The recent one man band posts got me thinking. Man, musically, I've been "all over the place". I'm still working on 9 weeks off total in 58 years.

I've played live, everything from big band to rock, to easy listening ,to folk, to classical to country...lots of jazz, whenever possible.

Venues: lots of studio, TV, tours, restaurants, lounges, arenas: even a rodeo (UCK) once, plus parades, car shows, a strip club or two...the list goes on. And on. And On.

I've worked as a vocalist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, pianist, lots of B-3; sadly, not nearly enough on vibes; way too much on tenor banjo and mandolin. Been a band member, a band leader, a single on keys and strings. Worked as a duo, lots of trio on up.

This week, I'll do 30 hours in the studio on an annual report for a national restaurant chain, a jazz job on B-3, 5 sessions in a dining room as a solo on piano and a patio job on just nylon string instrumentals.

Point is, I keep working, not because I'm a good entertainer
(I'm NOT)or a great player (again....NOT).

What I'm also not is ONE TRICK PONY. I'll play anything, anywhere if the people are committed and descent. I NEVER ask what the job pays before hand, if asked by a band. Club owners/agents...that's a different story.

Being an OMB is GREAT. For me, at least, keeping my options (and mind) open and getting at least competent with styles and familiar with tunes has paid off.

Flexibility....changing formats is FUN and satisfying.

Arrangers are GREAT, but, as UD says, "I'm a musician who plays an arranger", not an arranger musician.

TRY IT....you'll LIKE IT!


Russ

(Actually, I only know a limited number of tunes on each instrument, thus the variety (LOL)!