More Costas,thanks to selftaughtgirl
For some very interesting photos from the past, including some early ones of Costas, visit the En-Organis site of Vassilis Gratsounas
Category Archives: Guitar
In case you want to know more – Almost great news about taking your guitar aboard a plane!
From Joan Lowy via Classical Guitar Review.
As of February 14 2014, musicians have scored a major triumph In the ongoing battle to get musical instruments aboard flights. All too often we have heard stories of woe; snapped necks, broken bows, and demolished bridges. Now with a rather definitive law passed by US congress musicains are able to fly with more confidence.
As it pertains to guitarists, the instrument will be allowed on board without any extra charge if it can be stowed safely onboard the aircraft. It will still be in your best interest to get on the aircraft early, as those overheads fill up quickly these days, however your odds of a safe flight for your precious has just been dramatically increased!
PDF of the new FAA law (USA only)
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—
‘‘(1) SMALL INSTRUMENTS AS CARRY-ON BAGGAGE.—An air
carrier providing air transportation shall permit a passenger
to carry a violin, guitar, or other musical instrument in the
aircraft cabin, without charging the passenger a fee in addition
to any standard fee that carrier may require for comparable
carry-on baggage, if—
‘‘(A) the instrument can be stowed safely in a suitable
baggage compartment in the aircraft cabin or under a
passenger seat, in accordance with the requirements for
carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo established by the
Administrator; and
‘‘(B) there is space for such stowage at the time the
passenger boards the aircraft.
‘‘(2) LARGER INSTRUMENTS AS CARRY-ON BAGGAGE.—An air
carrier providing air transportation shall permit a passenger
to carry a musical instrument that is too large to meet the
requirements of paragraph (1) in the aircraft cabin, without
charging the passenger a fee in addition to the cost of the
additional ticket described in subparagraph (E), if—
‘‘(A) the instrument is contained in a case or covered
so as to avoid injury to other passengers;
‘‘(B) the weight of the instrument, including the case
or covering, does not exceed 165 pounds or the applicable
weight restrictions for the aircraft;
‘‘(C) the instrument can be stowed in accordance with
the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo
established by the Administrator;
‘‘(D) neither the instrument nor the case contains any
object not otherwise permitted to be carried in an aircraft
cabin because of a law or regulation of the United States;
and
‘‘(E) the passenger wishing to carry the instrument
in the aircraft cabin has purchased an additional seat
to accommodate the instrument.
‘‘(3) LARGE INSTRUMENTS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE.—An air
carrier shall transport as baggage a musical instrument that
is the property of a passenger traveling in air transportation
that may not be carried in the aircraft cabin if—
‘‘(A) the sum of the length, width, and height measured
in inches of the outside linear dimensions of the instrument
(including the case) does not exceed 150 inches or the
applicable size restrictions for the aircraft;
‘‘(B) the weight of the instrument does not exceed
165 pounds or the applicable weight restrictions for the
aircraft; and
‘‘(C) the instrument can be stowed in accordance with
the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo
established by the Administrator.
‘‘(b) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue final regulations
to carry out subsection (a).
‘‘(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The requirements of this section shall
become effective on the date of issuance of the final regulations
under subsection (b).’’.
However, also check this out
Paco de Lucia – 21 December 1947 – 26 February 2014
End of an era with the death at age 66 of this genius and giant of the guitar, an inspiration to so many. Rest in peace, Maestro!
El País reports
“The city of Algeciras has decreed three days of mourning and will assist the family in bringing the body home.De Lucía was a globally admired artist who won the 2004 Prince of Asturias Award for his tireless exploration of the possibilities of flamenco. He will also be remembered for his association with the late flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla during the 1960s and 70s.
The musician had been living in Palma de Mallorca for several years, although he also spent periods in Cuba and the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico. Those who knew him back in Mallorca say he had been less keen about playing the guitar of late. De Lucía preferred to spend time with regular people rather than join intellectual and artistic circles. He also devoted a lot of his time to his two young children.”
Documentary
Bulerias – early recording
Live at Leverkuse Jazz Festival
Aranjuez, flamenco style
Live at Montreux
The piece which started it all
News from around
El Mundo
El Pais
BBC
Reuters
The Guardian
NY Times
CBS
AP
CBC
CNN
Tribute on InTune BBC
Tribute in El País from his younger brother
Collected articles on Paco in El País
Tribute from Chick Corea
Vladimir Mikulka: live concert playing Koshkin & Rak
One of the greats, and also a great bar billiards champ!
I also remember this as one of Mikulka’s favourite encores
Nevicata by Benvenuto Terzi – link
More Paco Peña
Another fascinating programme with Paco Peña, flamenco guitarist, first broadcast: Sun 1 Apr 1999 on the famous programme Desert Island Discs.
The download again appears to have no geographical boundaries and is not time limited.
Paco Peña on Desert Island Discs
A fascinating early programme with Paco, first broadcast: Sat 04 Mar 1978 on the famous programme Desert Island Discs.
I first met Paco eight years previously when the very first incarnation of the Oxford Guitar Society invited him to play at the Oxford Union (he was a young law student prior to becoming a professional flamenco guitarist).
