Kingfrog, you hit the nail on the head. I picked up the sax when I was 22 yesrs old about 48 years ago. I never expected to play infront of anyone or make any money, I just wanted to play the sax. I started honking against the basement wall, self taught. I can read a little but not enought to hurt my playing any. I have played in just about every sh.. house in Baltimore at one time or other. I've worked in groups with some of Baltimore s best. I've worked full time, part time I allways worked whenever I wanted to. Of course I have been critisized by some Peabody graduates sitting in the audience, but I'm makeing money and they are out there listening.

I started fooling around with the keyboard when the first Dx7 came out. I developed some farely good left hand bass paterns. but never played out. It was'nt untill I purchased a psr 8000 that I toyed with the idea of solo work. The horn was getting a little heavy around my neck. I broke into the NH business about 4 years ago I have about 15 monthly cliants and I have two water front venues that I work one day a week each in the summer. I could not do what I'm doing with out the arranger keyboard. I am now the proud oner of Two T2s. I have a less than average voice and my playing skills are limited but I,ve been fortunate enought to keep working.

Some of the keybordist that I've played horn with over the years who have paid there dues are a little contemptious about what I've been able to acomplish. I love music and I love to entertain. I think it takes God given talant to be sucsessful. And of course an arranger keyboard.

My two cents,

Jim

Geeze I with this forum had spell check!!