Autumn news
I’ve been busy with lots of musical ventures this autumn so I’ve got a bit behind on updating my blog….must try harder!
On the playing front, I’ve been working on various projects, including one where I got to play my old Telecaster a lot. More news on that still to come! I’ve also played at dances all over the place and I’ve been working on an 18th century English music project which has involved a lot of research and a fair bit of detective work. Back in September, one of my more unusual bookings was playing for a ceilidh at an ostrich farm in Oxfordshire, along with James Raynard (fiddle) and Heather Horsley (piano). A grand time was had by all and no ostriches were harmed in the making of this blog.
Teaching fiddle and mandolin is a nice change from performance and I have a good mix of students on my books at the moment. My youngest student is just eight years old and the eldest a gentleman in his eighties. They’re both learning a range of traditional English and Scottish music while another student is learning American bluegrass and old-time tunes. I really get a kick out of teaching and seeing my students improve and develop.
Meanwhile down in the workshop, my latest projects include my recently-acquired 94-year-old Gibson K2 mandocello. It’s a fabulous beast as you can see from the photo! I’m working on a 19th Century French violin too, which will be for sale after I’ve completed the restoration, and I’ve also been doing some bow rehairs and general instrument set-up as well as repairs and restoration.
Phew! I think I need a bit of a lie-down after all that. More soon!
Dear Gina
I found your website while I’ve been searching for an anglo concertina. So I found your youtube clip and then, like it happens always, I run through your other clips and was overwhelmed by your voice! I could bath in it;-)
Is it possible to get your last album at my local retailer? I’m Swiss…sorry, for my “Swenglish”!
Best wishes
Susann
Hi Susann,
Thank you for your message. My latest album is distributed worldwide by Proper Distribution, your local shop should be able to order it from this company. It’s also available from Amazon and various other on-line companies. It’s also available from the store on my website, along with a couple of other solo albums. Your English is a lot better than my French or German!
Thank you,
Gina
Hi Gina
thanks for your response!
I ordered the CD in our best music shop and it will arrive next week. I wouldn’t have wondered if the shop owner would had just reached under his counter to hand me over your CD: he stores just every kind of music. And if it’s not in stock, he orders it.
So I just have to wait now…
Best wishes
Susann
P.S. My language would be a Swiss German dialect, a spoken but mostly not written language. We are writing German. And our dialect sounds for foreigners like having a sore throat
Dear Gina
just got your CD today and I love it!
And while I was searching for some folk sheet music for cello on ebay, I came across your fiddle DVD, which I ordered immediately. ( Yes, I know, it’s for the fiddle and not for the cello…) It arrived yesterday and after watching it, I played my cello differently and you could hear it!
So I’m thinking now about an old violin, stored in my attic. It’s labelled with Arthur Parisot, Impasse de la Baleine, Paris. The bridge is broken, the strings are rotten, not to mention the case. And the bow is in a mess: it would be a C. A. Hoyer bow. It was broken and someone has “mended” it.
My sister found it in rubbish on the street years ago.
When I saw how you are playing your fiddle like a devil I’ve got a good mind to revive this old violin. Your fiddle playing is like breathing: it just flows. My cello playing will never be like this and I guess, my violin playing would be poor as well.
But I’m playing only for myself. I don’t want to play in front of an audience.
Thanks for your music and your great DVD. ( I like your accent! Liverpool?)
Have a good weekend!
Best
Susann
Hi Susann,
I’m glad you like my album and my DVD. The basic things that I teach about playing the fiddle will also apply to cello playing. The left hand ornamentation, phrasing the melody and rhythmic bowing patterns should apply to most bowed instruments.
Yes, I’m originally from Liverpool!
Enjoy your music,
Gina