You'd think it would be an easy choice...the more people you play for, the more money is generated...right?

Not in my case; at least, not recently.

Now, two full days and nights a week are devoted to doing film scores...more like sound tracks, complete with tempo breaks, effects, etc. While lots of people eventually see the final product, the work is buried under the images and voice-overs. And, minimal folks are around when I am sequencing. These productions are used as proprietary tools to sell investment firms on the choice of an individual asset for portfolio managers, or as general "fluff" pieces about what's going on at the organization.

Most of my live play is in a dining room, at a State office or Corporate retreat where I'm playing second fiddle to a ham sandwich. Rarely is there any interaction between the diners and I.

I do 6 overseas trips a year. I play in a mansion lobby or a dining room; often for two people, who rarely even look my way.

Sounds awful...except...these are MAJOR MONEY JOBS! They pay many time more than lounge jobs and general private parties.

I guess you can't have everything. I only want to play what I want to play, and want to play with superior musicians, not as a single (something I have no choice but to do, often).

I won't play country, Buffet...lots of stuff.


NOW, I'm bitching about not playing for people.

I've basically played myself out of a job. Probably serves me right.

I have a new appreciation for the notion that music must be played for people, and that musicians draw from the reaction they get.

But, somehow, I can't bring myself to play for just anyone and play just anything.

Man, am I getting picky growing old.


Russ