Standing Ovation on the QM2 to 'Memory Almost Full' - McCartney

Well, I can report, that the guitar concert was a resounding success.
The venue on board the QM2 was full, both upstairs and down, and Robin received a standing ovation which was very much appreciated. Applause alone rewards any artist for all the hard work they put in, not just on the day, but for years prior to ever reaching the concert platform. To get a standing ovation, really encourages a performer, as audiences don't tend to give them away easily.

Unknown to Robin, one member of the audience was undertaking his own form of art work, whilst Robin was on stage. He later sought Robin out and presented him with this drawing he had made whilst Robin was performing. He was delighted.
As you can see from the photo, he has a post concert look about him!




During the concert Robin was introducing 'Xodo Da Baiana' and happened to say that he had been unable to find suitable translations for some of the Portuguese titles, and if anyone could help would they please contact him.
A very nice man from New York City came forward at the end of the concert and offered his services as a translator - they are meeting up later today.

Life at sea runs slightly differently to land and the concert was at the unusual time of 2.30.
So what does a musician do to unwind post concert when it's only mid-afternoon.
Well, this one went back to his room and read a couple of chapters of 'Wuthering Heights', prompted by his recent visit to the Bronte household.
He did go out later in the evening and watched the RADA show, which he found very amusing and very well acted. Well, what do you expect, it was RADA.

Meanwhile in the UK, Sir Paul McCartney has given a 'secret' gig at the 'Electric Ballroom' in Camden. The secret didn't last long though and the 1000 invited guests and media had to run the gauntlet of photographers.
This was all in aid of promoting his 21st solo album, 'Memory Almost Full', sold exclusively through Starbucks coffee house.
To read a full review of this "utterly compelling concert" read Robert Sandall's report, 'McCartney looks back to where he once belonged'.
I'm off out to get a coffee and a CD....

Would you like a CD with your Coffee?...

There was a nice article yesterday in 'Slate Magazine', by Daniel Gross, in which he was looking at CD sales, and poses the question, 'If the CD is dead, why are so many companies going into the CD business?'
It has been well documented that generally CD sales are falling due to a preference for digital singles over albums, resulting in the closure of many record shop.
However, that isn't the case for all.
Gross points out that some stores are seeing an increase in sales, and suggests that what's required is a different style of marketing.
The recent signing of Paul McCartney to Starbucks is one example. They already have established outlets, with the facility to sell over the counter, and a large volume of customers each day. I'm sure they must have done their sums and feel it will be a financially viable option.
I have often said in past blogs that a new approach is required to encourage audiences to attend concerts, and, particularly to draw the next generation in. So a revamp of marketing approaches for performance and music sales is what is needed.
Luckily, we spent the morning in a meeting doing just that. It was a productive time and hopefully will 'streamline' the Robin Hill experience when we have it up and running.

Potholes, Starbucks and Robin Hill Recordings

Let me show you how my warped mind works. I read a headline in the paper, 'Councils filling 1 million potholes a year.' Well, we know from our musical experience that there are '4000 holes in Blackburn Lancashire', which made me think the others are evenly distributed across the country.
From that my mind wondered to Sir Paul McCartney and his new signing with the coffee shop chain Starbucks.
In fact, as Starbucks recently announced, they are launching a new label called 'Hear Music' as a joint venture with Los Angeles based Concord Music Group.
What a coup for them all.
To sign McCartney must have been their dream come true, especially with an album due out in early summer. (As yet untitled.)
If they are looking to expand even further, then look no further.
All we need is the orchestra and recording studio and we're ready!
There are so many fantastic concerti waiting to be recorded for both solo and duo guitar, composed by such eminent composers as Rodrigo, Vivaldi and Castelnuovo-Tedesco.

Robin has performed many of these, either as a soloist, or with the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo.
If Starbucks are feeling particularly adventurous, then why not try some new compositions, some of which have been premiered, and some as yet unheard.
Oh, and while they are at it, I take my coffee strong with just a little milk...