Oh dear, Fox and Friends ... :(

[Swift]

Just stumbled on this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwqlDxgeN-0

Solid playing from both Máiréad and Ray (very crafty thimble trick there, makes it sound like he's playing really snappy top end style when he's actually just playing simple sticking patterns while rolling through the other fingers) but the interviewer comes across like a cretinous spongecloud. Even if you forgive him for not knowing who his guests are, which instruments they're playing and even which group they're in, he then reaches right up to M's face and drags his grimy finger across her 18th-century violin. You can hear an audible clunk as his fingernail hits the tailpiece. I don't know how she keeps smiling (while immediately checking her shoulder rest and mute), I wouldn't have been nearly as forgiving.

Just thought I should point out that it's about the most offensive thing you can do to reach over and touch somebody's instrument - especially if it's up next to their face - unless you know the person and instrument very well eg. you've been allowed to play it in the past, no matter what the age or monetary value. Even if you've seen the owner handle it fairly roughly - musicians often treat their own instruments more casually than others might after a while, once they've got to know them and have assessed how much stress they'll survive. I find it incredible that a talk show host would do something like this, even one employed by the Fox Network, surely they're supposed to be courteous and maintain a convivial atmosphere? 

Still, you even see it with people who call themselves musicians. I took a newly commissioned cajon to a jazz session in Hammersmith about a month ago, still smelling of fresh varnish, and left it on stage while taking a break after a few Latin numbers. Some little stain with delusions of adequacy got straight onto the drums and, during the pointless 10-minute solo he assigned himself, reached across and absolutely leathered the bare wood of my new instrument three times. With sticks. I got straight up there and asked him if he'd have done the same to the double bass if he could've reached it. He seemed clueless as to why I was "beefing". I also had a fairly awkward conversation with a "bandleader" who was actually employing me when I asked him not to hurl my cymbal vault containing 2 K's worth of cast bronze into the back of his van fairly recently. I wish people would understand how offensive and disrespectful this is.

[Moscapoet]

Thanks, Swift. It was a great performance by her. I too thought the entire thing with the interviewer was a bit awkward and M was kind but obviously very uneasy. Looked like he was stroking her hair She was thoroughly professional throughout but may have been a bit more direct had it been in another environment. Media folks should know better but perhaps they assume they are on the same par as the artists they bring on the shows. Folks here know how important that violin is to her and that it is an amazing partner for her. Many do not understand the relationship of musician with instrument is much like a captain and his ship. In spite of it all, the video is a nice showcase for her playing as well as her restraint and competence in dealing with an uncomfortable situation. Thanks for the perspective, Swift, and happy playing!

[edtom]

I'll refrain from saying what I think about the people on Fox and Friends and say great job, Mairead and Ray.

[CW_Fan]

I too thought the entire thing with the interviewer was a bit awkward and M was kind but obviously very uneasy. Looked like he was stroking her hair

Not sure if anyone noticed, but the logo came up as he reached for her face, perhaps briefly censoring some awkward moment.

As for the interviewer's behavior, it was disappointing, but not surprising. Unfortunately, I see it all the time over here.

[Ron]

I saw this quite awhile back. Totally agreed, Swift. Back in my performing days we were doing a gig at a club. We showed up in the morning, set up and did a soundcheck. Then we went in shifts to eat/shower while the other band members stayed and watched over the gear. When I returned after my turn to leave, I found a broken string on my guitar and pieces of the bridge were laying on the floor beneath it. Come to find out, our singer decided he wanted to tweak the system again and gave "permission" to one of the stage hands to get on my guitar. The stage hand in question could play, but was unfamiliar with double locking, free floating Floyd Rose tremolo systems. Apparently, he had tried to tune it without loosening the locking nuts. I have to say, Mairead was MUCH more gracious than I was! The other musicians in the band backed me up and, needless to say, it was the last performance that singer did with us. It doesn't matter if it's a $150,000 Matthias or an $1100 Kramer Pacer Custom, LEAVE MUSICIAN'S INTRUMENTS ALONE UNLESS YOU HAVE PERMISSION!!!! As in Atlanta, when Starman asked permission to play my 12 string. He knows musician etiquette well and was more than welcome.