Alastair Kiernan

February 7^th, 2004

The stage set up never looks the same for two months running. In this instance Alastair had brought his own 'backdrop', which consisted of a pair of simple net curtains, framed either side by ruffled ones. Our Lighting Manager Keith's 'Supreme Stage Lighting' then lit these up in various colours throughout the evening. Very effective.

Alastair is no stranger to folk who enjoy good music. He is at home on any organ, whether it be a Rutt~, Wurlitzer~, Hammond~ or his own trusted Yamaha HX1 organ, which he brought along for our February concert.

We had a very lively start to the evening's program with "That's Entertainment" and "There Is No Business Like Showbusiness". Some sixteen years ago (1988), the Olympic Games were held in sunny Barcelona, the theme tune being "Friends For Life" (Amigos Sempres), set to a nice slow rumba. Not to be outdone by the organisers we had not only one, but two 'Olympic Flames'. Next "Sweet Georgia Brown" got a look in before Alastair changed mood completely with "Mattinata" (or "You Are Breaking My Heart) played in classical style. He followed this with some Latin music, a chance for Keith to let the lights dance in the background. A beautiful rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" followed (no need to tell you what happened to the background colours?!).

The writer is not sure whether the next number was "Murder On The Orient Express", however, we were definitely taken on a train ride. Next we had the very lively "Sabre Dance" from Khachaturian's Ballet 'Gayaneh', written in 1942. To change the mood a lovely slow number "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", before playing another Latin number for us, this time "Jealousy", with a most dramatic intro.

Up to this stage, we had had mostly orchestral sounds on the HX-1. So it was nice to have some organ sounds with Alastair recreating the sounds of the Hammond C3. "Night & Day" - "The Parade Of The Tin Soldiers" and "Hey Look Me Over" all sounded great. Then something really special to round off the first half - "Nimrod" from the 'Enigma Variations' - played using pipe organ sounds - haunting and ethereal are two words that spring to mind.

Following several requests for this number, Alastair opened the second half with the "Dambusters March" - appropriate as his 'day job' is the airline business - we even had the searchlight going round the hall !! "Time On My Hands" and "There I've Said It Again" followed before another Latin Medley that included "El Cumbanchero".

You don't get much chat with Alastair, but lots of music, hence the "Tennessee Waltz" - "Telstar" - "Around The World" - "True Love" - "Salmon" - "You & The Night & The Music" - "Singing In The Rain" (haven't we done a lot of that lately??) - "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" (multi-coloured ones blowing everywhere) - "You Needed Me" and "It Is A Sin To Tell A Lie". Next another couple of Latin numbers "Something Stupid" & "Wheels". "Sunnyboy" - "So Tired" (for his Dad) - "Sweet Sue" and "China Town" got an airing before it was time to close the evening's program.

Time flies when you are enjoying yourself, before we knew it we had reached the end of the concert, which he closed with "I'll Be Seeing You".

Snow showers had been forecast for the next day, with tongue in cheek we had a few bars of "Winter Wonderland" before in true Basildon fashion he gave the audience an encore consisting of "We'll Meet Again" - "Orange Coloured Sky" and "The Stripper".

Well, there was certainly no shortage of music to keep us all warm during this cold winter's evening. Alastair, who has just turned 32, busy in the airline industry and busy making wonderful music for the simple enjoyment of it. We wish him and his expanding family well; the next arrival is due to 'touch down' in two and a half months time.

Nice to see his parents with him once again, assisting him pre and post concert. Our special thanks to Keith for all the special lighting effects in the shape of bubbles, swirling lights, search lights, you name it, we had it throughout the evening.

Why not come along to a Basildon Keyboard Club Concert, you will be made very welcome, have a great evenings entertainment, a complimentary cup of tea or coffee with biscuits and of course experience the delights of live music played on top of the range electronic organs & keyboards by the best players.