I'm struggling with my melodeon (that's the instrument I'm playing in the userpic there) and I thought it might be interesting to record a couple of tunes I'm struggling with, and then listen to them again in six months time, and see if I've progressed (at all).

I made these recordings on my camera half an hour ago, so they're not exactly top quality-

1. Charlie Chaplin (MP3) - I'm getting better on this, although I stumble a bit on the chorus, and it should probably be faster.

2. Old Woman Tossed Up In A Blanket (MP3) - I'm all over the shop on this! speed, rotten left hand, air-button... everything really. I really hope I get better at this tune, it's one of my favourites.

Now you appreciate what Ruth has to put up with!

Look, it's melodeon megastar John Spiers-

God, I wish I could play like this...



magical.

Wow. I never fail to be astonished by what's on YouTube-

This is Tony Hall, one of my favourite melodeon players doing an eccentric, and clackety version of "Princess Royal" - wonderful

Had a nice session on the Melodeon last night. Finally kicked "Blaydon Races" into touch, then worked out melodeon versions of Kraftwerk's "Neon Lights" and Albert Ayler's "Ghosts"...mainly because they're both nice major key tunes.

I have to be aware of stepping into martylog territory, mind.

It was a bit windy.
Note the guest appearance by the Roadrunner at the end.

I really enjoyed the Morris rehearsal last night. I wasn't perfect because my knackered leg still isn't 100%, but I was able to move at the right speed, and felt suitably tired afterwards, so it must have done me some good.

Also got to play my melodeon alongside Dougie for a version of "Shepherd's Hey". Playing for dancers really is terrifically exciting.

As far as my own box playing is concerned I've broken over a couple of hurdles that were really getting on my nerves (for the technically minded- getting a little independent syncopation in the bass buttons, and playing melodies that swap between the two rows).

I've been making time to allow at least 20 minutes practice every day. (less crap telly - easily done) and, astonishingly, it's made a difference.

Yes, it looks like it might be a good New Year after all.

After getting a couple of tips from Dougie Adams, I took a deep breath and attacked my knackered melodeon with a pair of pliers and some small screwdrivers.

As a result it's working again, possibly better than it was before...
Hurrah for me, and my newly discovered practical ability!