Mark you’re not alone, times are changing for all of us. I remember my guitar teacher Joe Genile, he was an artist. His style of playing, his arrangements, he was one of the best I have ever heard. He worked with Morton Downey. (spelling?) During the war they made him a caption in special services because of his guitar playing. Greek, Italian, classical, show tunes, he did it all; and without music.

Joe played weddings, anniversaries, parties, Joe did it all. After a while my band booked more jobs than he did, and I wasn’t half the musician that he was. Times were changing and it was time to move over. I was younger and so was my music. I stepped up and he had to step down; this is life as sad as it might be. My time has also here; I must step down.

But the story does not end here for senior musicians – as long as we have it in us we will still perform. We may have fewer choices but if we honest with ourselves we can hold onto some of what we had.. There is no way I can play and sing Blue Suede Shoes and sound good to a younger audience. And there is no way I can play and sing country music like Don. But what I can do I do well. Now to find the people who like my music; there are fewer of them but they are still there.

Mark, more than most I can appreciate your playing, it’s good. My dad was an above average piano player, you reminded me of him. Thank you.

John C.