In spite of my arrogant "Jazz" self-image, I have probably played more rock, standard...even country than jazz.

I learned to play anything that payed. It never made sense to me to spend years learning a particular style; then go out and find someone who wants to pay for you to play it. I researched the market and learned to be able to compete in that area.

Any music on any instrument I'd become adequate on for anyone who is a descent person and (for musicians), who can play was my approach.

Last year, I played gigs on keys (B-3-straight ahead jazz-50 gigs-synths-used on most key gigs-mandolin on recordings and at an Italian restaurant-tenor banjo-I cheat, sometimes and use a banjo body with a 6 string guitar neck-haven't been caught yet-vibes (with the local Philharmonic and, occasionally, with a jazz quartet), arrangers (about 20% of my gigs), piano and guitars and basses....LOTS OF GUITARS AND BASSES. I get lots of upright calls; sadly injuries make it hard to met the demand-love the instrument, though.


As far as styles go...everything for Dixie to Funk...from standards to Bossa...from dance to dining and concert settings. Then there's my sentimental favorite...Jazz!

I tell everyone I'm a music "HO".

In the earlier years, I played everything and anything to survive. Now, changing things up is sometimes a lot of fun.

My friend Rory mentioned in a recent post how he has to play multiple styles and multiple instruments in Nashville to make a living.


What about you?


Russ

I always felt being a "one Trick Pony" is a big hindrance and limits your potential as a performer. letting you personal likes & dislikes vs pleasing the audiences will IMO hold you back from excelling into many genres. I say be versatile, mix it up, please as many people as you can, do it better then the next guy and good things will come your way.

In a nutshell, whatever you do, do it well. Okay, the Rorys of this world are in a minority, but there's no reason not to aspire to that level of competence, even if you never actually achieve it. The fun is in the trying. Play what you play, step outside of it now and again and, always, love what you do.

I'm definitely a generalist, despite my reputation here for being all Country. On a typical night I will play standards, blues, Cajun, Zydeco, Country, Swing, old and semi-old Rock. Even a few Jazz songs that I would never post in front of the Jazz purists here!
DonM

I have always been a generalist. Back high school I was playing in marching band, orchestra, jazz band, in the “pit” for stage productions and also rock bands that at fraternity parties. In college I started getting into all sorts of Latin music including Peruvian folkloric, Mexican mariachi, Brazilian, and Afro-Caribbean. My taste in music is very eclectic. That’s one of the things I love about arranger keyboards- we can cover so many styles of music!

Although at times I do pause and think if I had just focused on one style and instrument I’d probably be pretty good – not a jack of all trades master of none. But I wouldn’t change anything. It’s been a wonderful ride.

It's been a "wonderful ride" for me, too...at least what I can remember (LOL)!

How many people play multiple instruments out? What are they?


R.

I play drums with some different bands and churches. Sometimes some Latin percussion too. Once in a blue moon I do some "legit" percussion for stage productions.

I'm a generalist. I learned early on that those players who played what the people wanted to hear were the ones working. I have always tried to put the audience first in my choice of music.

Joe

I think the very nature of arrangers makes it pretty much a slam dunk for the generalist, here.

Ask the same question on a piano or B3 forum, you might get a different answer..!

I guess I was wanting to know about people who played arrangers and other instruments...varied venues, etc.


R.