News
Congratulations Colorado – 100th Visitor
Thank you to the 101 unique visitors from 11 Different countries who have visited in the last 2 weeks I note that there are 17 Flags collected (if you include regional state flags) so far. First one Brazil – Last one New York – Congratulations to Colorado – the 100th visitor! Typing this brought back … Continue reading
Brazil, Bandolims and Brains
What an interesting day Brazil : A day of exploring Choro music and some of the great tunes composed by Ernesto Nazareth (a Brazilian contemporary of Scott Joplin). I particularly like Brejeiro played by Jacob do Bandolim. My fingers are sore! Bandolims A fascinating sound reminiscent of a Portuguese Guitar perhaps caused by the larger, … Continue reading
Thoughts from High in the Sky and Low in Heathrow
Spent a whole day yesterday travelling by plane, train, underground, train, bus – but I really enjoyed it. Good service, relaxed and everything went well without a hitch – Gave me a chance to map out my proposed next steps.These, for the moment, are : 1. Music -will have access to recording studio tomorrow. Covers … Continue reading
Cambridge Capers
St Patrick’s Day is approaching……. The usual practice of playing for 12 hours around the City of Cambridge will be followed assisted by an intricately choreographed network of music-friendly (Irish) pubs in the University area. Hey Ross ! Where is the list, where are we going?………………see you there (The Venue list will be published here with “target” times in next … Continue reading
Boogie in Beirut
Hoping to attend a charity event at this amazing venue in downtown Beirut – you must check it out !!! SKY BAR Two videos – the second is a small treat for all you Snoop Dogg people – he played in Beirut when I was here in 2009
Allan promises the “Moon” in Milan
Allan – I appreciate the offer of playing your guitar but I would have been more excited if you had acquired a Jimmy Moon mandolin! Only kidding ……………or am I?
Lazzara in Via Dei Leoni
While trying (unsuccessfully) to extricate Ross, Bruce and Gordon from their apartment in Via dei Leoni 8, I stumbled across Jamie Marie Lazzara – an amazing woman who produces customised instruments for the world’s most talented musicians in the smallest workshop I have ever seen. Please take time to view her work and I will … Continue reading
Florentine Frolics
Thanks to all friends and family who made it to Florence for a memorable experience. After a tour of the mediterranean via Monte Carlo, Valencia, Ibiza, Tunis, Catania, Naples, Livorno and Pisa – I am sad to have to fly back from Milan this evening. However, next stop Beirut and Byblos. Elham – please fix … Continue reading
Flying to Florence
Pressing plans in September will mean that the sound clips and video footage will be uploaded from October onwards. Hey Francesco – may see you in Sicily on 9 September!
The Day The Mandolin Died!
I should have been devastated on that warm afternoon I stepped out of the conservatory balancing my A5 on chair loaded with strings, pliers cutters, straw hat, radio and a cold drink to enjoy a warm sunny afternoon as I restrung my mandolin prior to our planned recording session. The sound of wood hitting stone … Continue reading
