Scott,
I have never encountered any ridicule from other musicians about me playing an arranger keyboard in the last 20 years that I am giging Solo to thousands of people a week. As far as what other musicians think? Who cares? They wish they could do what I do night after night while they languish in their little weekend bar gigs due to their laziness when they could be playing bigger venues, just takes talent and motivation. I do appreciate and respect anyone that plays "LIVE" vs a DJ also. But anyone that disrespects a person playing solo with an arranger keyboard or guitar or any solo combo to make music and make people happy by themslves deserves Big Time Kudos my friend. I have people every night looking under me, over me, and thru me to see where all that music is coming from? Inside I laugh, then on breaks they start with the questions. Hi where do you get those nice tapes? Do you use CD's? Is that you singing? Hahahahahah yes Don M is right IGNORANCE prevails in the masses regarding Solo performers for sure. DJ's have decimated us Live performers, but I will never let them ruin my act as long as I can continue to play live I will always have the Upper Hand to throw in their faces. Anyone can play records or cds, sheeeeesh give me a break!!!!
Playing and arranger keyboard on a professional level and I mean Nightly 320 gigs a year is an ART FORM for sure. I play 11 instruments but solo keyboard is my bag.
Never be ashamed or let anyone intimidate you about playing arranger keyboards, you are doing something that 90% of the people cannot do and only Wish they could. Salesman? don't make me laugh. Plus you get paid, eat, and enjoy it to the Max! You are in control and have the ability to be the commander of your arranger keyboard Starship so to speak and can have creative control on every song, changing sounds at will to suit your audience and yourself. That is what makes it a pleasure to do. Yes 40 years playing my Accordian, Vox, Farfisa, assort keyboards, drum machines, Korg M1/ Ra90, i3, i30, Kn5000, Solton x1, are my weapons and with years of experience and talent I hit the Bulls Eye very night! Be Proud and Play SOLO as much as you can!! Most of all BE HAPPY DOING IT!!!!!


sorry for my rant, this topic just gets me nuts :>)


Donny

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-30-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 10-30-2000).]