Donnie, you certainly have your right to your opinion, and I can tell you that we're about as far apart as possible.

Experienced players can take one look at a bandstand...position of monitors...brands of equipment, etc. and tell a lot about what's going to happen, performance-wise.

Our differences probably highlight, again, the differences between performers/entertainers and musicians.

Everyone approaches the music business in their own way. Success is whatever you decide it to be.

One factor for me; even though I have had only 9 week off in 56 years of playing, except for when I was in school, I never just did performance music for a living. That meant i could do things my way, to a great extent. for instance, I could never fill the kind of room you do for your evening dance. Nor would I want to. I'd rather have my 95 loyalists who come to my B-3 night twice a month.

You probably maker more money live. I parlay playing contact into film score work, film production, studio work, etc.

We both do what works.

But, just as a favor, carefully watch guitar players, observe the use of capos and let me know privately when you discover that I am right about who uses them and when.

All the best, friend.

R.

PS, I think this is GREAT. We are never going to agree, but this discussion, which has generated a lot of "battles" in the past, has been conducted honestly, without animosity, accusations or any personal "cuts".

Thanks, Donnie for that!


Russ