I’m not sure why, but a large proportion of the lawyers I meet are frustrated musicians.
I’m not sure why, but a large proportion of the lawyers I meet are frustrated musicians. I’ve lost count of the number of times lawyers say their biggest regret is giving up the piano at the age of 13; in fact I know six who are now painstakingly going through the Associated Board exam grades at the same time as their children.
At the other end of the scale I’ve met three who could have been concert pianists, about 29 ex-choral scholars, a whole bunch of jazz players, several Renaissance recorder specialists and even someone who was contemplating buying a continuo organ for their front room. City firms always rustle up excellent in-house choirs for their Christmas carol services, and Lawyers’ Music runs one of the best amateur orchestras in London.
But by far the biggest set of enthusiasts falls into one of two categories: Karaoke and rock music. You can tell a lot about a lawyer from their choice of Karaoke song (tip: never instruct anyone who picks Angels), and I particularly commend Travers Smith and Lovells for their commitment to the genre.
The number of rockers is bigger yet, which is why we’re very excited about Law Rocks, the legal profession’s first-ever battle of the bands.
The Lawyer is supporting this event in June, which is at the 100 Club and being compered by Mr Justice Coulson. Each of the six bands will get only half an hour to set up and play their choice of cover versions, which will nip any drum solos in the bud. The winners get all the profits of the evening to donate to their nominated charity, but I can reveal that tensions are already mounting: the six are already scrapping over the choice of the bass amp. Our features editor Matt Byrne, who was a professional guitarist in the early 90s (and he would like me to point out that his band made the front of Music Week when they signed to BMG), will be following closely the progress of the six as they get together their sets for the big night.
Keating Chambers senior clerk Nick Child, the force of nature who’s behind the whole event, decided for logistical reasons to start off small. However, he and I both think it will grow. If you’re in a band and want to take part next year, then let us know. In the meantime, anyone want to organise interfirm Karaoke?
