Depending on your definition, the "Good Old Days" might, in fact, be over. But, the very definition of the creation of music just begs for the inclusion/recognition of co-operative efforts and collaboration. I think there is a transition issue, for sure, due to technology and tastes, but predominance of OMB players? Never happen, on a national level.

Several times a month, I visit a studio, play my part of a production transported in and out of the facility electronically, and never know the other player/programmers. That's very different from the studio musician days, where the rhythm section did their "thing", followed by horns or vocals...whatever.

In my world, I get as much group work as solo arranger work. And, man is that more fulfilling! In fact, if there were only arranger/single work available, I'd "hang it up."

And playing with other players is HARDER...rehearsals...shared arrangements and lots more. But, to me, that's well worth the hassle. For me, the choosing of OMB work over group work (anything from duos, on up)would be "selling out."

It looks like the differences in opinion are again the differences between those who are primarily musicians vs. those who are primarily entertainers. Just look at who's on each side of this discussion here and consider which side of the "Entertainer/musician" divide each one is on.

Different strokes, for sure. It is my belief that the complete disappearance of collaborative musical efforts is never going to happen.

That would be a damn shame.


Russ