Here's one for Richard.

Richard (of RBB) thinks he's Italian so I thought he might enjoy this - HERE.

I'm heading up in a few days to stay with him and give him some bass lessons. I think he really needs to work on his time - urgently. I'll also try to fix up that scratchy bowing. It's not good to sound like a washing maching.

"Ee - aw, ee-aw."

Richard will probably be excited about me coming up north to help.

Coming from the south.

The life of a professional musician is a busy one. Even though today is a quiet day, I'm still practising Bach.
Well the Southern Symphonia has wrapped up another busy year.
I'm thinking of popping up to Nuova Lazio and staying with Richard over Christmas. That would mean that I could give him a bass lesson or two. Normal rates would apply.
I think I could really help him with his bowing technique (somebody needs to). In return he can supply food and accomodation.
I won't be visiting The Curmudgeon this time around because he's making it too hard with guest toilet requirements.

In fact, I'd advise any guests to use the facilities at the nearest holiday park. It's probably only a short drive.

Next time I write it will probably be from Nuova Lazio and I'll update you on Richard's bass playing problems. Maybe he'd be wise to concentrate on violin?

There again, a fretted instrument might be easier for him.

Busy Playing.

I see we've all been given a blogging hurry along by a guy called Richard who runs a bass bagging site - here.
What Richard forgets is that some of us are professional musicians and not just amateur part-timers.
Things have been very busy with the Southern Sinfonia.
We've got Holly Mathieson conducting Beethoven in August.
See here.
I don't know if Richard could get through Beethoven. Maybe I need to head north, when things quieten down, and give him a double bass lesson.

Southern Update.

Well the Southern Symphonia has wrapped up a busy year. Among this year's concerts were Gilbert and Sullivan, Giselle, Tales of Ice & Fire and the Enigma Variations.
I'm now looking forward to a bit of a break.
I've heard a rumour that Richard (of RBB) is heading down this way to play at the Whare Flat Folk Festival. He'd be wise to give me a call about me giving him a lesson or two while he's down.
I found this picture of his trio on the website for the folk festival.

Richard (of RBB) doesn't look too happy. Maybe a lesson or two with me could help?
It's interesting that Richard (of RBB) is wearing a hat. Is he going bald? Come to think of it, they're all wearing hats. Maybe it was just a cold day?
Anyway, must be off and run a few scales. A good double bassist keeps his chops up during the holiday period.

Another busy year.

Nearly Christmas again. Where has the time gone?

Happy New Year!

I've been busy practising.
We had a very successful performance of The Messiah in December. We do The Messiah every two years. This year we did it in the Regent Theatre. David Burchell conducted magnificently from the harpsichord, with a wise choice of tempi.
I'll keep you posted on what the Southern Sinfonia is up to this year.

It's Spring...

but we're experiencing a bit of a cold snap down here in Dunedin.