Concert in Mugdock

Mugdock Country Park was the beautiful setting for a highly successful concert last night.
As predicted, the venue was sold out well in advance, which always bodes well for an appreciative audience.
Robin wasn't disappointed.

It was one of those nights when all factors seemed to fall into place.
Not just musically with a lovely programme including pieces by, Tarrega, Sor, Brouwer, Dyens, Albeniz and Sabicas. Not to mention some of Robin's own compositions, one being 'Return to Islay', which he composed after being inspired by the beautiful island of Islay on a previous Scottish tour.

This piece he dedicated to the memory of an old friend, and previous manager, Dave Barnes, who had first introduced Robin to Mugdock, and seen him perform there many times.
Some of his family and friends were present and a few tears were shed during this tranquil and evocative piece.

But equally as important as the music are the spoken introductions.
It's vital that any artist engages with their audience to create a wonderful and entertaining evening.
As I have said previously here on the blog, luckily for Robin, he is quite at ease with this aspect of his performance.
That isn't to say he doesn't invest a lot of time and energy researching the pieces he is playing, and deciding the points of interest which may just add that little bit more to the audiences enjoyment.
Alongside short discussions about the techniques employed in certain pieces this makes for interesting listening for guitarists and non-guitarists alike.

There was one difficult moment for Robin, right at the beginning of the concert, in the first piece, Malaguena.
Part way through his false thumb nail flew off.
Regular readers will know this happens from time to time.
On this occasion he was able to complete the piece and the offending nail was pointed out to him by some of the more observant members of the audience.
He retrieved it and re glued it into position all whilst introducing the next piece.

Many of the audience spoke to him after the concert which is always a nice way to receive feedback.
Then it was back to the hotel before a quick dash to a local pub to partake in a little post concert relaxation.

Now he is home but not for long.
Packing is underway for an exciting trip next week.
Although Robin does find it difficult spending such a lot of time away from home, even he is looking forward to this one.
It will be a first for him and you will just have to keep checking in to find out where he is and what he is doing......

Guitarists and Their B****y Nails

I have certainly neglected you all over the last week but there hasn't been a lot to report, other than nail issues....

Robin has been doing a lot of travelling this year, involving many concerts.
As all guitarists know, and also any non-guitarists who follow this blog, guitarists are completely at the mercy of the quality of their nails.

It's a constant battle to keep the nails of the right hand in an acceptable condition to stand up to the rigours of performing.
The vicious circle of super glue, silk wrap and acetone really do take their toll.
The underlying nail becomes damaged and weakened, resulting in further use of super glue, silk wrap and acetone....etc. etc.

There comes a point when the nails have to be rested and allowed to recover.
But this isn't easy.
With the next concert is looming on the horizon practice has to be done.

There's also the constant need to learn new material, and in this particular month, there is a lot to learn.
The concert in August with Izzy Cooper requires arrangements to be made, and then learnt.
Hopefully, later this month they will also be able to get together, and play through some of the pieces.

But first, Robin has had to rest his nails.
It really is the only time this year that he can completely stop playing, only for a few days, and allow them to recover.

So the glue is off.
The silk wraps are off.
And therefore the acetone isn't needed.

He is religiously applying various lotions and potions in an attempt to rehydrate the battle worn nails, so they will be in a good condition to return to duty for the forthcoming bookings.

As you can imagine this is actually a rather stressful process for Robin.
Not only is he concerned about the upkeep of his nails, but also he misses playing the guitar.
The only saving grace has been the mandolin.
Fortunately, the mandolin is played with a pick, so no nails are required.
Consequently, as you will have read on the tweets, we are hearing a lot of rather nice mandolin playing.
Mind you, it's a good job it hasn't been sunny.
If I hear 'O Sole Mio' one more time, I will just have to go out and buy an ice cream...

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.

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...

Sun, Sea, Silk, and Second Concert Success

The QE2 was cruising the Straits of Florida yesterday, and Robin spent the day rehearsing for his second guitar concert.
The news is good, and I've had reports from various sources, that the concert was a great success.

