Why do you play...?

The reasons aren't always as obvious as you'd think.

For me, the playing income is now secondary to the contacts for my day business...communications projects/management (packaging, films, brochures, displays, research, etc.) 1/2 my playing work is for existing clients (corporate parties, receptions, etc.). The other half is "fishing". I play upscale restaurants where I meet corporate, university and government officials, as well as business owners and others, who are possible future clients. Clients seem to be impressed by live performance more than visiting a studio or watching a demo reel. A big chunk of my on-going day business was secured from a performance connection.

I don't enjoy OMB work as much as group work, but the OMB stuff produces work for my company. In a perfect world, for fun and profit, I'd play 5 nights a week with my jazz trio, but, sadly, that's not gonna happen.

Years ago, my motivation was to get drunk and laid. Too old (and maybe smart) for that now (sigh).


What about you?


Russ (former out of control musician-now, middle class American) Lay

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 05-12-2010).]

Mine is still as yours was years ago minues the Drunk part...and i dont know why else but
i know for a fact it is not Money Driven nor anything material...its just love.

To feed my EGO ... the HAM in me will not let me stop ...

Seriously, I have come to the realization that God gave me a talent - at whatever level it may be - to share with others and hopefully bring a few moments of joy to them ...
The MONEY ?!? ... I have always said I get PAID to cart my gear in and set it up, and to break it down and cart it out ... the PLAYING I do for FREE !!!
t.

...........because I could have a
"REAL Job"....YUK !

Everyday when I'm riding to work I'm going to a party of some sort....I chose this life and I'm proud of it!
We all make choices in life.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 05-12-2010).]

Here in Florida I have met many musicians who have come to the end of their career, many love it so much that are more then willing to play without pay.

For me it has been for the love of music, for the rewards I get being out front entertaining. Everything else in the work area seems to come in second.

I can remember being in Captain Russ position, it’s not that most everything was turning great dollars -- More like I was wanted and I gave it my all.

IMHO, John C.

Great question. The main reason I started to focus on playing at Church was to give any talents I have back in my life. When playing in Church , people always love it. Doesn't matter if I playing the Baldwin piano or keyboard. But what I really play for is the tremendous emotion that comes with playing Christian music.
Music is such a strong link to God. If you don't believe that there is a God or an afterlife where our spirit lives in the hearts of the people you have touched, than that statement may not make sense.

I enjoy music, but praise and worship music takes me to a different and much deeper emotional place.I can touch lives and know that I am giving something back.

This is why I play.

Peace

BTW.. Chantilly Lace is playing on the musak at work. I lipped sinked that song in the 6th grade talent show. It makes me smile everytime I hear that song !

Are you kidding? I have the best job in the world. I'm not getting rich, but I love every minute of it, and I'm getting paid--that's a Hell of a combination.

Unlike Russ, I no longer enjoy playing in a group--been there, done that, got the Tee Shirt. It was fun, but I have a lot more fun using MY creativity and not having to worry whether the other guys like the song, or if they'll even show up for the performance on time. For ME, the OMB scenario is the top of the heap. It doesn't get any better than this.

Gary

Do something you love for a living, you never WORK a day in your life!

You know how priests get a 'calling', nurses and doctors get a 'calling'? That's how it is for music for me. I am 'called' to play, always was, hopefully always will be...

This is simple to answer ... I love to play ... I love to entertain. If I can make some money as well then that is great but it is not my motivation.

Though if I was living off my musical income then making money would certainly be added to my other two answers .... musicians have to eat too I simply make the money I need to live on elsewhere.

Yep, couldn't agree more. I just love to do it. LOL, AND we get paid for it..

I forget who said it but ...."when you are employed at a task you love, you will never work a day in your life"... is as true now as when it was first said.

Dennis

PS: Nice thread Russ

[This message has been edited by miden (edited 05-12-2010).]

Like so many others here, I do it because I enjoy the positive response I get from the people I play to.

I like variety. I am not a big band guy, but I play some big band. I am not a blues guy, but I play some blues....same with just about every genre of music except rap and hip hop.

There was a time it became less than fun...and that was when I was doing 6 nights a week for a year in a fine dining restaurant. The same ol' same ol' got to me and management kept me reigned in.

Now the fraternals, military groups, homeowner associations, private parties, assisted living and nursing homes provide a variety of places to do a variety of music and test my entertainment skills.

I also enjoy going out seeing other guys doing what they enjoy most...or maybe, 2nd most.

Eddie

I love taking control of a full orchestra and leading it wherever I want, creating spontaneous melodies, feeling inside a whole band of musicians.

