Guys, in the early days, I worked first in a duo; then as a trio with Tommy Johnston. He was my mentor; about 45 at the time. I was in my late teens and just getting into real jazz.

Tommy played B-3 and I played guitar. I worshiped the guy (still do, even though he passed away about 5 years ago). Sometimes, we'd add a drummer.

The problem came in the winter. We worked a dining room with a drummer in the summer...no problem. But, in the winter, we tried working in the lounge with one of the early drum machines. We almost went nuts!! Tommy rushed everything slightly. Totally live, everyone compensated, since he was playing chords and pedal bass. Man, did he have a problem with that machine. We thought about throwing it in the swimming pool.

Finally, Tommy conceded that the machine "ran the damn group", and we sort of limped along; still with an occasional problem.

Same thing happened with Claire in Lexington. I worked the lounge and she did a wonderful job on grand piano in the dining room of he Campbell House.

The governor liked Claire a lot and had her play for State affairs a lot. She took me along on upright, with a drummer.

Beautiful, talented Claire couldn't count to TWO!

Gary and others are right. All players are not able to play with tracks or automation of any kind.

Rehearsal is important. You may have to settle for a little less "flash" but a rock steady sense of timing.

Like "Sir Duke" said, "Sometime you have to learn what NOT to play".


Russ