There was a minor hiccup about 2/3 of the way through, when Robin's silk nail wrap became unstuck.
For any guitarists out there, they will realise that this is a problem, and one that has to be dealt with before play can continue.
For the non-guitarists amongst you, Robin uses silk wrap on any damaged areas of nails of his right hand.
Classical guitarists require long, and strong, nails to produce the correct sound.
When performing as frequently as Robin does it is inevitable that nail damage will occur.
The problem is how to repair that damage without losing any sound quality.
Over the years Robin has tried many things and his current method is to use a special silk wrap and glue.

Consequently, as the wrap became unstuck, he had to leave the stage for a few minutes, and do an emergency repair.
This happens occasionally, and whilst rather stressful for Robin, the audience don't seem to mind, especially as he always explains what has happened, and occasionally actually carries out the repair on stage as he introduces the next piece of music.

He went on to perform the Mozart variations, which if you recall had been requested on this particular trip.
It must have gone well, as some of the audience showed their appreciation by standing, along with some of the resident musicians.

After the concert he spoke to a few members of the audience and was delighted with their comments.
Particularly the compliments paid by two Spanish men, who are friends with the incredible guitarist, Paco de Lucia.

Meanwhile, back in the UK, I was surprised yesterday by a large increase in the number of hits to the blog.
Sometimes you can work out why, sometimes not.
The trend seems to have continued so far today which is nice.
One of the reasons could be a report by the BBC, about an appeal to identify a body found in 2006 on Islay.
I know that's rather gruesome, and you may be wondering why I have made this connection.
Well, it's because Robin composed a piece called, 'Return to Islay', featured on 'Virtuoso', and as people have been searching this story, they have come across a rather more uplifting side to the beautiful Island of Islay.

Cabo San Lucas, Hard Rock Cafe, and the Tale of an Iguana

Yesterday Crystal Symphony spent the morning in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, a very nice place indeed.
As you can see, the harbour is full of beautiful boats:



In the 40's and 50's Bing Crosby and John Wayne were frequently seen here as they enjoyed the deep sea fishing.

Even today there appears to be something for everyone, including a restaurant called, 'Squid Roe', and a 'Hard Rock Cafe':



Then I had rather a surreal 'phone conversation with Robin which went something like this:

Robin: "It's really beautiful here, and I'm just stroking an Iguana, it's being held by a lady, (crackle, crackle, it wasn't a good line), ...wearing a sombrero."

Me: "Really, wow, an Iguana, that's fantastic. I suppose the lady should be wearing a sombrero, you are in Mexico."

Robin: "No, the Iguana's wearing the sombrero."

Me: "Don't be ridiculous."

The conversation continued in this mode for some time...

Once back on board the photographic evidence was forwarded.
Here it is:



Word is also out that Robin's nail repair kit has proved very handy. Not only for nails and a President's eyebrow, but you can now add stiletto heel to the list.

Concert Comments and George Bush's Eyebrow

The final concert went very well and Robin has had some very nice comments.
He was delighted to meet a member of the audience afterwards that is an eminent jazz guitarist. I shan't identify him, as he is after all there on holiday, but he enjoyed the concert very much and they spent some time 'talking music'.
To receive compliments on your performance from a distinguished musician in his own right, is very nice indeed.

This chap is a friend of the legendary jazz guitarist, Lee Ritenour, who has many recordings to his name and has done session work with some of the best around. Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie and Pink Floyd to name just a few.
So they had plenty to talk about.

Another lady said that Robin, "Played with so much soul that she could see it rising out of his body."
Whilst one couple announced, "We enjoy your playing very much, we're in the next room."
However, they added that both their children play guitar, so they were used to hearing it, and that they had been to both concerts and thoroughly enjoyed them.
I hope they enjoyed the scales and arpeggios as much...

Also a chance meeting with an American gentleman proved amusing.
Robin had just convinced himself that no one would notice him doing some laundry. He found the laundry room and was just loading up the machine, a sight I would dearly loved to have seen, when this man came in and said incredulously, "A guitarist like you has to do his own washing!"....Yes, please don't discourage this new found skill...

Last night it was Mark Merchant's turn.
Robin was just about to go out to watch Mark's show, when 10 minutes before it was due to start, there was a knock at the door.
There he stood, clutching George Bush, minus his right eyebrow.
Knowing that this particular guitarist never travels without superglue, in case of any nail damage, Mark was hopeful for some emergency repairs.
It worked.
George Bush now has perfectly symmetrical eyebrows once more, and went on to give an excellent show, with the help of Mark of course.
Life's never dull on board Crystal Symphony!

