gnise that, in these trying times, there is an ask from business from for stability. We have sought in the recently passed budget to meet the number one ask of businesses that were a freeze in the poundage. However, as I have discussed in the chamber before and in previous exchanges that I have had with Mr Johnson, I recognise that one of the central challenges with non-domestic rates is the reality that rateable value does not often or does not always align with the economic performance of an individual business. The question is then that I put two colleagues in all sincerity. It is a conversation that I am happy to have. If there is a desire to move on to a different system, what should that look like? Is this something that should be revenue neutral bearing in mind that non-domestic rates are forecast to raise some £3 billion for public expenditure this year? What do we mean by rebalancing? Those are some quite significant questions, but it is a conversation that I am happy to have and to engage in. I will take Mr Johnson and I will take Mr Simpson. I am very grateful. He is right to pose that challenge, but it is more than just individual businesses in the reflection of that. The fact is that retail, but some 10 per cent of the economy provides some 20 per cent of non-domestic rates. One of the things that the Government will need to accept—I think that we all need to accept—is that the static nature of non-domestic rates is probably a sign that it is not a functional levy. Would you agree with that insight? I think that Mr Johnson raises an important point, but I think that the specific issue arises from the fundamental way in which non-domestic rates operate as being a property tax. I will come to Mr Simpson. I am very grateful. Irrespective of what system we use, does the minister not accept that there have been real concerns from the retail sector about the Scottish Government not following England and Wales in introducing an enhanced rates relief for smaller shops? He could have done that. Does he not accept that? I am grateful to the member for his intervention. As he would recognise, budgets are ultimately about choices in weighing up the range of priorities. There is always opportunity cost. We have fully committed all of the consequentials that we have received as part of our budget process. It is the question that the Government poses to Opposition members that each and every budget is a desire to see increased funding in one budget line when it is incumbent upon members to identify where the corresponding decrease is and another budget line. The reality is that we provide an enhanced social contract in Scotland, which is not available in other parts of the UK. That is something that employees and people who live in our towns and towns centres benefit from. However, I reiterate my invitation and my willingness to engage with members on the question of non-domestic rates. The minister is always keen to engage. Does he accept that the report is trying to say that financially things seem to be skewed against businesses and town centres and skewed towards out-of-town, which has had a massive devastating impact on town centres? The member raises a point that was raised in the review of the town centre interaction plan, and that is the issue. The question would be in terms of what members are proposing. Is it to try to modify how non-domestic rates land through further relief or modifications, or is it to recognise that that is ultimately a feature of how the system operates as a tax in heritable land and property? Is it something that requires fundamental reform? That is a very deep question. It is not something that we are going to land at an answer on immediately, but we are dealing with a system of taxation that is now 170 years old. It is writing proper that it is notwithstanding the need to address the immediate concerns that business and the people that we represent face in the cost of living crisis. We ask ourselves that non-domestic rates, as a system, are appropriate, as we start to approach it, in the middle decades of this century. Is it something that is aligned with our ambitions around yes-town centres but also a just transition in net-zero? That is a conversation that we should be more open to having in Parliament collectively as this session progresses and hopefully can be able to land at a position ahead of the next election. As I say, my door is always open to having that conversation. I am conscious that time is running out. I just want to highlight that there are a number of points made about what more what more can Government do. Government does have an important role. That is why we provide significant capital investment through our place-based investment programme, our vacant and derelict land investment programme. That has been touched on by members. That can play such an important role both in remediating land and financing projects directly but also in creating stability, confidence and unlocking private sector investment. Fundamentally, all that work has to cohere. I have