My favorite old softee...UD hit it out of the park on another thread when he said that he was a MUSICIAN who played arranger, not an arranger musician.

We all own arrangers, and, during a recent injury, my arrangers kept me working. I also use them for roughs on the film scores I do. But, like Dave, I think that arrangers are a tools and that we all use them in vastly different ways.

Look at the differences between us. It's a lot more than age, education, location...whatever. And, it's our differences that make this group and music in general work.


In a perfect world, here's how I would like to celebrate some of our differences, musically:

* With CHAS, I's strap on a big L-5 and just enjoy the sophisticated groove, with just the right amount of funk.
That unspoken, delicious communication would happen instantly.

* With DON, I'd use a double-neck with a 12 and 6, a volume pedal, plus a small portable Nord. We would click automatically, with little or no rehearsal required. It would be my pleasure to back him to make him sound as good as I could. In fact, we're working on doing that soon.

* CHICO would be a delight. I'd use several of my Gianinni nylon string guitars and revel in one of my favorite kinds of music with one of my favorite people.

* DAVE McMahan-I'd just strap on a Parker Fly and try to keep up. I'd feel comfortable just walking onto his B-3 oriented jobs or with his bigger band (the one he came to Kentucky with a few years ago). He is a "players player" and we'd quickly hit that pocket that makes music worth playing with others.

* DIKI is intense and talented. He's a "pro's pro" here, and we'd have no problem hitting a groove personally and musically.

* With UNCLE DAVE I'd bring a 335 and a Nord Electro and just "relax and enjoy". It would feel as if we'd worked together all our lives. He's a great musician, plus a killer entertainer and friend. That's be "one for the books".

* ANDREA would be a pleasure to work with. He is not a "full timer", but writes and plays with such calm sophistication that I'd finish the night relaxed, refreshed and pumped up!

* TONY is such a delightful guy, and so "pro-music" that the enthusiasm would instantly rub off. His play list would be completely familiar, and we'd "get over"; no doubt.

* NIGEL would probably be embarrassed to have "the old guy" on the bandstand, but WHAT FUN! The only thing I would have to work on is the arrangements all good show bands use.
I'd crank up a PSR-probably throught a Small 85 SuperChamp lined out into the house system. I'd also bring a Nord Electro to switch to keys when he switched to guitar.

* I'd just sneak up on RORY'S stage with whatever he'd let me get by with, and try not to embarrass him too much.

* With IAN, I'd be perfectly comfortable letting him call the shots and just "trading fours". A couple of hours spent that way would be "tasty"!

* With DONNY and FRAN I'd wear the hat (Yes, DAMNIT, The CHICKEN Hat), wear a heavy disguise, enjoy the hell out of myself and, forever...DENY, DENY, DENY, DENY!!!!!!(LOL)

I could go on. The folks mentioned her are in no particular order, and there are LOTS more.

My point is, as Dave said, it's the music that matter. I suspect that we could "sit in" with each other...no rehersal, and KILL!

My recent injury just brought lots of things into focus. Now, all the petty little arguments about which arranger...which type of music....it all seems so pointless. And, my "superior" attitude about styles of music now just seems embarrassing.

I'm still a hard-line jazzer.

But do have an appreciation for other musicians and many (notice, I didn't say ALL) kinds of music.

AS LONG AS WE AS MUSICIANS SHOW EACH OTHER THE RESPECT AND COURTESY WE EACH DESERVE.

From here on out, I'm gonna do just that!

Hey, I'm glad I can still play ANYTHING! Music has been GOOD to me.

You folks are a neat part of that life-long journey.


Thanks, so much,


Russ

Russ
+1,

Captain Russ..
This was a mighty good read


Ron

He just looks tough; he's a real 'softee' on the inside . Those that know a little about Russ' musical past should not be surprised at those beautiful chords. He's had some long-term exposure to some real jazz heavyweights, so you could say he's payed his dues. But I'm still in shock with the vocals. Just didn't expect that. Just played it for my wife and she thought it was "beautiful". I don't recall her ever saying that about anything I'VE played (dammit). More importantly though, he's one of my heroes not just because of his mad musical skills, but because of his many humanitarian efforts and his kindness towards those that need his help. Plus, the guy likes motorcycles, how bad can he be? He'll be happy to know that we played that James Taylor tune (Don't let me be lonely tonight) last night at the gig and I saw a lot of smiling faces. After hearing Russ do it, I asked the guys if they knew it and everyone did (except me, I had to wing it :)). It's such a pretty tune, it wasn't hard to make it sound good (that's the importance of tune selection).

