I just agreed to do 4 trips of a week duration each a year to Dubai for a government official who is also one of this country's largest horse breeders/racers. I've been there three times now; twice with a lifelong friend who passed away recently (did upright), and once by myself. No arrangers involved. About 1/3 are guitar instrumental only (no vocals),
1/3 are grand piano only (no vocals), and the rest are B-3, electric piano and guitar with a local drummer and/or bass player ( bass only with guitar-they like traditional left-handed bass with the B-3). the bass player will play adequate back-ground guitar (not great, but OK) with B-3 .These guys are Americans who work in the oil industry...pretty damn good players, too.

Then, there are lots of local events for the same client when he's here in Lexington. Been playing them for about 5 years, as the dinner act before national acts.

The problem is, this pretty much removes me from the active "first tier" music scene. Before he passed, I was concerned that my buddy wasn't getting any of the local jazz jobs. He was always available when I called.

That's because these 4 weeks pay more than A 6 piece 6 night a week house band would make in this market all year.

But, it's kind of an "all you eggs in one basket" kind of deal. I do have a small house job I can do at a restaurant whenever I'm available, but I would not be competing for the jazz jobs...something I dearly love. And I couldn't schedule things like Jazz Arts or Philharmonic performances far in advance, like one I'm doing next week...a tribute to Howard Roberts, or a fun one late last year, a night with Bill Haley and the Comets (with a full Philharmonic orchestra in tuxes...what a hoot!).

When you work the dining room in Dubai or a private party here, no-one ever talks to you or even looks your way (I'm an infidel). There could be one person at the table, or a dinner for 200. So much for the entertainment/feedback issue (I'm not much of an entertainer, anyway).

The creepy thing is, I knew the last two guys who played this gig for years until they died. This will probably be the last job I do before I pass!

Oh well, that wouldn't be a bad way to go. I'll wear a toe tag saying "ship back to Lexington, Kentucky when he croaks".

In my 55th year of playing for pay, I am really grateful for a "part-time" career (9 weeks total vacation from working at least 4 nights a week) that has been so personally gratifying.And I value the acquaintances I've met, including
everyone here.

And, at 66 years old, getting a shot like this is AWESOME!

Russ