Superb Player.

[Stephen Hawkins]

I believe in giving credit where it is due, and am therefore moved to relate this short account of yesterday evening at our Folk Club.

Apart from one other bloke with a little 8 Bass, I am the only regular accordionist at our club. Yesterday evening, however, we had a visit from a man wielding a 120 Bass Hohner.

To say he was good would be the epitome of understatement. This man played beautifully, and the Hohner sounded superb. I spoke with John during our little buffet and raffle interval, though our conversation was all too brief.

I do hope that John visits us again in the not too distant future, and that I may continue our truncated conversation.

 

[Glenn]

Is John a professional or just a talented amateur?

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Glenn,

I'm afraid I am unable to answer that question, though my guess would be that he is amateur. He seemed to know one of the other infrequent visitors (also a good musician) who does the rounds of Folk Clubs in this region. I believe that the second man plays in ad hoc bands when the need arises, and may be paid for gigs.

The same is true for my accordion tutor except, in addition, he plays and records with his own band. In fact, I recently posted a couple of Jon's CD's to an old Army Pal of mine, who absolutely loves them.

I know quite a few people who play semi-professionally, but who would starve if that was their sole occupation. Pity really, as some of them are really talented.

 

[Glenn]

Yes its a pity that these really good musicians cannot make a living from music. I guess it basically means that as music consumers we are not prepared to pay enough to listen to them.

 

[Stephen Hawkins]

Hi Glenn,

It may be the same in The Netherlands as it is here ....... talentless people get paid vast amounts of money, whilst decent and hardworking people struggle to make ends meet.

I know a few really talented musicians who should, if there was any justice, make a decent living out of their music. As with so many industries, a few people have a strangle hold on promotion. Without serious backing, very few will break into the music industry.

A friend of mine used to be a record producer, until he finally cracked under the pressure. His breakdown was spectacular, and he now "sofa surfs" at friends houses.