Will Fly: "I'm very fond of acquiring old books or compilations of tunes. Any source will do - second-hand bookshops, t'internet, friends collections - and the probability is that a very high proportion of the tunes will be unfamiliar to me.
What unknown gems might lurk between the covers? How will I know without being able to read the notes?"

Ah, Thank you Will! I've often heard that the book was better than the movie! ..Because in a book, you can interpret the author, perhaps better than a director, or actor (who are working under limitations)...and, in reading, your mind is ACTIVE...and your imagination is filling in the gaps. In watching a movie, OR listening to a recording, your mind is PASSIVE...most the work is done for you! Often, during recording sessions, actually not just often, but more like 'rule of thumb', it is best to listen to your recordings, THE DAY AFTER, recording..because when you're playing and recording, your mind is WAY too active, to listen quite objectively. Eric Clapton once remarked that he was often very dissatisfied with his earlier recording performances, because he very often was playing 'mistakes', and NOT what he was hearing, in his head!..But the listening audience didn't know the difference...then again, he was listening right after recording...when your mind is still trying to hit 'perfection'....and of course, everything doesn't sound quite 'good enough'..or "I could have gone 'here' instead." Those who have much recording experience, know exactly what I'm saying.

In any event, keep working on the few things I laid down. Your playing will greatly improve, exponentially...and quickly if you PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!

Regards To All,
GfS