sought in my tenure to ensure that our retail strategy, our town centre action plan jointly published with COSLA, our national planning framework for, align with each other. Fundamentally, and I think most profoundly, the way in which we can influence change for our town centres in the long-term, not just beyond the immediate interventions that we make in the hidden now, is to rewire how our economies operate at the local and regional level, and community wealth-building can be key to delivering that. I now call on Colin Beattie to wind up on behalf of the economy and fair work committee up to 10 minutes, please, Mr Beattie. As the vice-convener of the economy and fair work committee, I am pleased to have the opportunity to close on this committee debate on the important subject of the retail and town centres in Scotland report. First, I thank the committee clerks and the many other Parliament staff who worked so hard to help to produce the report, and also those who gave their time to appear before the committee to give evidence or who submitted written evidence, not forgetting, of course, the committee members whose diligence and commitment ensured that a document of what I believe is real value was the end result. There was a substantial level of agreement in reaching conclusions, but also identifying key issues and, to an extent, solutions. I say to an extent in regard to solutions because the regeneration of our town centres is a complex exercise that will involve many stakeholders in order to achieve success. The debate this afternoon has been, I think, on the whole, a very positive one, and I think that it is interesting that so many of the members actually came forward with the same highlights, the same concerns and the same desires to achieve results in particular areas. I would touch on, firstly, the question of non-domestic rates, where Alec Rowley, Colin Smith, Michelle Thomson and the committee clerk Clare Baker mentioned the concerns about non-domestic rates. They have been a considerable discussion by the committee, and the cost imbalance between out-of-town development and town centre regeneration has been an issue. Should NDR be reduced in town centres and increased in out-of-town developments to encourage town centre regeneration, the committee did agree that the overarching principle must be rebalancing the cost of doing business in town centres versus out-of-town sites. A variety of options were considered and highlighted in the report, but generally NDR is perceived as inequitable and unfair. E-commerce, or, more correctly, the lack of it featured also substantially in the committee's discussions, and Jamie Hawker of Johnson and, again, Clare Baker highlighted that. I think that it came as a surprise to me and, I think, to the committee that Scottish business has only had a 4 per cent share by volume of UK E-commerce. The need to upskill and strengthen Scottish capabilities was well explored. The needs for training and support for particularly small businesses was identified. The committee noted that £100 million allocated by the Scottish Government to improve digital skills, capacity and capability was significant, but the committee was interested to find out how the Government intended to allocate those funds and how views on it being directed to provide support to businesses in order to develop omni-channel models. Accessibility to town centres featured quite highly as well. In today's discussions, Fiona Hyslop, Alex Rowley and Graham Simpson all mentioned various aspects of accessibility, be it by transport or the availability of car parking, the ability to walk around the streets and be able to access the shops and so on, which are so important for regenerating our town centres. The question of NPF4 was seen as a key driver in town-centred development, and while members had different views on whether a moratorium on out-of-town development in NPF4 is part of the solution, all members degraded at NPF4 must ensure that, for any developments, town centre sites must be fully evaluated to ensure that there is no adverse impact on town centres. The Scottish Government in its response affirmed its commitment to that principle, but concerns remain as to how that principle can be further strengthened by the Scottish Government. The question of absentee land owners, owners of properties, particularly properties that were decaying, properties that were in need of repair or derelict, was fully discussed by the committee as well. The Minister of Fiona Hyslop, Claire Baker, Colin Smyth, Gordon MacDonald and others have mentioned that as a particular concern. The committee took evidence that absentee land owners remain the problem in some towns and a hindrance to development of out-of-town centres. In some cases, identifying the beneficial owner can be difficult, especially if they live overseas. The committee looked at compulsory purchase orders as a means to deal with such buildings, especially when they were derelict or dangerous. The committee asked the Scottish Government to undertake wider research