As a result of increasing my single gigs with just the guitar, I decided to go arranger-less for the entire month of March.

This is a lot easier for me, because 1/3 of my jobs are on either B-3 with at least a drummer, with my trio (piano/guitar, bass and drums) or as a single on either guitar or piano (sometimes both-alternating).

I don't do nursing homes, which are probably the ideal arranger gigs. I don't do clubs as a single. Single gigs are happy hours, pre-dinner jobs for government or non-profit groups, horse farm functions (background music) or dining room jobs, which, after a little style adjustment, actually work well as a single without "automation".

Not knocking arrangers at all, but, so far (9 jobs, with 4 more this week-end) going it "naked" is kinda cool.


The big thing for me is variety. Tonite, it's a 12 piece band doing a fund-raiser/tribute to Howard Roberts (a Jazz support organization function...sold out at 600 tickets) featuring ME on an original Howard Roberts Guitar....FUN...Fun...Fun!

If it's not too boring, I'll have a wrap-up report the end of the month detailing 30 days....24 jobs (so far booked) totally arranger-less.


Russ (old school) Lay