Spring is nature's way of saying "Let's Party" (Robin Williams)

Spring 2021 will begin on March 20th - Yippee. 😎 Already around the village and nearby forests, little shoots of sunshine are appearing. I have even managed to sit outside for my afternoon coffee in the sun - with thermals, blankets, hot-water bottle and this year's fashion must have the DryRobe. The perfect coverup that is always giving! The perfect coverup, when you want to take your clothes off outdoors (not me, unless it is 30°C ) Perfect for that warmth as you walk to the waves (ditto as before 😀). Perfect to dry off after that morning swim (ditto as before 😀) But the real gem of this must-have piece of kit, is that you can tuck your hands inside and hold your hot water bottle!! Bliss. https://dryrobe.com/collections/shop

Happy Birthday Maurice Ravel born on 7th March 1875 and died on 28th December 1937

Folks that know me and those that have attended my lecture on French piano music, know that one of my favourite pieces of music is the Ravel Piano Concerto in G. The second movement is sublime. Adagio Assai (always slow). The piano was Ravel’s favourite instrument. Completed in 1931, The piano Concerto in G was written for the French pianist Marguerite Long. The 3-movement concerto is heavily influenced by the sounds of Jazz, yet the middle slow movement seems out of place with no trace of Jazz, motifs or connection with the 2 outer movements, yet the whole concerto works! The 2nd movement opens with a simply stated piano theme. The performer has no respite – the beautiful cantabile (song like) playing has to be maintained through the long flowing phrases. Indeed, the opening left hand accompaniment stays throughout the 9-minute introduction.

Enjoy this beautiful clip of the second movement where the piano begins solo, then the piano becomes the accompanying instrument to the elegant woodwind entries.

Throughout the movement, this relationship develops. A beautiful conversation between the orchestra and the piano.

Here is a Youtube clip of the delightful French pianist Helene Grimaud performing with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe conducted by Vladimir Jurowski.

Happy Birthday Sir Elton John

Elton will be 74 on March 25th! So many great tunes. What an artist - I had the pleasure of seeing Elton perform live a number of year ago. Great musician.

Time to dust off the dancing shoes, push back the coffee table and dance!!

Ukulele Bonus.

Subscribers will be able to download my arrangement of "Crocodile Rock" from newsletter.

Enjoy......See you soon friends. keep safe and warm :) x