elsewhere to determine what the position is on beneficial ownership of commercial property and land. More clearly needs to be done in this barrier, but it was noted by the Scottish Government that the UK Government has launched a register that will require overseas entities buying or selling land and property across the UK to be registered. However, it is unclear at this time how that will be made available to local authorities, for example in Scotland. The committee had some sympathy for an online sales tax, which might level the feel between town centre businesses and competitors who have no bricks and mortar, but that was not seen as an easy option, and it would need to be carefully constructed to achieve its target. The UK Government is not proceeding with its proposed online sales tax, and the Scottish Government has undertaken to review the complexities involved, but it should be noted that given that business taxation is largely a reserved matter, any proposals would need to be negotiated with the UK Government. The principle that every town should have its development plan was widely accepted, while the Scottish Government explained that, through various mechanisms that have already existed, it is somewhat unclear how the various strands come together with the focus that the committee viewed the town centre development plan needs. The town centre development plans are seen as key. Each town is a unique entity, and there is no one-size-fits-all. Therefore, it is tremendously important that each entity has its own development plan. The committee noted that the three enterprise agencies, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise and Tylons and Islands Enterprise, appear to have differing remits and focus for delivery, and there seems to be a gap in delivery of place-based support outwith HIE and SOSC. The Scottish Government advised that this support is in fact in place, but feedback indicates that it is not widely recognised. The one key element identified by the committee was the need for sustainability. This has been touched on by Maggie Chapman and the minister himself. Funds can be available to develop a particular project or regeneration, but it is necessary that the project be long-term sustainable within the community in which it is being developed. It would be unsatisfactory if long-term funding had to be provided to sustain the project if the community is unable to do so. That makes it even more important that local communities are part of such plans at an early stage to ensure that they meet local needs and that a viable business plan is in place. The small business bonus plan has removed more than 100,000 small businesses from playing NDR. Broadly, it has been a success. The Scottish Government notes that some reforms took place in the last budget to improve its progressive aspects, but more data is needed to better evaluate its impact. The concerns about the burden on businesses resulted in data collection not being carried out to the extent required. One of two other members made significant contributions. Colin Smyth made a very strong plug for Dumfries as a place to live in and enjoy. Alex Rowley appeared to be arguing that Cooper Fife was, in fact, the centre of the universe. Fiona Hyslop I have split loyalties. I am definitely a fan of all my West Lothian towns, but on the basis that three of the SNP speakers were brought up in air, I do think that air, as well as Cooper, deserves special mention in this debate. I could not possibly comment. In conclusion, the retail sector is a vital element in driving the regeneration of our town centres, although the need to consult extensively with local communities remains absolutely key. There is no one-size-fits-all. Each town and its communities are different. Each need is different. I believe that this has been recognised and accepted across the board. The committee looks forward to the finalised retail strategy delivery plan from the retail industry leadership group and to seeing the part that MPF4 will play in creating an environment where our town centres will prosper.


Blair of the Mounties! Represents Episode 29 in the dramatic series Blair of the Mounties. Following the tragic case of Virginia Stewart, in which Blair was instrumental in saving Clement Wilson, prominent London theatrical manager from trial on a charge of murder, Blair's reputation increases rapidly. A year of hard work follows, the Wilson case. A year of prosperity which brings Blair into touch with investigation work in the higher circles of society. To aid him in his work, Blair has secured the services of his old friend, Miss Guest, formerly of the Secret Service. As our scene opens, we find the two discussing a startling new development. I simply cannot understand it. It does seem rather strange. It's more than strange that the Earl of Waverton should not only wish to consult you, that he should choose to make an appointment to see you here at the office. Miss Guest, you know everybody practically in London society. What do you know about Lord