Category Archives: whatever

Stuf that I can’t fit anywhere else…

A few thoughts on playing and composing music

Delta Ladies, Diana Stones Songs, Musings, piano works, whatever

I took myself out for a brief ride in the surround countryside today. It’s all looking wonderful out there. I didn’t take any pictures today though.  Life goes on pretty much the same as ever at the moment. A steady rhythm, week in and week out as the seasons change.

A few thoughts on playing and composing  music:

Weirdly I accidently learnt a Flanagan and Allen song, “Forget me not lane” I was playing through a late 1940s songbook. Original paper published music (piano copy), not a reprint. And played it a couple of times and I have now memorized it. The piano copies were made relatively easy to read so usually not more that 5 note harmony and never anything more than 3 ledger lines above the treble clef. Also most things I hear I can play a version of on Piano almost straight off. I could always do this to an extent but the ability to do it seems to have improved a lot. Violin is of course easy to do as mostly it’s only one note with the odd double stop. Its as if my subconscious does all the work now.  Also with the current collaborations I am having to stretch my music muscles a bit to learn the new material.  It’s still predominantly USA listeners to my online music at present. I think this is because its loosely either rock towards prog and or folk or jazz/blues influences. Europe tends towards pop/dance more. A few outliers in the east of europe and on to the far East. Of course the stats only really show listeners with an account in the main so the actual geographical distributions may be a bit skewed.

I realise that one thing I would like to do again is work with a lyricist. I always have music bubbling up but words not so much. In the 80s I use to get people to send me lyrics (in the post) which I would set to music and send them a cassette tape back. 

Well That Was Different.

Delta Ladies, Diana Stones Songs, disabilty and health news, glass cage, music, Musings, other, whatever

The day prior  writing this I was making a video of a live performance of what will be a promotional tool for Jon Bickley’s forth coming CD. We played through the tracks in sequence and shoot it outdoors at a secret location.  It was quite fun to do and the weather held out remarkably well too. We also had some still shots done for the prospective   album cover and other publicity purposes. Then a drive back up the M1  and home.  Playing a set of songs to an audience of one (our cameraman) was weird though. 

I just did a covid test so at the time of writing I am clear.  I have had 6 clear tests since July. I only really have interaction with a couple of people but my partner is in contact with a few more folk in the weekly social groups.  Its my belief that I may have had a mild covid infection in early 2020 but I have no way of  proving or disproving this unfortunately.  I was in contact with several people who may well have been infectious for some time and others who subsequently went on to get it within a short period of time.  Was it just luck or had I quickly built up immunity somehow? Do i still have if so and whats my level of risk to both myself and others?

We are now at the start of September and the weather is very uncertain. We may get a  touch of late winter sun, but it’s been a bit gloomy and the urge to say in bed is difficult to fight right now.  I am getting on with stuff though just going day by day though. What else can one do ultimately. 

A friend of mine is still very much concerned with the possibility of getting a serious covid infection.  So they are keeping themselves away from as many people as possible. Logical but as they have been double vaccinated they may actually be more at risk through not having any additional exposure to continue to build their immunity.  I understand their concern but wonder  if ultimately they may be in a riskier position due to this attitude.   Still we can really only make our own informed decisions about all this and advice whilst it may be given may really not suit someone else’s circumstances.

I had a visit from Danny (Delta Ladies percussion and Oud player) and he played his Kora. We recorded a couple of tracks and chatted. We went through what we had been doing for during  the various lockdowns and restrictions.   It must be about a year since Danny was last here.  That was a pleasant change. it feels like time is standing still in some respects though. 

I am not sure if there is a way forward from all this personally.  I feel it would be tempting fate to make any plans frankly. It would be nice if there was but I am not counting on it.  Maybe I need to be a bit more zen about it all and see where I end up? 

“ Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”

Marcus Aurelius

 

     
 

 

 

 

     

    

Keeping Up the Good Work and All That

Diana Stones Songs, disabilty and health news, glass cage, history, whatever

Or not keeping up, that is the question.  I am keeping busy. Actually  on reflection much busier than I actually thought I was it turns out. over the past 25 years I have recorded about 500 plus songs and instrumentals it turns out.  It keeps me off the streets as they say.  And I shall carry on with as long as I can. These days I don’t do too much else.
 
The tune above is a bit of proggy cosmic noodling style stuff with violin and synth and what have you.  

I write this blog  and moan and winge and about the  fates a bit of course too.  I wonder how it looks to an outsider reading it?   Boring and tedious perhaps or a deep insight into the nature of human existence.  You the jury decide   🙂

 I have definitely done myself some mischief somehow and I am having  lot of problems with my right arm and shoulder. It feels like some sort of sprain. I did start working in the studio but taking it very easy. Its a real nuisance. Maybe I need to take a little time out . I feel also a bit stuck and at the point where I might start repeating myself. Effectively 18 months of navel gazing is a becoming an issue creatively. Also lack of external input of course.  It feels rather like being becalmed on a ship perhaps or maybe   a hotel with all the comforts of home or more but you can’t leave although you can see people going about their normal business at a distance. You cannot directly interact with them though of course

At the time of writing this I have had to cancel a rehearsal for making a performance video and move it to Saturday when I hope I shall be in better fettle.  I am  doing regular covid tests at present.  As of today I don’t have it. I would like to get an anti bodie test though as they are available now so I have applied to be part of the research program.  It may be interesting.  

More dreadful news from Afghanistan again today.  It’s quite difficult to process as recent history is poised to repeat itself again. No doubt with much suffering and loss of life. Will there ever be a solution? Its seems unlikely.  

 

 

 

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