message for Dnj from the (your) Godfather

Made you look, didn't I?
I've been really thinking about all things gear, and why I made some of the decisions I've made over the years ... and my paisan Donny came to mind. Now, I've fanned the fire as much as anyone here regarding his whiplash decisions (maybe more), but he knows I'm always in his corner. So, here's where my head is today ...

When I started playing keyboards, the only goal was sound. It was the 70s, and the Rhodes was all the rage (still is), so I had to have one. Of course, it's a one trick musical pony, so I also needed something else for color sounds .... organs, strings, clav - all meant extra pieces. At one time, I was carrying 6 keyboards to work, and I stacked them all in two piles. One in front, and one to my right. Added a solid drum machine (du jour), and I was set to compete with the other 4 and 5 piece bands in my area.

After years of lugging, and schlepping, and 2 hour set-ups, and needing a van to carry it all, I started to beak away from the bulk, and thankfully, arranger keyboards were in their renaissance period, and effectively could consolidate some of the bulk I was carrying. So, with one keyboard I could have a decent drummer, strong bass, good comping sounds (Rhodes, etc) and a layer sound for the right hand. AMAZING.

Fast forward a few more years, and the gear got better and better, and cheaper and cheaper, till we're where we are now ... but back to Donny ...

Donny played organs, and pianos for years with bands before the arrangers hit the scene, and like me, as a singer he gravitated to the versatility that arrangers afforded the working musician, as the bands began to shrink ... player, by player till the OMB was the norm in the local club scene. Back then it was important to fill the room, and make a sound that could compete with the 3 and 4 pc bands that were becoming extinct because of budget cuts, high insurance rates, and diminished crowds, due to DUI enforcement.
We NEEDED a versatile, workhorse to stay working, and the arrangers provided an easy answer.

Fast forward again to 2020 - my boy has retired. Donny has put in the time. He's played every type of venue available, using every type of gear, and even made his own backups with his favorite setups. He essentially can DJ and sing a full night with an iPhone (if he was an Apple guy) and a powered speaker, and now that the demand to "fill the room" has gone away ... maybe it's time to stop searching for that "perfect" workhorse. Donny, your demands have changed - you don't have to compete anymore - you've made your mark, supported your family, and earned a well deserved rest from the rigors of the road.

If I may be so bold, I think the reason that nothing seems to satisfy you lately is that you're trying to fill a niche that you no longer HAVE TO FILL. Sure, the music will always be with you, but the need to be a OMB is no longer a priority. I think it'd be wise to step back, and stop trying to "stay connected" to the latest, greatest thing in a world that you no longer have to live in. This may sound harsh, but I mean it as a compliment. You simply don't HAVE to do the OMB thing anymore, and when you CHOOSE to do a few things here, and there - you can use what you've already recorded.

Your life has changed quite a bit in the last few years, and there are holes that need to be filled with other endeavors. I think a B3 clone just may be the thing to keep your juices flowing. The new organs have killer sounds and features, and you can play whatever, and whenever you want ... in your underwear if you choose to. (yikes)

I honestly don't believe an arranger (ANY arranger) will please you anymore. You have to accept the fact that your needs have changed, and start pleasing your LIKES instead. Set up a home studio based on a fun-to-play high end organ/keyboard hybrid and I predict you'll be happier than ever. Just my take on it, having known you for a long time. I think accepting retirement is a challenge for anyone, and I think you'll be much more content if you let the parade pass by (so to speak) ... and enjoy the creation process at home. Make tracks, improvise, record another album .... cherry pick a few jobs that make you happy, spend less time on this forum (he said with love), and get out there and do something productive.

You should be proud of the work you've done, and not have any regrets as you forge on to this next chapter of creation. Just think about it ... Dnj on the B3 ... yeah, baby.

Does UPS have a 12-step withdrawal program though? Nobody wants to see that truck pass the house without stopping!