Waverton? Well, his minister of the air in the British cabinet, formerly chief liberal whip, served the distinction in the war and... Oh yes, yes, I know that part. I mean his private life. Looking for family skeletons, eh? Possibly. There might be such a thing, of course. His wife was Peggy Delancey. She was married before. And her husband? I think he was killed in the war or disappeared or something. Delancey. I seem to remember the name somewhere. And Lady Waverton formerly Mrs. Delancey, eh? An actress you say? A chorus girl type? Good gracious, no. She's a modern type. Well bred, highly educated and all that. She was born in Dublin. Very good family. But poor, of course. She's very beautiful. Sounds promising. Much different than their age. Quite a bit. The countess of Waverton is about 35, I imagine. Her husband must be close on 60. They have no children. Thanks, I guess that helps a lot. That must be a lordship now. Show him straight in. Yes, if you'll be so kind. This way, sir. The Earl of Waverton to see you, sir. Good morning, sir. Good morning. You take this chair. Thank you. You've got the message from Colonel Seaton. Yes, my lord. What can I do for you? That's what I came to discuss with you. I understand, Blair, that you've had some experience in military intelligence work. During the war, yes, sir. Here in London and in France. Also a considerable police experience. 24 years, Royal Northwest Mounted Police. Ah, yes. An enviable repetition. Useful combination. I need a man with just these qualifications. Seaton recommended you very highly. Very kind of him, I'm sure, sir. Tell me, Blair, could you devote practically all your time, say, for a month or six weeks, to a special assignment? Is it private or official? A combination of both. You will have no official standing. The resources of my department will be at your disposal. And the nature of the task? That remains to be seen. But in a general way, you're aware, I am sure, that the competition between the great powers, especially in aircraft, is becoming very severe. Yes, I understand so, sir. Yes. In the case of England in particular, the details of our air defense plans are much sought after. And it is in this work you would like me to help? Frankly, I don't know. This may sound very mysterious. Perhaps I better tell you what's happened. Last night, there was an attempted burglary at my home in Devonshire. In your absence? No, I was there. Two men got into the house. They were after the safe in my study. I heard them at work and managed to get down before they got the safe open. Were the men caught? No, they got away. It was moonlight. I fired at them several times. Apparently, they were both wounded. Didn't that matter for the police, Lord Raven? Yes, and no. The county police are already busy, but I want something more of there. That safe contained official papers of tremendous importance. The results of a conference held at my house yesterday. A conference that I could have sworn was absolutely secret. I'd be glad to want to take the work if you'll tell me what is required, sir. Good. I want to find out what this thing is, who these men were, and who they are working for. In short, I want to set up a small, efficient intelligence unit, responsible only to me.  I believe so, my lord. All right. Can you go down to Devonshire tonight? Yes, sir. Get what the county police have, which isn't very much. Then go ahead. Question anyone you like in my household with one exception. And that exception? Lady Waverton. I don't want her annoyed. If she talks to you, all right. But no questioning. That clear? Quite clear, sir. Now, one thing more. I brought a young American doctor up to town with me. Last night he was treating a man for a bullet wound under very, very strange circumstances. I'll send him along to you in a few moments. Get his story and see what you can do with it. Why, uh, yeah, very well, sir. You may find me a little unusual to deal with, Blair. The whole thing is unusual. But I want this thing sifted thoroughly. We'll have a talk to Dr. Craig Holland and then get ready to go to the country. Come and see me before you go. We'll go into the question of remuneration and so forth. Very well, sir. Is that all for the present? Yes, that's all. Goodbye. Goodbye, Lord Waverton. Yes? Come in, Miss Guest. I know you're bursting with curiosity. Not at all. That's fine. Miss Guest, I'm going fishing, leading tonight for Coombs Seaton in Devonshire. I thought it was something like that. Yes, I don't know how long I'll be away, but you can carry on, I suppose. There's a man to see you, Dr. Craig Holland. Oh, yes. I want to talk to him. You coming, Dr. Holland? Thanks. You are Inspector Blair? Yes, sit down, Doctor. Lord Waverton says he was something to tell me. Really, it's so queer that I could almost believe it was a dream. Indeed. Are you visiting in England, Doctor? Not exactly. My home's in Boston, Massachusetts, but I have a cottage near Coombs Seaton where I'm spending the summer. I write a good deal and the neighborhood suits me. How about this adventure of yours? Start the beginning and let's have all the details. All right. It was last night about ten o'clock. Come in. Doc Holland? Yes, that's my name. It's like this, Doc. We've got a patient for you. He's hurt pretty bad. A patient? See here, I have no... That's got him. Pull that gag tighter. All right. Out into the car. There you are, Joe. Drop him in that chair. Loosen that gag.  