Dystonia

It sounds like one of those old Soviet Baltic states from the Eurovision Song Contest.  “Ici les votes du jury Dystonia:  Royaume Uni - nil points”.  Of course, they probably wouldn’t be saying that in French, but my Dystonian is non-existent....

But no!  Dystonia is the name for a problem that affects many musicians - otherwise known as musician’s cramp.  It can affect guitarist/bass players, pianists, clarinettists and many others.  So if the audience noticed one or two glitches in today’s performance at the Bedford Hotel, they noticed the effect this problem can cause.

Guitarist Dave had to rest in a couple of numbers, but the gaps he left were filled nicely by our stalwart pianist.  However, when Mick the bass had a problem, Jo had to quickly reset with a rendition of the head to wrap up the tune.  

Such is the dedication we provide to entertain our lovely Sunday diners!

In future, the band is planning to introduce some pieces that will be played by the front line only - so that the rhythm section can have a break during the two and a half hour set - which will help avoid the problem, and also make a nice contrast for the audience.

Doors

It has been two months since the Desperates last played the Bedford and, in that time, the hotel has built an entirely new entrance from the car park at the rear with automatic doors.  (The entrance, not the car park.)


The old door was at the top of a metal fire escape to the first floor.  The fire escape has gone, but the door is still there, labelled “Reception”.  Caused me a little confusion at first.

You've probably heard about the door to the maternity ward that's marked "Push, push, PUSH!"

Master of ceremony

Our esteemed leader Charlie was away this time, so Richard of tenor sax fame assumed the role of addressing the full restaurant with great aplomb.  And it was good to hear some different jokes (but we missed you Charlie, honest!).


The band greatly enjoyed being back at the hotel, and several members of the audience said that they had greatly enjoyed the music.  And we weren’t even blocking the exit at that time.

Coming up

We’ll be back next month, but we also have a few other gigs lined up now:

On Saturday 21 June we’ll be at Huccaby Farm Hexworthy, for Jazz in the Barn, supporting a fund raising gig for the pre-school and Widecombe primary schoool.

On Sunday 20 July we’ll be at the Totnes Canoe Festival again - and a new gig this year is the Yealmpton Show on Wednesday 30th July.

The later in the year, on Saturday 20th September we’ll be one of the many bands at the Morwellham Quay Beer Festival.