Once we'd found the village through the freezing fog and coping with a satnav that seemed to want us to see every bit of North Oxfordshire, a very warm welcome awaited us - both literally and metaphorically.
Mind you, it was a bit unnerving to sit near the front and nod politely to the person sitting next to you only to be asked, "Are you Mike?". That's what happens when you put your photo on here!
Anyway, it was good to meet Simon (simjen) [sorry I couldn't talk more either before or after, but I was conscious of my guest for the evening. Particularly afterwards he was anxious to be on the road...]
A packed village hall was duly appreciative of Mr Giltrap's talents. Mr G was in fine form although struggling with the 'lurgi' that's doing the rounds. After a couple of pieces to get warmed-up - in both senses of the word I think - Gordon was really settled in and gave us a classic concert. All the favourites were there - some with some new "twiddles" - and I was running out of favourites to request, Gordon was playing all mine! (In the end I settled for "God save the Queen" as I suspected that this would be a crowd-pleaser - which of course it was.) I was especially pleased that Gordon played 'Anji' and with the very warm reception it received - Hilary's right G: keep playing it your way - we like it!
A really enjoyable concert, which was well-organised and hailed with appreciation by the audience. Gordon was in fine form both muiscally and verbally and it was a great evening. I choose my guests for Gordon's concerts with care - they're all accomplished musicians themselves - and, as usual, there's now another 22 year old who's enthusiastically had his horizons broadened.
Thanks so much Gordon - and get well soon!
The ME50 has improved the quality of the sound and my playing of it is better with another 50 plays under my belt.