There you are, Doc. No harm done. See here. What's the meaning of this? Now, now, take it easy, Doc. If you think you can get away with this, why are you absolutely crazy? Say, listen, we got a patient for you. He's hurt bad. If you fix him up, we'll take you back and no harm done. But if you don't want to do it, say so. Now, how about it, Doc? If you have a man in need of attention, I'll do what I can. Now you're talking, Doc. Right this way. But understand, the moment I get away, I'm going to report this to the police. Oh, yeah? Okay, Doc. Right this way. He's in here. Good evening, Doctor. Who? Who are you? Let's not talk, Doctor. This man needs attention. I see. What's wrong? He has a bullet wound left side. Just missed the artery. It's not serious, but the bullet's still in there. What have you done? I gave him a hypodermic, cleaned up the wound as well as I could and put on a compress. But this is ridiculous. I haven't a thing to work with.  Well, that's all right. We have everything here. Anesthetic instruments, everything you want. Pretty well prepared, I must say. Very well.  And some hot water, if you don't mind. And that inspector is the whole story. Very great business, Doctor. And you've no idea where this place was? Not the slightest. I was blindfolded, going and coming. It took about an hour, both ways in the car. And they did a lot of turning. We went over one very rough road, but that might have been a blind. Yes, I see. How did Lord Waven come to know of your experience? Through the county police. I reported to them, of course. Well, Doctor, I am taking over this investigation. I leave for Coombs Street in the night. Lord Waven is letting me his car. I can go along. Thanks. I have to get back. And frankly, I am interested in this case. Do you know if the police are doing anything? Yes. Superintendent McClain is down at Coombs Street. But they're keeping this thing very quiet. No publicity by Lord Waven's request. McClain's a good man. Are you knowing him? Yes. Met him years ago when he was a sergeant. All right, Doctor, Carl is here at five o'clock. See you later, eh? Yes. Goodbye for the present. Goodbye. Well, tell him. Yes, I think so. What is this mules brown about a man found dead up on the moors? Oh, yes. It was a queer, you know. An unidentified man found dead near Shagford. Two bullets in him. While so many rode and not a footprint or anything near him. Practically every bone in his body was broken. That's funny. Yes, it is. I wonder how he got there. Couldn't have run from the sky. Well, that's just precisely what happened. What? I see. You think he was docked from a plane, eh? There's no doubt about it. Interesting. What does that to do with this burglary at Lord Waverton? Well, the bullets was fired from Lord Waverton's revolver. It must have been one of the burglars. Joe, that's something. But it's the other man I'm interested in. The one Dr. Holland operated on. Well, it's my odd case to end with, sir. That hair appliance didn't give me a idea. What's that? Well, it's maybe a long shot, sir. But it set me looking for somebody that keeps a private airplane in this year's district. That's not a bad idea. Do you get anything? Well, it's a very likely place, not 10 miles from here, sir. A land infield and everything. Christ on Manor. You mean where Professor Schwartz lives? Yes, sir. That's it. Do you know him? Well, no. Only by reputation. The place is the entertain valley. A big property with enclosed grounds. The professor is a retired scientist. He keeps very much to himself. And he keeps an airplane? Yes. He has two of them. Very wealthy, this eye. Never goes outside the grounds a clip by plane. Inspector McCline is going to look around at place this morning. You might like to go along with him, sir. You might find something. I'm afraid it'd be mighty odd, though, without a search warrant. I don't know. It's a long shot, as you say. Tell me, Doctor, this house you were taken to last, the night before last. The room where you saw that wounded man. Think you could recognize it again if you saw it? I don't know about the room, but if this Grayson Hall is the place, well, there is a way that I think I can prove it. I'd rather not say what it is, though. All right. Now it's the search of Grayson Hall. We can't get a warrant if this professor is not mixed up in this business. He won't refuse to let us look. If he is involved, he'd hardly risk a refusal. Try him on the telephone, Brown, and we'll get McCline and run down the hall anyhow. All right, then. You have heard the 29th episode in Blair of the Mounties. Tune in for the second part of this mystery, which is told in episode 30 of the series.


