Beer and Bach review

On Thursday night I attended the inaugural event, for adults, by the cactus music school, entitled Beer and Bach. It could have been a dry music lesson, possibly a Channel 4 type fluff piece or even a dull monologue as per my old school music teacher.

Thankfully, I already knew all the ladies of the cactus music school, so I had high hopes of an entertaining evening, and wasn't disappointed.

The program was an introduction to music before Bach, beginning with prehistory, anecdotes about Alexander the Great, bagpipes, Oistrakh and ending with a demonstration on how, especially within film music, our emotions can be manipulated by music.

Technical aspects of music were demonstrated, favourite musicians discussed, modern music education and questions from the audience answered. All in all, a very enjoyable evening was had by all, in the lovely surroundings of The Academy (a hidden gem) in the Holland Park area.

Don't be mislead. This wasn't an event for only music-lovers or west-end culture vultures, it was more like one of the Christmas Lectures form the Royal Institution, well written, well presented and hugely enjoyable. Make sure you have the next date (October 21st) in your diary.

Thanks to Mina, Hannah and Lucy for a great evening. And great to meet so many interesting audience members afterwards.

It's been a while. Now here's some music...

For the last few weeks I've been playing guitar for the enormously talented Jo Ryan, at The Castle on Portobello Road in London. Lovely place, with interesting people and great musicians.

Whilst there, I met Anthony Andrews, very talented and a very tall man indeed! :) Renny Field has some mad skillz, playing and songwriting, check him out next Wednestday. Oh, and we've also had El Trio the last couple of weeks. Can't find a link, but worth a look.

To be honest, everyone has a great time at The Castle, friendly bar-staff, relaxed evening, good music, great food. What more incentive do you need?

See you soon.