Folks, we're talking about different "animals" here. On the one hand, arrangers and various OMB setups allow for maximum performance by minimum personnel....less hassles (rehersals, disagreements,personal problems)...maximum income (in some cases), etc. But, the trade-off is that hard to describe but delicious unspoken communication between musicians of equal talent, experience and dedication.

I'm never happier than when I'm playing jazz on the: fly"...trading fours...modulations...variations on lead lines, etc. But the trade off, since that only works in jazz (think few and far between, low paying, frustrating venues, far fewer patrons, etc.) is hard on the ego and pocketbook.

Then, there's the show band thing...being locked into entertainment sets...playing most songs exactly the way they are recorded...expensive lights...big sound systems. Personnel changes. Lots of rehersals. Often, you need to be adequate, but not superior in your "chops".

It all comes down to what floats your boat. The guys in Foreplay are extremely succesful for what they're doing, but there are lots of country and rap performers making gobs more money. Even these guys (Foreplay) will tell you that the restrictions on what makes a commercially viable jazz album mean that there are trade offs and creative concessions. In fact, this whole business is a trade off. It's all about what we each need to be fulfilled as performers, musicians..whatever, and what produces the results we require (attention, income, professional development, and more).

The trick is to decide what gets you to where you want to be and DO IT!

Here's hoping that each of you achieves the success you want, however you define it!


Russ