I'm such a jazz fanatic that some people think that I don't do anything else. Here's what's on the schedule this week:

* Sound score for use on multiple spots for an advocacy group-Nylon string, fretless acoustic bass guitar, percussion (instrumental-I'm the film producer). Mixing right now.

* 2 cocktail hours-jazz guitar, electric upright and drums.

* Luncheon-investment group. Nylon string guitar-no vocals.

* Rehearsal, church youth group-B-3. Temporary replacement for a long-time friend and music minister, who died unexpectedly.

* Three dinners-solo electric grand piano at a country club.

* Vocal on a 30/60/10 sec commercial package.

* Upright gig (Zeta crossover bass) with a Grammy winning Bluegrass player and long-time friend (recording gig).

* Guitar lesson-really promising young player. Try to do one a week, N/C, for deserving youngsters).

This week, no arranger gigs. Next week, arranger jobs (2) a paid rehearsal with the local Philharmonic, two dinner jobs on piano and "jazz night" (2 nights) on B-3 and drums.

I have my preferences, but, basically, I will play whenever I'm called, if the people calling are decent folks, and I've worked for them before. I never even ask what the job pays, and, just as often, I'm not asked what I charge. I just invoice the client. They also know my rules, material-wise. If they want material I don't do, I recommend someone who does. At this stage, that rarely happens.

That's how I have worked at least 4 jobs a week for 53 years, since I was 11 years old, with 9 total weeks off. I show up on time and play what's appropriate, with a leaning
towards smooth jazz and a preference for dinner jobs (as a single),trio jobs (w/son and grandson)for the obvious sentimental reasons, and B-3 with drummer duo for the "hard liner" in me.

For sound score projects, I enjoy doing whatever the film needs to be successful and get the main point across.

How much do your jobs vary? (types of music, venues, instruments, etc.)?

Russ (music job whore) Lay