Easy question, complicated answer...

I like to sleep late and play golf or fish all day. Music is fun and has kept me from having a "real" job for about 35 years.
DonM

AMAZINGLY, when I was with the band we never worried about stuff like that ... it was like we were 5 guys with one mind ... I LOVE the freedom being a OMB gives me, but man, I MISS working - no make that PLAYING - with my friends ...
t.

PS... It's funny how we say we go to a party every time we play and get PAID for it ... reminds me of a story that happened to a friend of mine ... He got this gig through the union - a wedding of the daughter of a 'reputed' mob guy ... they go, play the gig, have some food, a drink or two, the guests are happy, and at the end of the night, this friend of mine goes to the father of the bride and says he would like to get paid for the gig ... the father says "You came into MY house, you ate MY food, you drank MY liquor, and now you want to get PAID?!?!?" ... my friend, being a somewhat intelligent guy, said good night to the fotb and let the union settle the matter ... he DID get paid ...
...
t.

I play because I have to. Not for the money, or anything like that, but because that is what I was put here on earth to do. I've been lucky over the years. I've made some good investments and I have some great rental property as well as some serious plans for retirement.

However, as long as I am healthy, I will never fully retire. I am enjoying the work I am doing too much for that. It is still amazing to this day to get paid for what you love to do and what you would do even if you weren't getting paid. I have a lot to be thankful for. Rock on!

Joe

I play music solely as a hobby to releive stress from my worrying day job.

I work 60 hours a week and my free time i spend either on my Mountainbike or playing music.

I have played a few bands in the past, but i get stressed when i need to play before an audience... So i decided never to do that again and just enjoy making music for my own enjoyment and playing around with my instruments. It keeps me a happy and content person.

I play because there is nothing else I'm better at. I don't have another skill set that I'm equally qualified to do. Of course, the fact that I absolutely love it has something to do with it. I played a gig last night with the current steel player for the Opry house band, and the current fiddle player with George Jones. They each got the same $74 I got. That's one of the things I love about Nashville; absolutely Ace players are accessible. I mean, I used to think the Opry band was made up of untouchables. There are lots less fun ways to make a living than the way I've chosen.

Rory, what does your SZ handle refer to..?

besides being a bi tonal chord..F7 and a Gmaj...or a F, flat 5th,7,9,12,13

or a more logical..F 7,9,11,#13..




[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 05-13-2010).]

It's a lousy nickname I know. But, I created it back in 2000 when I first got online. Yeah, I'm only 32, but I was late joining the online craze which now is a way of life. Anyway, it's just an F 7 sharp 11 13 chord. I like the sound of sharp 11 chords. Just never bothered changing my user name to something more memorable or accessible.

Good question.

Like Don01 I play music with the main intent to Praise God. That could be at Church or when in the mornings, before I start my regular job I have a moment to Pray and Play.
A difference from a lot of people in SZ, I started late as musician, but I feel peace in understanding that my music have the main intent of pleasing ONE and no multitudes.
It is wonderful feeling that when you play, you have a bunch of brothers an sisters united with the same purpose.

There are very talented people in SZ. I will love to hear DonM or James or any other, play "Amazing Grace".

I will record it for you when I get time. It's an amazing song and I don't do it justice, but who cares.
I was playing at a local Casino a few years ago, and got a request for it. I told the guy it wasn't an appropriate place. He handed me a 100 dollar bill and asked if that it made it more appropriate. Anyway I did it and to my surprise got a standing ovation, at a CASINO.
DonM

[This message has been edited by DonM (edited 05-13-2010).]

i play because i love music & try to emulate songs that i love

Why do I play? Simple. Two reasons, not in any particular order:
1. I just love to play
2. I can't help it
3. I'm driven

I play because I only have so long in this life and I'm lucky/blessed enough to have a skill and a passion for music. I don't want to waste this time doing something else that doesn't touch me like performing does.

When I am performing, I am entertaining myself as much as anyone else in the room. Its very cool to see how whatever emotion I put into a song travels to everyone else in the room and we share the experience. Its why I prefer nursing homes/retirement communities to clubs.

If I could play in the NHL, I'd like to do that...since that's NEVER gonna happen, I'll stick with my music till I can't do it anymore...

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Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 05-13-2010).]

Bill, don't give up on the NHL, either. My Oilers will be glad of just about anyone of any skill level.

I'm not in the same league with DonM, but here a link to a version of Amazing Grace that I posted some time ago. It's a midi file that sounds best on a Yamaha keyboard. http://www.psrtutorial.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7150.0;attach=4211

Gary

I love the elvis version...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3XdXEJEI4E

He was a heck of an arranger player, wasn't he?

