Happy Birthday Bill ! Hope you have a beautiful day ! Rob

How about trying this; Angel Olsen, album: Big time, track : through the fires...

Without reigniting any negative discussions I hope you don’t mind if I quickly state more generally how I see things through my eyes. Today, we have some many more distractions from when I was growing up. We have a constant bombardment of information from a variety of sources. I know I spend a good part of my day scanning reports, news articles, music etc. Also my attention span has been reduced. I look for a quick fix, a quick solution , some quick gratification. I think the point that Bill (and apologies Bill if I misinterpret your motive) is that sometimes we do need to spend more time absorbing things, For want or a better term, if there is plenty “going on” in the music , for example, a first listen is probably not enough to absorb and appreciate it. I think there is also an element that Bill’s “ear” is probably more attuned and experienced that many and what he looks for and produces perhaps we don’t always process this in the same way. But my general point is that I think Bill is making an observation about us as humans and our nature to absorb and focus – in general – that perhaps it is a comment on us as a society that we should go for quality rather than quantity in the “information” we absorb , and again in general about how we spend our time. Again, apologies Bill if I am putting words into your mouth..

Loving the Christmas video , beautiful music and that drum track is exquisite too ! Thanks so much Bill. Happy Christmas to you and Emiko.

@Alec Thanks Alec, That is really interesting. If I have time I'll try to track down those books as they are artists that I like. The music industry seems to have so many quirks.

Bowie Band interview. Just saw on YouTube a good recent interview with Mike Garson, Earl Slick, Gerry Leonard and others discussing Bowie. Interesting to hear the recording process. Bowie would lay down the chords of the song and the musicians would come up with their own parts. Improvising and refining their input. I'm surprised that they never had writing credits to his songs. Can you imagine "Stay" without Earl Slick's riff. Is this normal for the music industry ? Or have I misunderstood their input.

Have a nice glass of red and enjoy yourself !

Hi Nick, Yes, It would be good to hear. It will be interesting to hear a different take on the classic track.

Just received my print - Absolutely brilliant - print No 4. Martin you are just so talented ! Thank you Martin & Bill.

Alec, I wish Andrew would come clean. Regardless of his background as a man of principle he should comment on this relationship Epstein. America should seek an extradition order.

I feel very uncomfortable that most of us in our lives are assessed on what we do , in most cases we do operate a meritocracy. I feel that this is not the same for the royal family. They have such a privileged life. Therefore I am not a royalist. It is based on birthright and nothing more. I would like to understand more about the alleged racist remarks that he has made over time to fully comment on him. The monarchy is an anachronism. It needs to be removed. You, me, we are all impacted by what we do, they royals are not.

Also Eberhard Weber - a double bassist.

I'd add Tony Levin and Steve Mostyn

Fantastic to hear Bill get the recognition he deserves ! Also , he's too modest by far...

Hi Mick, great to hear not only praise of Bill's ability but also complimentary about him as a person. Very interesting, thank you.