Finsbury Circus Gardens, 7th July 2008

[grant]

Hello Roger and Richard

I never put much faith in our weather forecasters! I predict it will be warm and sunny (but I'll bring some wet weather gear just in case! )

See you there - rain or shine!

Best wishes
Grant

[roger]

Ian has emailed this morning to say that the concert is going ahead despite weather conditions. He says there is a chance they may have to call it off at the last minute because they can't risk damaging the violin but, at the moment, it is ON.

I will be setting off in about half an hour!

Roger

[gra7890]

Hi Roger,
Hope your trip is worthwhile.
They only just managed to get Wimbledon finished at 21.30 last night due to rain delays etc.

Graham

[Richard]

I'll be heading for Moorgate within the hour.

Richard

[Jeff]

Yes, what a match. I was particularly pleased as I had a small investment on Rafa to win in 5 sets !!

[Richard]

Hello everybody!

The Wimbledon Tennis Championships quickly faded into oblivion in Finsbury Circus at noon today. The rain stopped just in time for Fiona Pears to treat Libby, Roger, Grant, Gordon, James and myself to two sets of fantastic violin playing with a strong Gypsy flavour. Her band comprised Ian Tilley on piano, Rob Atkin on guitar, Greg Cordez on double bass and Jon Howells on drums. Fiona played several of her own compositions, old and new, plus some other familiar favourites. Here's the full set list:-

First Set
Tangissimo
The Zoo Keeper
Tchavolo Swing
Winter Flames
I Found A New Baby
Memories Of Martin And Mary
Cinema Paradiso
Magic Sands
Hava Nagila

Second Set
Fire Fly
Far Away
The Piper's Son
Turkish Fantasie
Bolero
Sweet Georgia Brown
Memories Of Home
Dark Eyes
Sabre Dance

It was a wonderfully varied programme, with a good mix of fast and slow numbers. Fiona was in great form as always, and she was almost making her violin sing. The band also played magnificently, so we would never have guessed that this was the first time they had all played together. Fiona was clearly delighted to see us, and she thanked us for coming during the first set.

We had a quick chat with Fiona during the interval, and a longer one after the concert. Then it started raining so most of us headed off to the nearby Barbican Arts Centre for refreshments. We all agreed it had been a thoroughly enjoyable concert, so many thanks to Fiona, Ian, Rob, Greg and Jon.

Grant took lots of photographs with his new camera, so watch this space.

Best Wishes,

Richard

[gra7890]

Hi Richard,
I would say you got an excellent £25-00 pounds worth of entertainment for free

Sounds a great song list.
Any news of Fiona re playing or not playing for Hayley in the future

Best Wishes,

Graham

[roger]

Jul 7, 2008 16:50:36 GMT gra7890 said:

Any news of Fiona re playing or not playing for Hayley in the future

Hi Graham,

It is by no means a permanent split but merely a short-term agreement for the benefit all all parties. The River of Dreams tour will include many locations where they have appeared together in the past and it was felt that, for Hayley's sake, a different line-up would give a greater variety to the show and give Hayley the opportunity to "move forward" and experiment with different musicians - like the string quartet which has been suggested. It also allows Fiona (and Ian) to focus rather more on her solo career.

They fully expect to appear with Hayley at some point in the future. Although that seems unlikely for the remainder of this year, it is possible that they could receive a call at any time. They would certainly be happy to accept any request subject to their availability.

Meanwhile, they will keep in touch with one another and still play some active part in Hayley's career for the foreseeable future.

Roger

[Steve H]

Thanks for the reports Richard and Roger,

I look forward to seeing the photo's from Grants new Camera

My first outing for the new camera will be on Sunday at Nacton - fingers crossed for better weather!

Steve

[Mark]

Jul 7, 2008 17:55:00 GMT @roger said:

Jul 7, 2008 16:50:36 GMT gra7890 said:

Any news of Fiona re playing or not playing for Hayley in the future

Hi Graham,

It is by no means a permanent split but merely a short-term agreement for the benefit all all parties. The River of Dreams tour will include many locations where they have appeared together in the past and it was felt that, for Hayley's sake, a different line-up would give a greater variety to the show and give Hayley the opportunity to "move forward" and experiment with different musicians - like the string quartet which has been suggested. It also allows Fiona (and Ian) to focus rather more on her solo career.

They fully expect to appear with Hayley at some point in the future. Although that seems unlikely for the remainder of this year, it is possible that they could receive a call at any time. They would certainly be happy to accept any request subject to their availability.

Meanwhile, they will keep in touch with one another and still play some active part in Hayley's career for the foreseeable future.

Roger

Hi Roger

I'm so pleased that you had a chance to clarify fully the position regarding Fiona & Ian supporting Hayley in the future. I am pleased to hear its not a permanant split - much as I thought really. I think I was quite shocked when Fiona first told me about it and couldnt quite take it all in. It was later that evening when I realised that I should have asked a few questions.

So pleased you all had a good time today and I'm looking forward to Grant's photo's from his new camera - no pressure Grant

Best wishes
Mark

[grant]

Hello everyone

Had a great time this afternoon at Fiona's 'gig'. Richard and Roger have already provided most of the details, so I will just fill in the gaps with general observations.

The band was in fine form, particularly Fiona and they were all clearly enjoying themselves. At times it seemed that Fiona was playing to us, and made a point of "welcoming her friends on the front row".

The concert enjoyed a good audience too and was a far better venue than last year's at Liverpool Street station.

I've also invested in one of Fiona's DVD's at long last which Fiona signed for me at the interval.

I took quite a lot of pictures although the lighting was very difficult with deep shadows within the bandstand itself and a very bright background, but I should have some worth posting. I'll do my best to get some up tomorrow.

Best wishes
Grant

[Steve H]

Jul 7, 2008 19:26:29 GMT Mark said:

Hi Roger

I'm so pleased that you had a chance to clarify fully the position regarding Fiona & Ian supporting Hayley in the future. I am pleased to hear its not a permanent split - much as I thought really. I think I was quite shocked when Fiona first told me about it and couldn't quite take it all in. It was later that evening when I realised that I should have asked a few questions.

So pleased you all had a good time today and I'm looking forward to Grant's photo's from his new camera - no pressure Grant

Best wishes
Mark

I'll second that Mark, the thought of not seeing them together again in the near future was a depressing one, but I understand why Ian and Fiona must also work on Fiona's solo career.

Steve H

[gra7890]

Jul 7, 2008 22:30:33 GMT Steve H said:

..... the thought of not seeing them together again in the near future was a depressing one, but I understand why Ian and Fiona must also work on Fiona's solo career.

Hi Steve and everyone,
I am equally delighted as I thought that I might never see them together However, now I must try and take the first chance, when it occurs

Graham

[grant]

Hello everyone

As promised, here are a few pictures from Fiona's concert in Finsbury Circus Gardens

Warming up. Think I've been spotted!



Sound check



The concert. Fiona and the band



I think this was Tchavalo Swing

More to come

Best wishes
Grant

[grant]

Hello everyone

Here are a few more pictures from Fiona's concert

Best wishes
Grant