Just got back from a trip overseas; turned on the computer and have been sitting her with the happiest/saddest things going on in my head.

HAPPY, because, for me, this is what I LIVE to play.

SAD, because, in most parts of the country, while you can find a little work playing this classic B-3 style, it's really hard to make a living doing it.

My trio (me on B-3, my grandson on drums and my son on bass) is lucky enough to have a "small but mighty" following of hard core B-3 folks. We're getting pretty tight, but what we make wouldn't cover the interest on the money I just made overseas last week.

Then, there's the issue of maintenance and transportation of the B-3 and Leslie. Luckily, mine "lives" at the club where it's used. The repair man "lives" on the repair/maintenance checks I send regularly.

Obviously, these folks are fantastic. Look at the joy on this guy's face. He's way better than the top recognized guys in this country.

Chas and Boo, we're sharing something here that most others won't understand.

Until you've "been there" you'll never know...

Just WONDERFUL!


Russ

And, Chas, it would be such an honor to play in ANY group that included you. Thanks so much for the nice things you have to say. BTW, you were mostly responsible for me getting back to guitar. You mentioned several places that you liked "What are You Doing The Rest of Your Life".

I was in such pain that I had all but given up the instrument. One day, I picked up the guitar and tried to play your tune. I SUCKED at it, but decided to get a version of it done that you would not laugh at.

And the rest, as they say, is history.


R.