All right. We're 13 Scotland Road. This is called dream. This is called drive you insane. Listen I want to tell you a story. And it's sad but it's true. Only reason I got to tell you. I don't want it to happen to you. Times you think I'm staying in a cheap motel. I've been up all night. I've been looking for a reason to fight with. Sometimes you think it's never going to change this lifestyle. I got to tell you. I want it to happen to you. Times you think I'm staying in a cheap motel. Insane. This is called Teen Scotland Road. I want to introduce the band to you guys. So let's introduce ourselves with each of you guys. All right. I'm Bill Binford. I'm a guitar and singer songwriter I guess. I send harmonicas and I sing. Great. Now let's talk a little bit about the band. We'll jump right into it. Like how long have you guys been together? Well let me see. Aaron and I have been together almost 21 years. Geez. We met in South Orange New Jersey a while back. Benny has been with us about almost nine years now. Yeah. So yeah it's been a joyful journey. A pretty long journey I'll be honest with you.  It's fun. The music is healing. Do you know what I mean? Yeah. I mean for all of us the music is healing so. And so you guys got together. I mean you found each other. You said 21 years ago and yeah. Tell me about that Aaron. How was it meeting Bill? I was I was walking. I was walking down the street and I couldn't see as I can't now. And so I had my cane and I was walking down the middle of a street and suddenly there was traffic all around me and Bill saw me from the side. He comes running out. I said dude you realize you're in the middle of the street. And I was like something. I knew something was amiss so I said thanks and he got me to the sidewalk and I got to where I was going and an hour later he showed up. Oh yeah. So so the deal was I was on my way to a friend's house to you know play some guitars and I saw Aaron like he was on a double solid line but the thing that really didn't worry me so much because he was going like straight. He wasn't weaving in and out of traffic. He was going like straight right now. Yeah and I was like well wait a minute what's this. So my mind told me to keep going but my heart said man you better go check that out. So I did. I went out there and I put them on the sidewalk and pointed him in the direction he was going and then I ended up at the same place with him about an hour maybe two hours later and it's a place where he used to play guitars all these vintage acoustic guitars very expensive very lovely and they would pass them around and people would talk about him you know how they felt how they played what they liked about him and it got to me I started playing some chords and he pulled out a harmonica out of his pocket and just played my soul. I mean I never had nobody do that it was just it was like haunting everybody in the room at that point knew that something was going on right they all knew they all knew right then and there they were like oh crap this is destined to be together yeah yeah about three or four months later we got together and it's been like that ever since. Okay and then about nine years ago you came on board were you also in New Jersey or was this when you guys had gotten to Maine? So I moved to Portland I moved to Maine first and because I had really given up on music I just wanted to relax go fishing and take you know do nothing and I was living in yeah right I was living in Naples at the time and um I brought Aaron up a couple times but you know it really didn't thrill me I mean it was really I was just tired and so I moved to Portland we sold the house in Naples and we moved to Portland when we got to Portland it was kind of like it's kind of like oh this is fun right and there was a bunch of places to play so one night I went to this open mic right around the corner on Free Street at the Dogfish and this guy was playing with his band and I mean it was a garage man it was like you know there was beginners but there was just something about him that really caught my attention I mean it really caught my attention I couldn't quite pinpoint it at the time I know where it is now it was the determination to be better yeah you know right but he couldn't be better when he was surrounded by the people who were staying the same he didn't realize that at the time but I knew it right away so I talked to him and he was like well I don't know Bill maybe um I don't know we were back and forth with that for a little bit and one day he came over the house and he started playing and and we were playing and I said to myself I says you know I better work with this guy when loser draw he's going to be a better guitar player but if he takes to what I'm saying then you know I could have a really really good uh uh a bandmate a really good guitar player somebody who can play what they feel and play what what is written you know play the moment instead of just stand down playing the guitar you know you get into the moment it's it's deeper than just standing up there and watching television while you're playing you know all that stuff it's kind of like to me it's like I'd rather you know eat lead paint right right then then then do that and you know so it was it was it took time there was time there was there was trial and error there was anger there was arguments just like any other kind of a family one day you hate the next day you love them but you always know they're going to be there you know what I mean yeah um and uh one day I'll never forget it one day um I was playing with him and all of a sudden everything clicked everything at once what a magical moment that was and then Aaron came up permanently because I called like Aaron man I got this guy I mean he's just what we need Aaron I got this guy I want you to meet him his name is Benny he's like you know and I went on and on and on and