I'm not much of an entertainer, so I don't get all of my enjoyment from audience reaction. In fact, repeated requests for tunes that are not challenging and fulfilling to play is part of the problem. When I get bored, I set a personal challenge. I change the instruments I use. I re-arrange some of my favorite songs. I refine a solo. I do a modulation to make things interesting.


A few times in the 50 years I've been playing (actually, 53 years on February 19, with 9 total weeks off from playing at least 4 nights per week-started at age 11), a tune came along that instantly rejuvinated me. Masquerade was one of those tunes. It had already been done by the Carpenters and the writer, Leon Russell, but when I heard George Benson's version, it was proof that the enjoyable gems are out there. All you've got to do is identify them and put your own "special marke" on them. I had been working a day job, teaching part-time, running a consulting business and doing 1:00 A.M. to 4:00 A.M. at an after hours club, then 5:00 P.M to 4:00 A.M. on Friday and Saturday for several years. My day job started at 7:30 A.M. I was worn out and needed the "shot in the arm" I got with Masquerade.

Other significant "milestone" tunes, at least for me, were, Isn't She Lovely?, All in Love is Fair, What are You Doing The Rest of Your Life? Song for my Father, Moondance and a lot of others.

Every time I have gotten to the place where I was tired and not enjoying myself to the point of thinking about getting out of the business, one of these "gems' came along.

The next "gem" is right around the corner, and I'm not close to throwing in the towel.

Music is one of the primary influences and greatest joys in my life.


Man, am I lucky,


Russ

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 03-10-2009).]