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Charlotte’s First Day
Written by Charlotte
I had no idea what to expect when I timidly knocked on the door of The Saturday Morning Casanata Club (AKA Jimmy’s house). I’d received an email the day before from Jimmy himself saying I was welcome to pop by and meet the gang, but that I’d better watch out as it was like ‘The Hotel California, once you’re here, you never leave.’ Understandably, I was a bit apprehensive to say the least, but as soon as the door opened, I was greeted warmly by a lovely American man and his dog (whose name I have since forgotten). I don’t know who was more enthusiastic to see me, Jimmy or the dog, but I was quickly ushered by both of them into the kitchen to be introduced to everyone.
‘This is Charlotte!’ Jimmy cried.
‘Ah yes!’ everyone cried back with huge, beaming grins.
So, I thought, everyone has been expecting me, which was quite a nice feeling really and my nerves quickly dispersed. Then, before I could make proper conversation with anyone, a girl arrived. ‘Ah Louise!’ everyone cried, and then a guy sauntered in behind her. ‘Ah Mike!’ everyone cheered.
There were clearly a lot of Ah’s going on that morning, I have since discovered because the studio hadn’t been open for a while and this was the first time everyone was back together since a long summer break.
Things were going swimmingly by this point and I felt quite relaxed, even to the point that I could say that I was actually enjoying myself and I’d only been there 10 minutes. But then the unexpected happened. Someone who went by the name of Gus appeared, entering the room somewhat sheepishly. When I saw his face I recoiled in horror while the rest of the room gasped. My first thought was ‘ rugby casualty, no doubt about it’ as I peered curiously at the brusies, stitches, and plasters placed at various points across his face.
‘What happened to you?” screeched Louise. It was met by silence, followed by rather inaudible explanation from Gus that he’d fallen out of his mezanine bed in the middle of the night and had spent the rest of it in A and E being sewn back togther.
It was then that I started to wonder what I’d got myself into…but I thought I would at least stay for a cup of tea before pelting at full speed out the back door.
Hannah must have read my mind and proceeded to make drinks for everyone, while I was invited into the recording studio to watch what was going on. And it was there that I pretty much stayed for the rest of the day, having a marvellous time as I experienced first hand entire songs being recorded in layers and then edited togther. It was fantastic and gave me an incredible urge to take lots of ‘bragging’ photos for Facebook. I refrained of course.
So, all in all, I had a lovely time on my first Saturday at the Hotel California. I met so many great people, ranging from ages 18 to 53. Each and every one was talented in their own right and made me feel like Jimmy was doing something really wonderful to help all these new artists find their feet and give them a helping hand on their musical way, and I even got the chance to do some backing vocals on one of Gus’ tracks. I have no idea how he managed to sing through the sheer pain of his face, but I must say I was blown away by his voice and am quite certain he will go far with talent such as that.
The day ended around five and I went on my merry way with an email following the next day from Jimmy saying maybe I might be able to do a lead on one of their songs in October, which made me feel very happy indeed. And that was that, my first visit to the The Saturday Morning Casanata Club was done. And I’m sure there’ll be many more to come!…