Nails, Nails, Nails....

Finally news of the first guitar concert on the QM2.
The venue was full which is around 1000 people.
The lights dimmed.
Robin entered and started with some Lute Pieces.
At the end of the final one, both his index, and middle finger nails broke.
This is the worst case scenario for any guitarist.
It is impossible to continue playing without attending to the problem.
This, Robin had to do, on stage, whilst explaining to a very understanding audience what had happened.
It must have felt very lonely up there...
He managed to complete the rest of the concert without further mishap, but, with only a temporary, 'quick fix' repair, he felt unable to fully trust the nails.
Consequently it was rather a trial for Robin.

I'm sure it was more of a problem for him than it was the audience.
As I've said before, audiences seem to like it when something unusual happens. Especially if the artist tells them what he is doing to try and resolve the problem.
Never the less, I think it is an experience Robin doesn't wish to repeat.
The worry now is that the next concert is on Wednesday, so, I imagine today has been taken up with some pretty major rebuilding job going on.
It's rather a relief I wasn't there for this one....

Guitarists Hands - and Nails

The next time you find yourself at a concert, enjoying the sublime music and admiring the dexterity of the musician, take a moment to reflect, that behind every musician lies a significant other, carrying out a million household chores, that most people take for granted.
All musicians have to take care of their hands. They are their livelihood after all. But for guitarists it goes even further.
Not just the hands but the right hand nails too.

Those damned nails.

Robin goes to great lengths to protect his hands, but as you can imagine, protecting the nails of the right hand is a full time job in itself.
He long ago retrained his brain to use his left hand for tasks which he would instinctively have used his right.
Opening doors for example.
Such a simple procedure, but many a 'chip' in a nail, can be obtained whist carrying out such a manoeuvre.
Therefore Robin uses his left hand.
That may sound easy, but when you are naturally right handed, you have to override your urge to reach out with your dominant hand.
I tried it for a day once, and believe me, it isn't as easy as it sounds.
Luckily for Robin it has now become second nature.

You may be wondering what has brought on this tirade.
I'll tell you.
A new bicycle.
Son number one has grown.
Consequently his indestructible, easy maintenance bike, is now too small.
Off they went to purchase a new one with great excitement.
They came back with the new bike and explained all the special features.
Disc brakes and far too many gears to even think about.
So they went on a ride.
They came home full of joy and son still had his front teeth despite the disc breaks being much keener than the ones he was used to.

The next day they went out again.
This time my nephew was with them.
I was very pleased he was as the chain came off the bike.
Luckily for us my nephew is an experienced cyclist, and despite his young age, 8, deftly put the chain back in place.
This may have something to do with his Dad, my brother, being one of only two people to have cycled across Iceland. The other person being his friend that was with him at the time.

Unluckily for us, they went out again today, and nephew wasn't there.
You guessed it, the chain came off again.
I don't know if this is a faulty bike, or, if son number one just has to get used to gear changes.
However it left Robin in a dilemma.
Does he try and put the chain back on and please son, or, push the bike home and get me to do it.

When they arrived home Robin was already explaining that he had to play tonight and could hardly turn up covered in oil.
He has a point.
As you, the audience, admire his playing and watch every move those hands make, you really don't want to see ingrained oil, and what about the NAILS....

So I have now officially added bicycle maintenance to my ever growing list of jobs.
As I said, when you are next at a concert, enjoy the music, but remember that somewhere in the background is a hard working wife, whose hands are nowhere near as clean.
Don't even get me started on washing up.
Now, where's the swarfega?

The Goodbye Look

This morning Robin repaired a nail and tentatively tried it out.
A musical phrase was quietly played.
Then again.
Then again.
It was unfamiliar to me but I very quickly realised what was happening.
The phrase grew and became 10 or so bars.
Sure enough, after a few more minutes, I was called.

I could tell as soon as I saw Robin's face that a new piece of music was being born.
He played it to me and then went on at some lengths to explain what was going to happen next.

Here's the problem.
I have a good ear and was able to discuss the piece as far as it went. It was obvious that it could turn into a great piece of music. The main theme is swirling round in my mind and I'm unable to clear it.

But the whole piece is in Robin's mind. He has the look he gets only when his mind is completely taken over by something new which has to force its way out.
He explained what all the instruments would be doing, and appears quite clear in the direction the piece will take.

