I never got the majority of satisfaction out of playing live, although I've done it for years.

My enjoyment comes from playing national level material; usually under tight deadlines....TV, film scores, etc.

Bless their hearts, but most people in an audience are not informed listeners.

I spend a lot of time in nursing homes with my advocacy group, and the great majority of players, singers, dancers; whatever are simply terrible. The bar is so low, quality-wise, at least around here.

I do appreciate the interpersonal relationship between the really sincere players, as I'm sure most of you guys who do nursing homes are, and know how much that work means to residents.

It's just that, around here, at least, people who do these facilities couldn't do anything else, talent-wise.

I'll work until I can't maintain my own pre-set level of production. I'll NEVER be a week-end warrior. That means that I'll continue my 50 year attempt to play myself out of a job (LOL)!

Have fun, whatever do. And please realize, my comments are intended to express my feelings about a portion of the business around here and are certainly not intended as a criticism of anyone who disagrees with me or does things differently.

Russ