Sleeve Notes

There is nothing like the real thing.

I remember when I first touched a string to produce a sound; it was such a greater experience for me, compared to when I had only heard the sound before. Then through hours of practice and inspiration over the last 20 years, gradually as I got to know my instrument better, there was a never ending stream (and still is) of discoveries and new sounds, all through the beauty of the music.

So, I wanted to produce a CD that was honest to how it really is live - the adrenalin, excitement and audience atmosphere that can’t be captured in a dry studio. The ambition is not to falsify by achieving perfection through endless editing, but to hear the beauty of the music as it flowed live - mistakes, audience noise and all!!

It is the oddly shaped stones that make the castle interesting — and for me it is the character and atmosphere of the concert, channelled through the performer, that makes the electricity, which can only be achieved in live performances. I hope in making this CD that elements of this electricity can be felt, and that the natural and un-adulterated flow of the music highlights the genius of the composers and the instrument itself.

This CD is dedicated to the memory of Grandad — who enjoyed coming to my concerts so much.