I however will have to wait.
Whilst the notes remain in Robin's head alone, I am unable to understand completely what he means.
Even when they are committed to paper I don't have the skill to follow a score and 'hear' the notes.
But when he plays them to me, well, that's a different matter.

I know from experience that I will be drafted in with increasing regularity as the piece progresses.
Expected to listen and comment on the process as it is created.

But this is good.
How many people are in the privileged position that I am?
So often musicians are asked how they go about composing.
Usually they are unable to say.
I know though, for Robin, anyway.
And it starts with a look - as simple as that.

Guitarists and their nails....

The long trek down to the south of England didn't manage to resolve any nail issues.
Whilst the treatment did work, the sound wasn't quite right, and Robin is a very discerning customer!

I think that after years of trial and error he has devised a technique that serves him well, but, it's always good to try out something new.

He did, however, come home with a handy little device for soaking off glue.
It's a small pot with a rubber top, which you fill with polish remover, then immerse your finger nail into the sealed unit, until the glue dissolves.

Whilst this may sound trivial to you, for me, it's a huge advance. Our varnished wooden floors don't take kindly to spilt nail varnish remover....

Singapore for Robin - Da Vinci Code Cracking for Me

Robin has now arrived in Singapore and is settling into his room on Crystal Symphony. His first, of two concerts, isn't for a few days, which is excellent news, as I'm sure he needs a few days to recover from the journey.
You would think he would lay down and relax for a while, but no, when I spoke to him he was repairing a nail.
Before he left America, Robin e mailed me a new piece he has composed called, 'A Passage to New York'.
Sight reading isn't really my thing, and despite Robin assuring me I would be fine with it, I feel some work is required.

Not as much as Thomas and Stuart Mitchell though.
They were intrigued by the markings on the arches of a chapel of a church featured in 'The Da Vinci Code'. Using their musical knowledge they have unlocked the notes of a piece of music that has been hidden for centuries. It's an interesting story by Richard Alleyne which you can read here.
I look forward to hearing it and many congratulations to them for their perseverance.

Meanwhile, I must get back to my own code cracking. I'm keen to hear this new piece of Robin's, especially as it's dedicated to me.
At least I have the luxury of playing through it on Robin's Miguel Rodriguez guitar. He has the 'Churchdoor' with him, but his other concert guitar is here with me.
If you happen to be in Singapore, on Crystal Symphony, don't tell him that I'm torturing his music on his precious guitar....

Just a Clumsy Phase - I Hope....

This is where being a regular reader has its rewards. You are privy to backstage information that the audience would have been totally oblivious to.
If you recall, Robin's last concert on the QE2, for this trip anyway, was on Wednesday.
Whilst still in his room making final preparations to go to the theatre, Robin decided his right hand thumb nail required some reinforcing, this is done with super glue, or, special nail glue.
There was only 20 minutes to go until the recital started, so he was already changed, and ready for the off.
Applying glue to a tiny part of the nail is a difficult procedure. When Robin is at home, I am occasionally called upon to assist, by holding a tweezer or squeezing the 'exact' amount of glue that is required, onto 'exactly' the right spot. It is always a rather tense time because if you get it wrong, it is then a lengthy and frustrating operation to remove the glue with cheap nail varnish remover.
Robin is, however, very adept at doing this, and deftly applies the correct treatment, one handed if necessary.

So there he was, alone in his room, and somehow he managed to spill the glue - all over his left hand.
As he frantically tried to remove it, he managed to glue himself to the G sting of the guitar....
By this stage there was only 15 minutes before the performance and the audience were already taking their places.
Little did they know that the artist was currently 'stuck' to his instrument.
The only thing to do, was to literally, pull his finger off the string.
He was then left with the dilemma of changing the string, which had bits of glue attached, or just to pick off as much as he could.
This is a bigger problem than you imagine.
To change a string minutes before a concert is a tuning nightmare. They need a few hours to be played in.
He opted for the, 'pick as much off as he could', route.

No need to worry though.
He put his professional head on and delivered an excellent concert. So good in fact that he was recalled twice to take a bow.
Unfortunately on the second exit he managed to walk straight into a piano - no permanent damage was done, to either of them.
I hope it's just a clumsy phase he's going through....