Eric Quilliam

London was busy as always, even though it was raining, a lot. So there weren't that many street musicians out there entertaining. Well it turned out that you just have to know where to look for them. Bryan, our local guide and a native Londoner as well as a storyteller took us on a tour around London showing us places he knew would be potential for street musicians. And a long the way we got to learn a lot about London that can't be read in any tourist book.

We met Eric on a cloudy morning in the old churchyard of St. James in London where he has played his beloved accordion almost every day for the past 16 years.

Honestly, we were right away enhanced by his charm, musicality and ability to handle this, in some ways, awkward instrument as if it was the easiest thing on the earth.

His repertoire is amazing. Ask him to play "An der schönen blauen Donau" (Blue Danube), "Torna a Surriento" (Come back to Sorento) - I got rhythm, La bamba or Kalinka. He plays it all with an accuracy and intensity that calls for respect. And no notes, of course! It's all in his head, quite good for an 82 year old!

However, when he plays the polka he really can't hide that this is his favourite genre. And if you're lucky you'll hear him play one of his own compositions as we did "The Piccadelly Polka".

John Eric Quilliam was born in Coventry in 1926 and started playing the accordion when he was 8 years old (besides playing he also sang in the church choir for many years. He’s not very keen on singing these days, but we persuaded him to sing a tune. Though a bit rusty, his voice still works).

At the age of 10 he played at his first concert together with his farther, who also played the accordion. In between getting his diploma from the University of Liverpool, managing a boy's school and working for the city council, he has more or less been entertaining people with his music and his charm, ever since.

Since his retirement 15 years ago, Eric has been playing his accordion "full time" around St. James in London. And we're quite positive that he'll be around, enjoying himself entertaining his audience for quite some time yet.

Despite his somewhat shy appearance his full of wit and humour, and he's always ready to tell you a story or two about life and the music he loves so much.

Enjoy!