Liguria Tour Review
Phew, isn’t it amazing? All that frantic build up, then suddenly without warning the tour is receding fast in the rear view mirror! But the memories, ah! The memories linger on... Big thanks are due to some of the stars behind the scenes, who beavered away to record our activities, or who otherwise helped ensure hitch free happenings; people like David Carr, who stepped up to handle the new camera and shoot the concerts while yours truly was on stage; and Larry Hall, who not only shot video footage, but who also indirectly contributed two generations of vocalists (Annie and Judy). Then there was the estimable Edward Hills, who provided us with the right equipment on stage, on time, every time. Let’s also salute Jack and Rory, for their endlessly energetic breakdancing. Not forgetting the marvelous mothers, who helped keep everything sweet for the rest of us. One shining star, and a surprise candidate for ‘most popular guy on the tour,’ was our Chief stage liason officer, the ever-affable Nic Smith - maybe it was the way he danced all night in T-shirt and Dickie Bow? Special thanks also to Susan and Fran, who helped to sustain us when the going was tough - you helped more than you know. Plaudits too to both the Jonathans, who each brought a sense of fun and also moral support when it was needed; and to Ruth, just for being Ruth. Thanks to Ian, for his insightful observations, and for writing the engrossing book I read on tour, ‘Bringing It All Back Home’. Respect to Rashid, whose native tongue helped more than once as we progressed through France. Our appreciation also goes out to the tireless and ever-gracious Aldo and his wife, who made our stay at the Hotel Savoia such a pleasure. Warm thanks to the charming signore Panettone, our wonderful, charismatic host for the final concert in Savona; also to our kind hosts in medieval Dolceacqua and magnificent San Remo, for their gracious hospitality. Thanks too to drivers Jimmy and John, who took it all magnificently in their stride. And of course, a big thank you to Sergio, our new Italian friend and tour manager, who proved most definitely to be the man for the job. And lastly, most sincerely, we salute everyone else on this fabulous tour, each of whom played a valued part in giving this tour the best ever feel-good factor - thank you, friends. Lasting impressions of beautiful Liguria will stay in all our hearts for many years to come; indeed, even now there are those amongst us who are hatching plans to return soon! Plus, something else that we all brought home with us, an unexpected treasure - beautiful new friendships. Caio PS If you’re a bit lost without band, don’t forget we are auditioning soon for Junior Band Class. This tour was supported by Northern Music (Retail), in association with the Northern Music Academy.
Exemplary performances and conduct to match from our young performers marked this tour out as special from an early stage. Staggering to think how children as young as 8 could take in their stride 3000 road miles inside a week and 3 major shows in as many days, and still return ready for more! And, as the photographic evidence will show, some of you never stopped smiling!
Of course, we all have our own special recollections of favourite moments, but lasting impressions of the performers which will stay with me include: Liberty, smiling, dancing, mouth wide open in song, and that marimba solo: Esme, smiling, concentrating on the opening of Montego Bay, and never putting a foot wrong; Georgia, smiling, hitting that start button on cue, and delivering her lines in fluent Italian; Sophie, beautiful performance every time, impeccable manners, and the biggest smile on every photograph; Edward, grinning, dancing, enthusiasm for all things edible, and shouting ‘Yes!’ on hearing that you’d be playing 'Sweets for My Sweet’ as an encore; Annie, smiling, dancing, and singing up a storm; Chloe, wonderful salsa piano, enigmatic smile, and knocking the rounders ball for six; Sasha, smiling, great timing, and generally being popular; James, smiling, courtesy, and helping cement a wonderful guitar ensemble;Andrew, maturity, intent concentration, a solid performance, and eating all those ice-creams!; Alistair, the gentleman, enthusiastic in everything you do, and being the only one who could march for toffee; Rehan, impeccable behavior, total focus, and that dancing violin solo on La Bamba; Dominic, percussion set-up king, so cool and calm, and a solid performance night after night; Ben, a fine stage hand, everyones friend, and a young man who has the makings of a great sound engineer; Jessica, nice montuno piano, cracking bass playing, and looking great in your trilby; Richard, laughing, rocking, and proving surprisingly handy at dealing with the odd Jellyfish sting; Donna, singing, dancing, and just belonging on stage; ‘Saxy’ Tess, composure, laughter, and looking cool in black; and Judy, vibrant, exuberant, and sassy - plus a great Jamaican accent.
Darrell and Eileen