um our first encounter was um with the three of us playing was just goosebumps and it wasn't what it is now okay you have to understand what it is now has progressed and it's like so much better than it was then but that foundation at that point was we had never really started at that foundation before you know and uh Benny's for us every inch of the way but you know he he he oh my god there are some nights most nights pretty much all nights when he starts playing and everything just lifts up you know you get good the hair in the back of your neck you get goosebumps you know and Aaron well Aaron will play right through you you don't Aaron Aaron is Aaron it's like this special thing me I'm still learning right so so let's talk a little bit about the the songs that we heard and then we're going to be hearing some more songs because this will be right in the middle of the concert uh like where did you guys come up with some of these songs are they are these newer songs older is it from a set place it seemed like you had some that were really interesting kind of uh had a little exotic feel some were just straight up real bluesy some were ballads that's the object run right we don't want to lock down it and you know and be like well all we do is this or all we do is that no we do what we feel if I played the songs in the sequence that I wrote them or the sequence that we wrote them or the sequence that we we did the music and other people wrote words for us it would be that it would be the the the timeline of our lives my life first and then Aaron coming in and then Benny coming in it's like it's a soundtrack of emotions right and feeling and because we never feel the same some music doesn't express the way we feel so we have to go outside sometimes just the blues sometimes you know and sometimes it's just a sweet sweet ballad yeah one that makes you sit down and go oh yeah get it boys right you know what I mean yeah so um and we we vow to never stop writing in as many ways as we can as many styles of music as we can sure because I mean you know wouldn't it be great if all of a sudden one day you hit and you had a song in every genre you played it all exactly right everything except opera well we could probably get that too yeah but um yeah we don't want to stick it gets to me it gets boring yeah you know and everybody says you know you need more fast songs everybody says well you know the ballads are fine or the instrumentals aren't going to do this now they express what we feel right and that's that's what we like to do yeah and let me ask is Aaron uh you're the enigmatic guy obviously so how how long had you been playing harmonica flute I mean did you pick this up at a young age things I mean I met the harmonica the way everyone does at four or five and I didn't know what to do with it you know I just made noise with it but then in college I just just the most random thing of a friend of mine had a roommate who was from Texas and he could play and he showed me a couple of just little things that I mean I didn't know there were at the time I didn't know there were two different kinds of harmonicas and that's a whole other thing there is this kind which is your front porch blues kind of you know but then you have I'm going to show you this this other one that was that I was playing in sometimes and it's a whole other instrument it has a button on the side it can change all the notes from sharp to flat so this one is more like your Stevie Wonder harp it just kind of has some weird things that you can then you have to think a lot more it has a lot more things but you have to be responsible for what it's going to do it's just like having a more powerful car okay it's it's a it's a portion now but you gotta handle it different yes so and and I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you I mean that you play two flutes sometimes yes that happened um they're both Irish penny whistles tin whistles and but the way the Irish don't usually play them two at once that's a very I love ethnic music from around the world like the serious stuff so this is the way that people play from Eastern Europe parts of parts of Asia and they're both the flutes just happen to both be in the same key so I could just so yeah it's awesome yeah thank you Aaron for that it we we make sure to to get everybody in uh guitar styles I mean what uh Ben is is did you have anybody that you like to pattern yourself it's very easy that's how I feel it has that look that you just it's gliding along I think the fact the electric guitar like has that shine to it too it's almost glowing it doesn't feel like you're putting any effort it feels like it's just kind of going along it's Carlos Santana that kind of feel yeah yeah I I mean I grew up I actually grew up liking like AC DC yeah I listened to like Van Halen Metallica I liked a lot of hard rock heavy rock but guitar hero was really what got me into guitar which is really weird right but all those hard rock songs were on there and I was like I just want to learn the real thing yeah and I went to town and 14 I think almost 14 years later now I I feel like I've never taken a month off from playing because it's just been so fun right it's really great there's always something new to learn so I want to thank everybody I really want to thank these guys at 13 Scotland Road uh it's a great show uh we'll probably have a couple more songs coming up on the back end but thanks everybody for watching take care we'll see you next time this is called Spanish Harlem we're 13 Scotland Road uh this is called Walking My Mind you can come check us out at Levittier the only two places we're really playing this summer uh because we're pretty busy so touch me well I miss you when I hear the moans in the groves in the room up above yeah I've been thinking about you baby I miss you when I share someone else I miss you I just want to hold