Anyhoo, meeting and getting to know Russ has certainly been one of the highlights of being exposed to Synthzone and it's cast of characters.

chas

That is so true Chas, and it's nice to see Synth Zone has mellowed out a lot lately...definitely a good thing. I don't think I've seen so much music uploaded in the past as we've been seeing lately...and it's been wonderful learning more about SZ's characters in a musical way.

BTW, I sent you a private message via this forum...did you get it?

Ian the Curious

Best post I've read in a while.

I've always said that 99% of the rancor on this forum would immediately disappear if we were face to face and on the bandstand together. Problems tend to arise because of the difficulty expressing yourself on a forum. Some write better than others, some write more informally than others, some can't spell at all (you kno who yu r!), some have difficulty being funny, some have difficulty being serious, etc., etc..

This post says it better than I have ever been able to. I can't think of a single member here I wouldn't be happy to jump onstage with, and have fun.

I'd even wear the hat (but no pictures, please!)

Russ
Reading your post, I felt the tears falling.
Only the reaction of a sentimental old musician before truths so well written.
Chico

Diki, I value committed, talented people, and I believe you're one of the top writers and best informed people on this forum.

Your contributions are certainly valued by me and others. And, you're one of the top musicians here. I listen to what you have to say and regret when you're misunderstood; usually for "telling it like it is".

I GREATLY appreciate our friendship.


Russ

PS, looking at my ramblings, you might guess I've for worked over 40 years as a writer (in the electrical industry) and communications professor.

Years ago, I rightfully earned the title "B'WANA of BS" LOL)

Russ that was NO BS .. just some heart felt thoughts ... And my ego is big enough to think that I am the 'Tony' you meant and I am honored ...

Group hug, everybody....

Kumba-ya, my Lord, kumba-ya....

Thanks, Russ. We've had one or two of these reconciliation moments before on SZ. With luck and vigilance, we can make this one be the last one needed!

Yea and maybe we'll get some more profile pics posted also so we can see who we're lovin'

Tony Mads USA-of course you're the Tony I referred to! you're on my short list of favorites around here!


Be well,


Russ

Diki, I have previously sent you the same message directly. It would be GREAT if this worked for the group, but my intent was to let others know of the sincerity of my appreciation, which I have previously, privately shared with you.


Ya got it "happenin" on lots of fronts, man!

And I APPRECIATE THAT!

Donny, after that fine, ACCURATE image from that "old devil" Chas, I'd be embarrassed to show mine.

Actually, believe it or not, I don't have a P/R head shot; never have.

And this is from the owner of a really big graphics production house....lots of cameras, video equipment, etc.


Go figure!


Russ

(I'll probably pull a frame from that little video I posted last week).

Excuses, excuses,...you, chas and diki.....have nothing to be ashamed about this ain't a beauty contest..sheeeeesh common in the pool my friends the water is fine hurry! man even Mason has a profile pic up there

Speaking of looks, a couple of years ago, when I went on break, the little hostess was laughing her butt off. When I asked what was up, she said, "Did you see those two ladies leaving"? (I hadn't). She continued, "When they paid their bill they said, "You know, if you just don't look up there (the bandstand), he sounds MUCH YOUNGER and WAY BETTER LOOKING than he really is"!

OUCH!

Then, one of the high points of my career: I used to play at a Ramada Inn, where an airline (Piedmont) over-nited their crews. I was young, wild and dumb. I noticed my photo missing from the billboard just off the dining room/lounge area.

Several weeks later, a young Flight attendant showed me a photo of an area in Miami, where flight attendants waited for their flights to be called.

There, on the wall, was my P/R photo from the lobby with the sign:

WATCH OUT FOR THIS GUY IN LEXINGTON!

Kind of makes a fellow proud! (LOL)


Russ (Former UGLY Horn dog) Lay

Here you can use this one:



79 x 79




-mike

Russ ... I have been a member here for 10 yrs. and have nothing but respect for you. I do not post often but visit almost every day!! I have learned so much from everyone here!! Great post and I could not agree more with you!

Actually, chas stole my real picture and used it himself!

I am mad as hell, but in the spirit of the new detente, I haven't made a fuss!

How's that one?!

Damn, MIKE, Is that Wilford Brimley?

Or His Father? (LOL)

Russ (old and tired, but not dead) Lay