John, my "buddies" in the music business have tried to take every job I've ever had; usually by cutting price...in 1/2; sometimes.

As my rep grew, they stopped. Most people I work for won't even talk to replacements, because, now, my relationship with the venue is of a personal nature. I'm part of whatever portion of the social stratus that frequents that place. Ability to play is not the primary business issue.

Mainly, I have developed a market for dinner jazz; a little more sophisticated; no Jimmy Buffet music allowed!

Sadly, undercutting your buddies is a dark part of this business...at least the business of entertaining at clubs.


Russ