He and I subsequently played in duo and with John Williams in Oxford and at the Wigmore Hall at around the time of this interview.
The download appears to have no geographical boundaries and is not time limited.
Thank you, Auntie!
Desert Island Discs FAQ
Aubade again
Chipping Norton is a small market town on the highest point of the Cotswolds and was host to a very special guitar event last night.
The Chipping Norton Theatre in Oxfordshire celebrated its 40th anniversary by putting on a first showing of Henry Astor’s film, Aubade, followed by a short concert by one of the subjects of the film, XueFei Yang.
The other people involved were the composer, Bill Lovelady, who has written a piece for the film (the eponymous Aubade) and famous luthier and local resident of Chipping Norton, Paul Fisher, who was specially honoured in the film, showing him making his very last guitar – a beautiful and fantastic creation of lacewood with a Nomex double top. In the film, Paul spoke at length about most guitarists’ reticence to embrace new materials and the fresh approach to sound that one could achieve with an open mind, not bound by fashion or tradition.
The theatre was full and a-buzz with anticipation. All the seats had sold out within a day of tickets going on sale. The audience were wonderfully sympathetic during the showing – laughing, gasping and applauding. It was quite an event and a wonderful tribute to the three artists involved. I sat next to Paul throughout this and could tell he was delighted.
After a short interval, Fei came on and played Aubade by Bill Lovelady, Asturias by Albeniz, Spring Breeze in my arrangement, Yi Dance arranged by Fei and Carnival of Venice by Tarrega (to help us get over the rainy weather, she said).
The playing was flawless and Fei’s musicality was a given. The audience had no doubt about the musical intention of each number and we were transported to a world of beautiful sounds and near reckless bravado. A gem of a performance.
Henry Astor will bring out a DVD of the film at some point and also has plans to repeat the film showing and performance – Oxford, Edinburgh and London were mentioned. I think the format worked very well, and the personalities of all involved made this memorable experience with just the right amount of showmanship without a hint of self aggrandisement.
The work of the luthier, composer and performer was what came to the fore. It was good to see the creative talents of the artists combining to make something which gives such a lot to the world of the guitar.
Wonderful, refreshing and very much in the spirit of Paul Fisher. As Fei remarked, “The guitar is like Paul” – straightforward, slightly restrained, but with a wonderful depth.
In attendance at the reception beforehand were John Mills, Cobie Smit, Amanda Cook, Adrian Azuelo, Oren Myers and many of Paul’s local friends. There was a small exhibition selected from Paul’s 1400 plus guitars which he has produced during his career.
Unfortunately the guitar press was not much in evidence – they missed a unique event in our microcosmic world.
It was a great celebration and good fun too! I was honoured to be part of the celebration.
Here are some photos of the event (after the break…)
Continue reading
Cacho Tirao and Astor Piazzolla live
The late, great Cacho Tirao.
Watch this to the end to see him joined by Astor Piazzolla.
Another Adios Nonino
Aubade
Put together a world class guitarist, a renowned composer and a famous luthier, mix together with a pinch of local colour and you will probably get something like this short film by Henry Astor.
It pools the talents of Xuefei Yang, Bill Lovelady and Paul Fisher.
Centred on the Cotswolds where both Paul and Bill live and work, the film charts the creation of a guitar (made from rare and beautiful lacewood) and the writing of a solo guitar piece (Aubade).
Fei is the common factor as she discovers Paul’s instrument and explores Bill’s piece as he writes it.
Appropriately the film gets its premiere in Paul Fisher’s home town of Chipping Norton, in the glorious theatre on February 12th, followed by a live recital by Fei. It is all a very local affair, but with international stars.
Here is the blurb:
Aubade is a documentary film following three contemporary talents in the classical guitar world as they unite on a creative journey. From legendary luthier Paul Fischer, who lives in Chipping Norton, to prolific and accomplished composer William Lovelady and guitar virtuoso Xuefei Yang, the film captures the art and dedication required to build a classical guitar and to compose and perform at the highest levels. As part of the evening, Xuefei Yang will perform music from the film as well as from her new album.
The first half of the evening will be the film screening. The second will be Xuefei Yang playing.
Here is the trailer
For those of you who missed this, it will probably be aired on Sky Arts later this year. There will also be a DVD available.
Oh, and the recorded music is by John Taylor, so quite a gifted production then!
Bream fest continues at the BBC
This time, it’s an archive of Julian Bream on Desert Island Discs first broadcast: Sat 09 Jul 1983 on BBC Radio 4.
This excerpt of 32 minutes from a venerable British institution has this to say:
Julian Bream first played the guitar on radio in Children’s Hour when he was only 13. This led to guest appearances in a series on the Light Programme, and so his career took off. Before long he also took up the lute and played his part in the revival of interest in early music. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his long career and chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.
Julian Bream’s eclectic choice (including Purcell, Dowland, Benny Goodman, the Beatles, Django Reinhardt and Schubert) is particularly revealing about his musical character as are his comments on the music and his early life.
Another gem from the archive, well worth a half hour of your time and featuring the series creator, Roy Plomley.
Importantly, there seems to be no time or geographic limit on the download.
Desert Island Discs FAQ