Lupercalia was a great success this past weekend – it’s safe to say that the little local music festival that filled the streets and packed ten venues in Owen Sound is the first of many – also safe to say that it will grow. Thanks Josh R, your promoter skills are much appreciated.
I played twice – three times if you include the 3.5 hour recording session with Tyler Wagler on Sunday morning. The other 2 were 6pm with Willi Henry & Patrick Dorfmann @ The Ginger Press, then at midnight crammed in with Tyler and Joel Morelli.
I was not playing my friend, the last cello made by Edouard Bartlett, the one I’ve played every morning these past 2 months – she hates the winter cold/hot/dry of this place, and has come apart on her shoulders. Her voice squeaks where it always sang – so I took her to Sibylle Ruppert, a fine luthier and friend from Paisley, who let me borrow this new girl….:
I miss my friend – we have grown into each other these past 10 years. It will be a while before she comes back to me here. In the meantime, I play this sleek little otter-girl, and we get to know one another. It’s exciting and sad and weird, and unsettling and challenging all the time. Will I get along with otter-girl? Will she work with me, will her voice grow even bigger and mellower than it already is? Will I find a way to keep her? Are we meant to work together? hmmm.
I know I’ll never sell Ed’s cello, though I might rent her to a student I trust. Could I have two?
Somebody should do a study on the complex, intense bond between a musician and his instrument.
Hi Keira
Enjoyed your blog. Got to it via the FB news feed. I love the wooden instrument pictures.
Made me think of a picture I call cello in the wood box. Probably Ed’s old girl in our wood box with companions. I will send it to you if I haven’t yet done so.
Hey Fred. Thanks- I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog. You DID send me a copy of the wordbox cello pic, and yes, it was the one that’s getting repaired. Those are good good memories! Be well, hugs to all yous
xo
K
That cello sounded so amazing; resonant, lots of volume…and now that you mention it, “she” does look hot! (but what do I know about cellos, I only know what my ears like!)
You played the new girl beautifully Saturday; perhaps she’s meant to be part of your family…hope the old girl heals and returns to your skillful hands…
Jim, you are truly too kind vis a vis my playing. Thanks for the cello feedback – much appreciated. together she and I are working out each other’s needs – I want different strings, she requires a heavier bow, etc, etc. But I do like her. She does remind me of an otter.