Needle in the Hay 1/02/2010

So year 12 is finally here, and of course, as always is the case at the start of the year, I'm confronted with the swift onslaught of a million things to do to get the year started. One of them, however, is particularly positive, and that is to begin music extension for 2010. And right here, in this very blog, is the first concrete evidence of my work as a MEXican. My faithful sensei Mr Cole has instructed me to keep a diary of my progress, goals, hopes, fears, cogitations, and all other things relating to the beautiful study of music, and his idea of an electronic blog sounded suhweeeet, so here goes...

Here's what I'm thinking, on the first day, in terms of repertoire:

• Broadly, I want to engage in studies over a number of styles, that's always been one of my strengths as a guitarist and indeed as a musician, I'd like to think I can headbang with the metalheads as well as I can jam with the jazz crowd.
• My main focus will be guitar, but I will perhaps dabble into a bit of piano and/or drums.
• In terms of actual pieces, the initial list is inclusive of Rylynn by Andy McKee, Always With Me, Always With You by Satch, Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson, and something in the jazz styling, leaning towards the work of Joe Pass at present. L'absente by Yann Tiersen is a piano piece that's swimming at the back of my mind, but I have my doubts as to whether it meets the calibre required. I'll have a think.

Also, today, I was offered the chance to rebecome a Physics student, after officially not being a Physics student for under 72 hours. This would totally change the dynamic of my MEX studies among other things, but it could potentially hold me in better stead in terms of OPs and the like. Big decision, more on that next time.

What I've been listening to as I write this: Elliot Smith's eponymous album, a recent find of mine. I'm thoroughly enjoying his at times whispery vocal delivery, very unique, but it was a shame to today learn that he was killed at the age of 34. Personally, I feel he resonates a similar aura to Jeff Buckley, whom I idolise.


Until next time,

Ben.