Hi all, I just want to tell you a little about my visit to
Colin [Aitchison] and his wife Jeannie were wonderful hosts during my
visit to HK. He was adamant that I didn't miss any important HK sight. There
can’t have been many places he didn't show me - particularly the best music
venues. Believe you me, Colin is very well known by very many HK musicians as
well as being the band fixer for various venues around town.
Jeannie made sure I sampled all types of HK's finest food - gave me a lot
of background to the city and how to get around. How Colin fits all of his
activities in I have no idea!. As well as managing all of this - and playing
through the daytime he then goes down to Ned's and blows up a storm until the
early hours of the morning!! He’s a whirlwind!
For those who met Franco from Ned's band last summer, you
will be glad to hear that he is planning to return with Colin this year and I
suspect there may be a few more visitors from HK to the UK next summer. One
particular person I hope to meet again is ex-pat Mr Neville Sarony. I know that
our audiences here will appreciate his cultured piano style and very English
humour should we be lucky enough to hear him perform.
The Filipino boys in Ned's house band were very kind to me -
even to the point of Aqui allowing me to use his guitar for a few sit-ins. I
enjoyed that experience immensely - as well as my sit in with the big band
which meets every 4 or 5 months. The big band appearance at Ned's is one
of the highlights of the year. They play superbly well. This isn't just a blast
- these guys pay special attention to the dynamics of each piece. So
professional. Needless to say Ned Kelly's Last Stand is always pretty much full
of punters and last weekend it was packed to the rafters with a very
appreciative crowd. So this place is a "must" to visit
I would also like to mention my visit to the very "old
colonial" style hotel The Peninsular. Here we were entertained by
certainly one of the best showmen that I have seen or heard. Mr Tony Payne
sings, entertains and plays the piano in a superb jazz style. He is American
with an International reputation and has worked worldwide, particularly in Las Vegas
So I have now returned home, have had 12 hrs sleep - and am
still tired, but all I can say is that visiting Hong Kong
had been an ambition for years and it was well fulfilled - thanks to Colin,
Jeannie the rest of the amazing people I met. (also thanks to my wife ) for
accepting my indulgence!
Roy W.
2 comments :
Hi Roy
What was the beer like?
Beer ? Well of course I only had one or two, (ha) but it was fantastic ! The Chinese beer was good, but Russell, you can get whatever brand you like over there. So don't worry. Even Guinness drinkers are catered for.
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