All is well in the deep south.

Sorry I haven't had time to post for a while, but the job of principal bass in a busy city orchestra can be quite demanding of one's time. We're just back from a tour of the South Island. I like playing in smaller centers, but I also always enjoy a trip up to Christchurch. Other bass players often ask me for a lesson after they've heard me play. There's a guy in Wellington called Rich who I often help out. I should really start charging him, I'm just too generous a soul really!
Well, must be off. We're playing in the town hall tonight. Today's rehearsal will be there as well. I love the acoustics of that building!

Who is a dick?

Richard, of Richard's Bass Bag.

On Bass Camp.

Southern people will have no problem spotting yours truly in this photo taken at bass camp in Martinborough. That's Rich third from the right at the back. He looks tired. Probably because he didn't play that well. He played at a master class but played a sort of jiggy piece; not entirely appropriate, I felt. Hiroshi (second from right), the principal bassist from the NZSO, was nice to him afterwards. I think that's called pity.
On the way back to the ferry I popped in at Rich's. I thought he'd gone to Russia, but all the lights were on at his house. I knocked at the door but no one answered. I was sure I heard voices. Probably just burglars.
Well, I'm home now and looking forward to some meaty orchestral playing. It was interesting working with Hiroshi and others from the NZSO. I could have given them some advice at times, but didn't want to come across as a 'know it all'. That's just my way, I'm a humble guy.