Rubber Pancakes and Breakfast with the Beatles

A journalist asked the question (I'm paraphrasing here) to what extent is true that only a very particular instrument can produce a certain sound, and to what extent is it just merely the musician's imagination? Peter Maffay's answer was quite remarkable. He stated that by all means is it true that only a certain guitar could have produced the chords of the great guitarist of the past, but even if it is imagination, then well if imagination motivates then that is a good thing. So, I guess the motto for this review is that music is a catalyst. Music moves, creates memories, changes and leads generations, holds our hands, and accompanies us throughout life. Music is the reason that I ventured out to the Museum for Hamburger History on a crisp and very windy (uh, yeah the skirt was a bad idea. I just love to go around and flash everyone in Hamburg) Thursday morning. The invitation to the press conference instantly made me think of Sunday mornings with the Larsen's listening to "Breakfast with the Beatles" and eating Bill's "famous" rubber pancakes. I had no idea what to expect on that Thursday morning, but as soon as I entered the room, with the video camera and one group of photographers taking pictures of the guitars of Bob Dylan, Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton and another group getting close up shots (I'm sure they even got shots of his nose hair) of Peter Maffay, I thought, hmm this is just like Spinal Tap here.

The reason for the press conference is the upcoming exhibit titled "The international Vintage Guitar & Drum Show". The show takes place on the 21st and 22nd of October. More information can be found at the website www.vintageguitarshow.de. One of the initiators of the show, I want to say his name is Frank Knabbenhöft (wasn't wearing my contacts, but that is a different story), mentioned that one of the reasons for doing this show was to reintroduce the youth to music and the history behind it. He went on to say, that without the musical influence of the 50's and 60's music would not be were it is today. Just "imagine" (in memory of John Lennon) what and where the world would be today if this influence had not existed. Another initiator, Thomas Weilbar, owner of the Number One Music Center in Hamburg, stated that he wanted to do something special, something that has never been done in Germany before. His concept of this show is an interpretation of feelings from pieces of people from all over the world.

Peter Maffay, expressed that Guitars and electric guitars wrote history. The music they produced moulded generations and their impressions, and that even today guitars continue to influence the world that we live in. He went on to say, that no other instrument has brought more understanding between people and generations. The guitar acts as a dialogue between cultures and brings people together, and you can always bring a guitar with you. Peter asked the audience if anyone played an instrument. To my astonishment I was the only one who raised their hand. Peter then asked what instrument I played, "the piano" I said. I noticed right away, that to Peter a piano is just not a guitar, and in a way he is right. I would look a little odd taking my piano on a walk. However, we both understand what an instrument means to someone who truly loves music. One of the last things Peter said was "to touch an instrument is a beautiful feeling". To some a piano is a decoration that they have in their homes, a nice piece of furniture, to me, however, my old piano from the end of the 1800's is not a decoration; it is a beautiful person in a way. My piano is a person that I touch, breathe, and get to know a little better each and every day.

The funny thing about the conference was that we never did talk about drums.