concerts, including the official poster, here.

Meanwhile, here at Hillhouse it has also been busy.
I have been very pleased with a number of comments recently over on our MySpace page.
Go and have a look, and if you haven't been there for a while, you'll see there is now another track added, 'Footsteps of the Moai', taken from the new CD, 'Eyes That Talk To The Sky'.
Enjoy.

Time to Pay - The PRS Licence

After a brief visit to Vigo, Spain, yesterday, Robin was asked to perform again last night.
After the success of his latest concert, there was a request for him to play at a private function, for a select audience.
He agreed and the performance went well.
Robin now has eight days to work on his next programme and enjoy some of the fantastic places he is about to visit.
He will also be working on the pieces he will be playing in August with Izzy Cooper, and all his usual scales and arpeggios, so he won't be short of things to do.

Meanwhile back at home, I read a report by Tamsyn Kent, 'Employers told to pay up for music.'
Basically, it is estimated that more than half a million businesses across the UK are playing music illegally.
By law, if playing music at work, then you need a licence.
The Performing Right Society (PRS) collects the money and pays the artists.
So, if you are one of those businesses that doesn't have a licence, or feels that the fee for a licence is too high for entertaining your workforce, then I hope you don't mind if I call in a help myself to some of your stationary, or oil, or the odd sandwich, or whatever.
It's a small fee to most businesses, but it's a part of any musicians livelihood...

Robin Hill & Izzy Cooper - Voice and Guitar

The lack of posts last week hasn't gone unnoticed. Half term and an absent husband made for a busy time.
However, I have had a request to ensure more consistency this week.
My mum is having a spell in hospital, and has left strict instructions, that each day's offering will be taken in for her perusal!
I shall do my best.

Since Robin's return on Friday we have had little time to relax.
Two functions over the weekend meant he was straight into rehearsals.
Good job he didn't have jet lag on this occasion.

One of the events was outdoor.
In a typically British fashion, it chose to pour with rain for the entire day.
I did consult the diary to see if we could reschedule, but that proved impossible until next year.
So, the event went ahead, and despite the inclement conditions, was enjoyed by all who braved the elements.

Which neatly brings me to an exciting event that will be taking place in August.
If you recall, back in April, Robin performed with the wonderful soprano Izzy Cooper.
Robin made a guest appearance in which they performed Rodrigo's 'Adagio'. You can remind yourself of both the relevant posts here and here.

So successful was this collaboration, that two outdoor events have now been organized for August, in the Costa Blanca.
It will be a fabulous programme, in a beautiful setting, so if you haven't booked your holidays yet, then maybe you should consider Spain this year.
I'm already hearing 1/2 rehearsals from the music room, as preparation of some pieces for voice and guitar by Manuel de Falla get under way.
However, for those who can't make the trip to sunny Spain, plans are already being made for recording sessions next year.
As always, watch this space.

'Fiesta de Xabia' by Robin Hill - Guitar

Robin is enjoying some very pleasant weather, as he approaches Costa Rica on board Crystal Symphony, and I think he felt sorry for me back here in the frozen North of England.
So he sent me an audio file, of a piece of music he composed during a family holiday in the sun, to remind me of warmer times.
He recorded this piece just before Christmas, and wanted to share it with you as a taste of things to come, when he is home long enough to record the rest of the album!

The piece is called, 'Fiesta de Xabia'.

It was inspired by the bull running festival in Xabia which we witnessed whilst on holiday in Spain.
It's an incredible sight, the narrow streets are lined with cages, bulls are released into the street, and the men of the town literally run ahead of the bulls, diving into the protective cages at the last minute.
The piece reflects the mood of the whole town.

Ominous trills at the beginning signal the tension and excitement prior to the release of the first animal.
Then the exuberant theme announces the appearance of the first bull.
The increasing virtuosic variations depict the local young (and not so young) men who exhibit an amazing agility in avoiding the horns.
The slowing of the tempo towards the end shows the bull majestic as the final victor and the piece finshes with an ebullient restatement of the main theme.

Hope you enjoy it.

'Fiesta de Xabia' - composed and performed by Robin Hill

For now, you can hear 'Fiesta de Xabia' from the player in the sidebar.

Paco de Lucia - Panaderos Flamencos

Whilst we appear to be in a flamenco frame of mind at the moment I had to share another video with you.
This time it is the fabulous Paco de Lucia and he is performing, 'Impetu & Panaderos Flamencos'.
The first part of the video is 'Impetu', which is worth watching in its own right, but, it is the second half, 'Panaderos Flamencos', or, 'Baker's Flamenco', by Esteban Delgardo, which is highly evocative for me.

Robin was learning this piece whilst we were on holiday a year or so ago.
The desire to learn it rekindled by the fact we were in southern Spain at the time.
The sound of this piece floating out of all the doors and windows of the farm house we were staying in, will stay with me forever.
What better way to hear the music than sitting in the sun, with children playing, and your husband playing his guitar against the backdrop of the Ronda Mountains in Andalucia.

If you are wondering how Robin 'happened' to have the music with him whilst on holiday, well, he didn't.
He did however find a Paco de Lucia CD for sale on a street corner, something unlikely to happen in the UK, and the piece was on it.
He then transcribed the piece from the CD and we were all able to enjoy the music in the environment in which it was born.
As you can see, it was something of a working holiday for Robin, but then there are no other types for him!

Incidentally, on the same trip he bought a Reyes flamenco guitar in Seville, but that's another story...