Playing with a band and playing an arranger keyboard is not a fair comparison. Both have negatives and positives. For most of us our choice to play with a band or a keyboard was made by conditions.

As a OMB I have control of all that I feel is important; most of the time this is not so with a band. Tempo, song selection, the style – and the list goes on. So what’s so great about playing other guys? What’s the big deal? Why would someone put up with rehearsals and having to do it their way?

I left my band about 45 years ago. A few years after I started doing a OMB. It was great, I had it all my way –and sound of my Yamaha keyboard was good. So what did I lose in the trade-off?

1-The only new ideas had to come from me.
2-I had no one o share an exciting moment with.
3-That electric feeling when you flying high and get a feeling you can not explain.
4-Have musician friends gave me the opportunity to enjoy what I was doing better.
5-Many times the music and sharing did not stop when the job was over. I remember rolling out the upright piano at 2AM and we played for ourselves until 5AM. After the New Years Eve job we went to the all night dinner with our wives/girls friends and talked about the job we just finished.

Playing and being alone is playing and being alone – Amen!

But then I was 30, 40 50 years old, it is different now. I am happy to be involved with music; it is a gift. Do I spend time thinking about what I gave up? No way. Nor do I spend time worry that I can run as fast as I did or what I am allowed to eat.
I am happy with my Pa900, Kn7000, KMA, and eight guitars. And I am still finding jobs to play. Will I keep on playing? That depends on how I am able set up my wheel chair and my oxygen cylinder so it does not interfere with my keyboard. (Grin)

Life is good, John C.

Sorry I got a bit carried away with this one.