"That's why every amateur act has these ghastly formulae like 'one fast one, one slow one' that they stick to through the gritted teeth of their audiences. Great fun, but no one will pay you for it, unless you're folk legend."

I agree mate!

But an excellent performer who knows his stuff isn't 'all at one speed' - playing only one style of music at only one speed (usually as fast as possible) does not impress me as much as someone who has a wider more varied repertoire at varied paces.

My dad was a very good amateur Classical Violinist - was 2nd lead when a teenager in a private orchestra before WWII started.

When I had been taking piano lessons for a year or two, and knew everything, I said "Hey Dad, look how fast I can play!"

He stopped what he was doing, smiled to my Mum, got out his violin, set up, and the drew the bow across one string so slowly from frog to tip that it almost was not moving. When it reached the tip, he reversed. The tone was soft, clear and unwavering.

Then he smiled and said "Son, any fool can play fast and loud. It takes Talent, Training, and Practice to play slow and soft."

I have never forgotten, no matter what of the many instruments I dabble with, is in my hands.