Yep, I still haven’t gotten the hang of the second solo in Layla. I’ve not really been trying lately as I am a little put off, but I did say I would crack it by the end of the year, so I’d best get on with it. Pesky ‘Slowhand’ Clapton. Clearly not a very good nickname for someone who can play that fast…
In the meantime, I got distracted by a new project: Dream a Little Dream of Me, by the Mamas & the Papas. Well, they didn’t write it, but with a voice like that, Mama Cass’ effort is far and away the definitive version. One of my favourite ever songs and one I definitely wouldn’t have been able to play a year ago, so it was gratifying to find I could get the hang of it now. I actually had it sussed a little while back, but it took a very long time to work out the notes of the piano solo in the middle. I have gotten much better at working out guitar by ear but piano proved a lot harder. This weekend though, I more or less got it. It is one of the trickiest things I have learned so far, so I balls it up a little, but you get the idea.
And I can’t really do an entry at the moment that doesn’t mention the move in some way, so a wee update: we have had the 27th of December officially confirmed as the day we sign the acte de vente. ‘Good Cop’ can’t make it, but the other brother, Patrick ‘Bad Cop’ Fargeot will be in town so requested this date specially. Works for us! They are in the area at the moment, clearing out the house, so we hope to hear from them any day now about what extra stuff – if anything – they have left us.
We saw the 3-piece that Mike and Jean offered us the other day and we will definitely take it – the covers are a little worn but the padding is fine, and the wood is beautifully carved. It will do fine as an interim until we have money to spare for a new set. In other preparations, we almost bought a bed online but were advised to wait by our friend Rebecca (who we met through the Frenchies). She has moved into Jean-Mi’s part of their house while he is off working at his other shop in Chinon, just south of Tours for a month or so. She will move permanently into the main bit when Christophe and Chrissline move out in a few months. Anyway, she told us that you can get some excellent deals in the January sales out here, so we will wait till then to buy the bed. Here’s hoping the brothers Fargeot leave us at least one bed at the house to tide us over till then…