Janeva

I've only just begun learning but I've not even considered using a pick.

I think my all time favourite has to be The Beatles 'Revolver' - simply because I stared at it for many, many hours over a period of years as a kid. I had an old Bush record player with a lid and I played that LP over and over and over. I can still remember the intricacy of the artwork, the feel of the cover, the inside sleeve and the vinyl and how much I loved 'Revolver' (and still do). Sadly, I no longer possess the original vinyl copy.

It varies - but I tend to get most of my ideas pretty quickly when writing to music if I can 'hear' what I feel the words should be. It then tends to takes me a week or so to refine this by constantly listening to the music ad infinitum to make sure that the words are, hopefully, sounding natural and not too forced and awkward. I always seem to end up with the odd line or two which I am not completely happy with so I put it away for a few days and come back to it with fresh ears. I can never say I am ever completely happy, though, but there comes a point where I need to say 'right, that's it' and send my email off - keeping my fingers crossed that it meets the approval of the musician.

I've been wanting to have a go for a while and saw this one advertised locally so I snapped it up. Whenever I listen to music, I like to always listen to the bass. Funnily enough, I had seen the young man who was selling it playing it in a local pub when I went to see a musician collab friend of mine playing. My friend has been teaching him bass and he now he has just bought a new one. I did get it very cheap and I think it's ideal for me to learn on. (So far, I'm only following Youtube lessons - so my hubby hasn't complained because I do have a much more expensive alto sax I previously had lessons on under the bed).

I've only just started learning on a 4 string second hand bass I got really dirt cheap. I already really love it, though

Oh I wish I could just sing in tune

For me it just has to be Exit (chosen so their name would be up in lights at every venue they played at) Jan

Mahesh The song is fab - thanks for sharing Hang on in there - you're doing great and things will get better and better for you, I know it You're the James Morrison of Bangalore, remember Jan

I say the music is the most important and the most difficult as that's the part I can't do Jan

I'd say Country - Folk - Acoustic - Pop Always good to see someone new from the UK Jan

OK, here goes ......... I've gone for variety Queen - A Night At The Opera The Beatles - Revolver Michael Jackson - Thriller Kate Bush - The Kick Inside 10CC - Deceptive Bends Tears For Fears - Songs From The Big Chair Sade - Diamond Life Squeeze - 45s And Under U2 - War Simple Minds - New Gold Dream I'll probably be editing this lot by tomorrow ......... <3 Jan

It goes without saying that for me, as I'm from the north of England, it has to be The Beatles - but this is such a predictable (and most probably, boring and overused) statement - especially from us Brits. I have to say that I love the songs of late 70s/80's pop band Squeeze (from the South of England) who had a string of hits in the UK. Their songs, written by band members Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, all have snappy, catchy tunes and lyrics. Jools Holland - who is 'Mr Music' (a fantastic jazz/blues musician/band leader/music programme tv host) here in the UK - was their keyboard player. I would say Squeeze song lyrics have probably influenced me more than any others. Examples intros: Tempted I bought a toothbrush, some toothpaste/ A flannel for my face/Pyjamas, a hairbrush/ New shoes and a case/ I said to my reflection/ Let's get out of this place Up The Junction I never thought it would happen / With me and the girl from Clapham / Out on a windy common / That night I ain't forgotten. (and my favourite..............) Take Me I'm Yours I've come across the desert / To greet you with a smile / My camel looks so tired / It's hardly worth my while (Difford/Tilbrook) (Edited to say: I met and shook hands with Glenn Tilbrook this week - simply awesome !! ) 22.11.13 Jan

Rudi, thank you! Btw I had a look at your website - I'm a ska fan Jan

I had lessons on the alto sax a few years ago but didn't continue with it beyond a pretty basic level. I do love the instrument and feel pangs of guilt about giving up. I did manage to assemble it recently and gave it a few blasts Any tips re: good Youtube lessons or any other internet source to help me get going again would be welcome, thanks. I do intend to go back for lessons, if my teacher will have me back. In the meantime, I'd just like to have a bit of fun with it Jan