Folks...

I certainly didn't mean to sound elitist or to imply that using MP-3's or whatever is wrong or "faking it".

I my case,it's an issue of an affinity for
left-handed "Jimmy Smith" material and an audience for that sytle I've built up over the years, plus the fact that I'm not much of an entertainer, so playing the instrument as well as I can is what I do.

When I 'm out for the evening, I want to hear music, not to be entertained by a lot of banter, shows, etc. But, hey, that's just me. I get out maby once a month, usually at a good restaurant,usually on my only night off-Sunday, where the music is part of the total experience.In fact, as I'm sure most of us do, I go where there is music I like.

The trick for me, and, I guess, for all of us, is to perform what makes us happy and get's the job done, in terms of compensation, reception of the audience, etc.

Actually, the wide variety of aproaches to our craft is what makes things interesting.The fact that this topic hit so many "hot" buttons proves that we're all passionate about what we do. THAT'S GOOD!

The key is to play, perform, whatever and make the effort a life enriching experience for ourselves and others.

Do what's right for YOU, and be tolerant of those who do it a different way.

But, DO IT!

Russ "lefty" Lay