Yep, that's a great version, although you can hear that version in practically every Black Baptist church in America. It's a great tune, although I always thought it strange that it is, and always has been, so popular in the Black church, seeing as how it was written by a slave ship captain. I guess the music is strong enough to overcome it's origins. I think we should ALL give it a shot, and see how many different arrangements of it we can come up with. The music is simple enough (although I've heard slight variations of the chord changes) so your skill or playing level shouldn't be a factor, just your creativity. Since it's quite evident where Elvis 'borrowed' his from, you should feel free to do the same.

chas

I couldn't have said it better myself, t

And Bill, your comments are spot on for me too.

Really now, yesterday a had a man with an amputated leg sitting right in front of me. He sat most the hour without a single facial movement. But near the end of my performance I played "Have I Told You Lately" and "Have I Told You Lately" I saw him mouthing the words and a tear was in his eye. Then I did an unexpected encore and played "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" He was just beaming. As soon as I stopped playing he wheeled himself up to my keyboard and said, "You come back at 5 o'clock, OK." Then he gave me a big smile and a head shake of approval.

THAT IS WHY I PLAY!

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 05-14-2010).]

Overall a feeling of satisfaction and escape from all the BS that goes on in the world. Today music is my drink of choice, there's no substitute for it.

Cass I share your thoughts on the NH circuit. Lots of smiles come on faces of those who are confined to a wheel chair or even those who are wheeled into a room in a hospital bed. Some can't move much but what I see in their eyes is very moving.

Easy choice for me - God gave me a talent and asked me to use it wisely. I really never had a choice - MUSIC chose me, and there are not enough hours in a day to get it all in. Even now, teaching kids during the day - I'm using the music skills I've mastered during my playing years ... I perform regularly with the kids and I love it. Last night one of my seniors came out to see me at a little Italian place I do and she sat in ... just like an adult. I remember sitting in with older guys when I was in high school - best on the job training you can ask for! I'm so proud that I can share this gift with others, and what I get back is at least 100 times what I put out.

I am an amateur and am a singer and have not taken money for performance during my 76 years.

I muck around with the keyboard because I love the thrill of changing those dots in a sheet of music to a melody and there is a good chance that I will never play in public

I did not take basic lessons untill about 15 years ago as there was always something in the road.

I have sung in choirs and the biggest thrill was when I sang in the Tasmanian Conservatoriun Choir performing the Messiah with the Tasmanian Synphony Orchestra.

I enjoy the physical and mental experience of singing as well as the the pleasure it gives to others.

Cousin Ken

Tasmania is such a beautiful place. Years ago when I was young I remember taking the Princess Of Tasmania boat trip across Bass Strait from Melbourne and doing the drive from Devenport to Hobart and back. What an awesome countryside it is.




[This message has been edited by Nigel (edited 05-25-2010).]

Did you find any two headed Tasmanians Nigel?

And did you go to the top of Mount Wellington?

It is a wonderfull view from there

Cousin Ken

Putting aside the performance part of playing –

Have you ever played a soft ballad and given it all you had and felt an emotion that you could not buy. Or played a great up-tempo and as you stood up you felt like $1,000,000?

John C.

Well said, John. Absolutely!


Russ

Have you ever played a soft ballad and given it all you had...only to hear "dead silence" when your done? ....
Moving people thru your soul via music is what it's all about.

Been there, too, Donny! Then, they woke up(LOL)

(Just kidding! Really good point-been there, too!).


Russ

(PS) Guy came by and bought the Hohner for $375.00. Would never have thought to sell it if you hadn't brought it up. Now, what new toy can I buy for that money?

Be well,

Russ

Russ great news...I'm sure you will find a few new toys to try out for sure....I'm looking at a few things myself
Good luck!!

Many things that I sing, I struggle to get a sort of Cajun, Ray Charles sound. I do this on "Somewhere Over The Rainbow."

Friday the audience was very quite while I performed this as best that I could. When I finished to my surprise a young lady maybe in her middle thirties said "Bravo." I almost fell off the bench. I've never had a "Bravo" before.

I guess that's why I play. Also even though I don't make much money in this part of the country I must admit I can't turn the gigs down. I need the "change."

It's nice that we have a place to share experiences, isn't it?

Folks, this goes down as one of the most pleasant and personally revealing exchanges since I've been around. Fantastic!

Thanks, all!


Russ

Seems like, on an arranger forum, the only things we can discuss civilly are non-arranger related things...

Perhaps Nigel should start a non-arranger forum, where we COULD discuss arrangers civilly there!

