Bank holiday weekend. Fragmented with lots of events, which felt unfocused and not as restful as I was expecting from the long weekend.

Friday night after work my gf and I went for a nice meal to the fancy local place. Aperitif outside on the green then upstairs or three delicious courses with a nice bottle of wine, then home in bed by 9:30.

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Lots to do today so quickly combining a few postsThe wife and I went to see La Traviata at the Royal Opera House on Friday. It's one of the big ones neither of us had seen, so we booked it as soon as it went on sale, even though we could only afford seats in the sky (and a takeaway bagel for dinner). So very glad we did. I see why it's so ( Read more... )

Out two nights in a row this weekend- it's like we're in our 20's ( Read more... )

Ah I love going to gigs. These New Puritans opened for The XX last night. Bonus. Will have to check out their new album ( Read more... )

I went to see Metheny's new toy last night at the Barbican. I'm not sure I'd be in favour of such a project from many people, but I think Pat is genuine in his reasons for doing it. For being in his mid 50's, he really is just a big kid. Oh yeah and also one of the greatest living musicians. He comes across great on stage: genial, and excited ( Read more... )

Christmas season is in full swing now. Lots of get-togethers and perhaps a hangover or two. I might be reaching the age where the night before has a greater effect on the morning after ( Read more... )

They played Smetana, Martinu, and Brahms last night at the Barbican. I saw the LSO last year there, somehow rated no. 4 in the world, but I was distinctly unimpressed. Maybe the conductor or the hall. Well, after last night, I can say it wasn't the hall. Very dry, yes, but in the hands of the Dutch, it was perfect. Smetana was impressive. ( Read more... )

Wow. A duo at Wigmore Hall. I wasn't sure what to expect. I love both of them but Mehldau in a duo setting can be very obscure. I don't think I'd thought about it much, but actually, I should have expected some synergy between the two; the very first time I heard Mehldau, it was on a Redman record. It was Redman's third album, I believe, and ( Read more... )

The wife and I took a friend to see Florence & the Machine last night at the Empire. I love going to gigs. I was excited all day about going, which is not a feeling I've had for a while. I think maybe it was the thought of being able to go home first and change before the show. Not something I was ever able to do working here when I lived in ( Read more... )

Do I do this all as one post or split it up by subject? I've had some thoughts lately, and they need to be put into writing. Since I'm short of time and effort, I think I'll just get it all done at once.

I picked up my suit last week. An interesting set of conflicting feelings. The thing is, I can't really afford to dress 100% at that level. ( Read more... )