Lyre & Pipe
An early Christmas present to myself
I’ve been thinking about buying a collapsible guitar that is suitable for stuffing in a large suitcase for some time now. After looking at what was available and chatting with a few enthusiasts of various models, I settled on the Yamaha SLG100S.
Collapsible guitars are suprisingly hard to get hold of; I looked at buying one from an online retailer, but couldn’t find a supplier that either a) was based outside the UK but willing to deliver to a UK address or b) was based in the UK, had one in stock, with a decent reputation and was able to deliver one in a reasonable time frame.
+14RIP: Richard Wright
Very sad news today about the death of Rick Wright, talented keyboard player with the legendary Pink Floyd and often under-appreciated musical craftsman.
Wright was part of the core talent of the Pink Floyd sound, having first formed the band together with Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and Nick Mason, back in 1967.
He was a key part of the sound, recording and performing with the Floyd from their debut album “Piper at the Gates of Dawn” onwards.
+15My South Park Character
Courtesy of one of my work colleagues at UCB-Celltech in Slough, is my very own South Park Character (the whole team has one).
It’s been reworked with Su’s help (she thinks that I’ve downplayed the grumpiness element of my character, but it’s my character and I can have what I want! 
)
+13Busker Boy makes 70 quid an hour
Fantastic clip on the Beeb’s website today of 13-year old Calvin Prior, who is minting it in as a busker, playing his electric guitar on Brighton’s seafront…and making an average of £70 an hour.
And when you see the video, you can see why!
+15Hyde Park 2008
What can I say? A good gig (especially Sunday). Beautiful weather, excellent music from both classic and more contemporary acts. A little more commercial now that the Hard Rock cafe have taken over but not unbearably so.
All in all, a great weekend, spent with good friends in a pretty cool place.
Thanks folks!
Photos now available – Check em out!
+13Rave: Jack Savoretti’s “Dreamers”
It doesn’t happen often, but every now and then I hear a track which stops me in my tracks.
This happened earlier this week, when I heard Jack Savoretti’s “Dreamers” on Radio 2.
This track has a relatively simple but touching melody, with thought-provoking lyrics and a beautiful overall arrangement that is reminiscent of artistic legends such as Nick Drake.
Savoretti’s raw, yet yearning vocals give the track a “straight from the soul” sound and the ghostly background harmonies add to the bittersweet melancholy.
“Dreamers” is due for release, by De Angelis Records as a single on the 12th February, 2007. Check it out!
+11Rave: Live Jive 2006
Just been along to Kev and Carrie’s annual BBQ. As always it was superb!
A full account is now on the Bandanna Club website, including a photo gallery.
+15