Diki, you were the first one to bring up an "issue" on this heretofore beatific post.
Is that a compulsion?

That's what playing is to me, btw. I just am compelled to do it. I barely did it between the ages of 19 and 35, and in spite of the fact I got married and raised children and did interesting things, I look back on that period of my life as if i was an alien being. Was that really me?

But guys, all the other stuff that's cool about playing music..the lifestyle freedom, the partying and chicks, the applause, the connecting to the audience, the compliments, the camaraderie with other musicians..to me none of it compares with the "groove"..those times of heightened swing and creativity that just transport you to a higher level of consciousness and ecstasy. If you've never achieved those, really felt them, by achieving a level of inspiration far beyond any technical facility, then you're missing the highest level of your calling.

That's why I keep playing, though I have no
pressing financial need to(the extra bread is a comfort, tho) To get to those places as often as i can get there. Lately they happen sometime almost every night i play, so i must be getting better at it. And hey, all that other stuff I mentioned, they are all way cool, and i would miss them like crazy if it was gone.


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Miami Mo

Yeah Mo, we use to call it 'in the pocket', but that term has become so overused (and abused) that it no longer captures the feeling you've described. As I've gotten older, those nights of being in the 'groove' (usually only happens on ONE tune during a set) seem to happen less frequently. This could be partly due to the booze/weed-free sets we now play . But when it's cookin', baby, it's cookin'. BTW, I've often wondered if that 'feeling' we're talking about, ever happens in anything other than jazz and R@B. Not a put-down, but I just can't picture it happening playing polka's all night. But I could be wrong.

chas

Chas, i stopped using pocket when it came to my attention how few understood the term. In 1998 I played sax/sang w/Brian Murphy on keys at the bookstore here for Tony Bennett's booksigning of his autobiograpy "The Good Life" (wonderful reading btw)

TB was sitting outside the front door on one side, signing for a long line of admirers, and we were right on the other side. He was grooving on us for 2 hours, and when gig was
over he asked me to come back in the store and he gave me a copy with "Mo, you are wonderful, right in the pocket" written on the face page.

Well, as you can imagine, I started using that in my promo. But then so many people asked me what it meant (some even thought it meant I was on the take) that i dropped it and now just use "..wonderful."

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Miami Mo

So you wouldn't say that Russ, bringing up the point that this thread compared very favorably with all the others, wasn't at least obliquely referring to the same 'issue'?!

As someone that is often the victim of personal slander and attack, merely for bringing up arranger related points (you'll notice I don't make my comments personal ones, unlike many of my detractors), you might understand that I am quite concerned about the civility (or lack of it) that often mars our community. To see the exact people that can't keep personal slur out of other threads behave civilly here simply shows that they ARE capable of doing it, if they give a toss.

And perhaps mentioning the fact MIGHT encourage them to look at the degree of beatitude they could inject into arranger related threads also If that's a compulsion, it's one with a good idea at its' heart.

yeah, like a poor lion cornered by a herd of gazelles . I feel for you, bro.



chas

Roar-sie roar-sie, you vicious gazelles!

Get back or I'll give you such a slap!



[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 05-31-2010).]

Well, respect for the forum itself (not necessarily the posters themselves) and a desire to not get banned again simply for responding to a personal attack is what primarily stops me from tearing the gazelles apart!

Anyway, where's the fun in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent..?

Hey, here's another reason I play... it gives the gazelles a rest! They need the breather

Ha Ha...and all along I thought it was your self proclaimed quirky sense of humor and fair play.

Ian

One tends to want to play fair with those that play fair with YOU. When they don't...

Nothing wrong with my sense of humor - just my sense of when some are trying harder to score personal points than sticking to arranger subjects.

Whatever...

I play for the babes. I love it when they throw their depends I mean panties on the stage.

Tom, I've always said that my market is females under 8 and over 80...Depends on one end and Huggies on the other.


Oh those "nasty" girls (BARF)!

R.

DIKI-real thought and a well articulated opinion on your part is more than enough to negate the "minuses", at least, for me.


Russ

oops, i precipitated another war by pointing out that someone was injecting an issue into
a post that had no issues. my bad. now can we get back to the subject? you were all about to say..Mo, what's Tony Bennett really like, weren't you? and i was about to answer..as nice and as humble and unpretentious a person as you will ever encounter, and this shines through everything he does, and that's why he is so beloved, not to mention as a singer he's better than Sinatra was. ok, if we have to go to war, let it be over TB vs Frank (who were great friends)

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Miami Mo

[This message has been edited by keysvocalssax (edited 06-01-2010).]