A very warm welcome to you, new friend. I understand from our Meeter and Greeter, the lovely Jude, that you are a person of good taste, impeccable manners and an interest in some or all things Talkawhilish. Excellent news! Hoorah, hoorah.
My name is Sir Robert Peel. I am a Global Moderator of this fine debating chamber and talking shop. I am also an elder statesman of some influence, commanding considerable respect in those who don’t know me very well.
Put your favourite CD on the gramophone player, kick off your shoes and make yourself comfortable.
(Not that comfortable!
Please cover yourself up by putting on the dressing gown and slippers provided.
)
Now - can I trouble you to answer a few questions, when you have the inclination, time and patience. You can answer some, all or none of them, but we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks awfully.
Sir Robert Peel
220 years
1. Who are you and where are you from?
Hello,Sir Robert Peel (or Moin!, as we say in this small german landscape), it's kind of you to ask and I am glad to find you here, even if I imagined Sir Patrick Spens in here.
I am Roland from lower saxony, eastern friesland, southern northsea, germany.
2. What made you join Talkawhile?
While swimming in the wide open ocean of the internet (someone suggest: 'enternet'! pirates included ?) and found this tiny island, hearing the local sirens singing the songs I like and can't ignore! So - came on land, wondering who to find here.
3. What do you know of Fairport Convention and/or Cropredy if anything?
My favourite sirens name is Maddy and first heared her singing back in '76 (aged thirteen myself). So it was the Steeleye area I stranded here. But it's a short path to Fairport and so perhaps a year later I had 'Full house'. Actually there are several of Fairport's Cropredy gigs in my LP/CD collection.
A funny thing: Just a week ago I dreamed of being in a pub with a small stage somewhere in this world. Simon Nicoll came in, trying to pull a huge suitcase up on the stage. I helped and we talked awhile. And he wondered when I told him being only two times on a short trip to London and once traveling on the M1 for a holyday to Ireland. Never been to Cropredy, never been to a Fairport gig...
If you ask me about five things or so, I want to do in my life, my answer will contain a trip to Cropredy a fine weekend in August!
4. What kind of music do you like?
Steeleye first!
then in no particular order: Jethro Tull; Big BigTrain; Fairport; Marillion; Rush.
British Christmas carols!
The guitar playing of Richard Thompson.
The voices of Maddy Prior; Kate Rusby; Sandy Denny; Mary Fahl; Emilia Derkowska (ex 'Quidam' from Poland) ; Jewel. Also the voice of Phillippa Mercer from the young band 'Tir Eolas' is great!
5. What was the last gig/festival/recital/concert that you attended? What was it like?
Last years april, one of the very rare concerts 'Morphelia' -the only local prog band with international appeal – played at a nearby location.
6. What was the last CD that you bought? Would you recommend it?
Just at this moment I am holding 'Dream Theater's' 'a dramatic turn of events' in my hands, that came in with the postman this afternoon. I have not heared it yet and it is not the music I am here for! (but the question is: Will he get the jet?)
7. Complete the following sentence:
“Tonight, Sir Robert, I am going to be my all time favourite singer, Maddy Prior (name of singer) and I will
sing: ' Somewhere along the road' (name of song)
