This place reminds me of Carl's Music Center in Lexington. It's now closed after my best friend Carl died and his kids completely screwed the place up.

On Saturdays, lots of people would gather there. One group consisted of all working musicians...guys and gals with full time playing jobs.

Then there were the "hangers on" or "wanabees"..people who wanted to play professionally, were looking for work and mostly attended jam sessions.

After that, the "week-end warriors"..folks with little groups who played wherever and whenever they could find a small gig.

Then, there were the home hobbyists, retired players and beginners.

This was a really diverse group, with, as you would surmise, a vastly different array of skills in the areas of musicianship and entertainment.


Same here. I am interested in the postings of any/all members, because it gives me a window into the personality and abilities of the member(s).

For me, it;'s a "slippery slope". It's been mentioned here before (gingerly) that some of the professed pro players are absolutely terrible. That's OK (and, right, in some cases). What's not OK is over inflated opinions and responses which are efforts to place themselves in a position, reputation-wise that they cannot sustain with their performances.

Then, there is the "defend arrangers/knock arrangers" dichotomy....the "entertainer vs. musician" discussions.

Look, let's just enjoy each post for what it is. Let's not get bent out of shape when the "my vs. your" arranger discussion raises its ugly head.

This is an "equal opportunity" form, and it would be way smaller and really boring if it were only visited by excellent working arranger performers.

Look at what we have...a world-wide group of musicians with a wide variety of skills, backgrounds and opinions.

Let's all enjoy the posts, give honest opinions, and take the occasional criticism as the honest opinion of an international friend who's working in the same fabulous arena (music) as you are.

Warts and all, I'm really glad to be here.

And, I'm glad all of you (or at least the great majority LOL)
are too!


Russ