Fred Basset by Alex Graham for April 25, 2024

And that’s the advantage of having your own arrangement. Didn’t say it was a good one, though. Have a feeling most everyone who hears Dear’s arrangement would say something’s missing, but you are a faithful boy to stay and hear him play.

Twiddly bits…good one Fred!

I had to look it up. What we know about Mr. Dear’s piano skills indicates that it is likely this piece is far too advanced for him. But well- if one does not try and practice, one does not learn. Now the question: is Mr. Dear in a darkish mood today? Feeling blue? That would be something our Fred could help him with. A nice cuddle, a stark lick, a longer walk in the park with a finish at one of the pubs, meeting Angus and Jock there… That shall do it and cheer both up. A lot! Go ahead, Fred :-D sausages to come…

I’m surprised Fred wasn’t howling. But then again he’s a good boy and forgo being mean.

Fred, you’re so knowledgeable!

Personally, I am in awe of anyone willing to show the world how bad they are, because of the love of music!

I can’t play anything much beyond chop sticks so no shade from me if Mr. Dear can play any parts of Rachmaninoff

But the difficult twiddly bits make the music perfect, Fred!

’Bach’s Joy of Man’s Desiring’ is one of my favorite tunes I used to play on flute, tenor, & 5 string banjos. I discovered how it worked in a jazz form, & back to the traditional version. Unfortunately Go Comics has banned my Google Drive links, & I’ve never found a way around that that worked.

I have many twiddly bit jokes but I’ll just see myself out.

This is only the second time I have the term “twiddly bits”. (I’m not British, but have British friends.) The first time was only about a year ago in an interview with guitarist Mark Knopfler. He was commenting to his wife about audience reaction to a particular song. She asked him, “Well, did you play it twiddly bits?” You can pretty much infer meaning of the term, but I looked it up anyway.

The joy is in playing. If you’re not a professional and you don’t have the skill to play more complicated parts there’s no shame in improvising.

Twiddly bits. lol

I’ll have to remember that one the next time I grouse about the “singers” who feel the need to “improve” our national anthem with their twiddly bits.

Fred when did you become a music critic