Dave that was an amazing assessment I have a tear in my eye
as to how much truth in in your words as much as I hate to admit it,
but it is mostly true...all of it wow! I love you man!!
As for actually putting it all in motion that will be my new direction,even Chas inspired me deeply with his last song contribution which was fantastic..
It's like when you go back to your old neighborhood after many years it is very sentimental walking around and deep feelings emerge.
Yes I have done it all "MY WAY" and sadly after my recent early retirement at 66 I certainly need a new musical path and stop trying to invoke the past. Sometimes I sit here in the studio setting up all these songs and stop and say to myself .."Why am I doing this?"
I am not going to play out with the keyboard. Instead I should be here making myself happy with what I really want to play keyboard wise..if it's a Hammond, MOJO, etc, of some kind so be it, etc,...
if I need back up I have my computer DAW, VSt's etc,
and so many backing tracks to jam with also.
This post Dave posted is definitely a wake up call...
not only for me but I'll bet for many people reading it also.
Thank you Dave well written...cya soon.

i dont know about donny but i REALLY needed to hear this. after spending hours researching "my next keyboard" , you gave me a slap in the face to stop this madness and REALLY look inward.
thanks dave

What a beautiful message from Dave.

And I just want to add. Donny has helped me so much in my own keyboard ventures, I have also chopped and changed over and over again, and now I am more than happy with what I have, and Donny has been influential in this, because of his advice and experience, and also support, he has such invaluable experience of pretty much everything out there, and this is something to embrace because there are not many people like this around who would bother to spend the time in helping someone.

As I said in another thread, I love you guys.

Very thought provoking comments....you guys really know each other....

So, yep, that's exactly what I am doing, going back to organ, BUT I will have a SX-900 on top, a good 61 MIDI keyboard on bottom, and maybe a pedalboard, we'll see.
I am a member of the wood shop here where I live (55+ community) so I may even build a cabinet of some sort eventually, meanwhile I have a good way to stack them with a nice close fit, overhanging keys etc.

When I get it set up, I'll post a photo. And when I do a nice song on it, I'll post that too.



I thought about importing a Yamaha organ from Japan, but I can do as well or better with the SX-900 as the core. I even found a expression pedal with 2 side switches (TRX Organ folks have it.)

A couple days ago, I took a detour home from the VA Hospital at Perry Point, Maryland, drove down to the mouth of Deer Creek where it empties into the Susquehanna River, put the van in park and watched the river flow by. It was cold, windy and nasty, but in the van, life was good. I got to thinking, which is rare these days. When spring arrives, I wondered if I could make the 50-foot trek up the bank to the railroad bridge, cross the bridge and get to the rocky outcrop on the opposite side of the creek. If I could, I would set up a lightweight lawn chair, bait up a size 1 wide gap hook with a glob of night crawler and catch of blue catfish or maybe some northern snakeheads. I really didn't have a keyboard thought in my mind - just wanted to sit in the spring sunshine, catch some fish and have fun.

Donny, maybe you should think more about ways to have fun - GAS surely doesn't cut it. Take Nancy and Donny JR out on one of the many headboats that run from the Jersey Shore, catch some fish and enjoy what little life you have left on Planet Earth. There's a lot more to life than You Tube and GAS.

Your friend,

Gary

Danny your very welcome ....
good luck with your musical endeavors
and if you need help just shout!!

Gary no worries there is plenty to do
living on the shore here,.....keeping myself busy is pretty easy.
We are always out and about. Stay well my friend.

I hope this post is still going when it's MY time to reassess the whole work thing. I figure, I have another 10 or so years before I slow down, but who knows?
Hope I can take my own advice when it's time to hear it.

dave
you should be a musician therapist.

Loved reading that "take" on our Quick Change Artist:

Thanks, U.D. ....got time for a session next week. I need some couch time... but for different reasons. LOL!

----Dave (the lesser)

I friggin’ love this place 😇

Hi Dave,
you basically set me on my new path last year.

I’ve sort of turned my sx900 and p121 into a Clavinova ( of sorts)

P121 as controller ( makes the sx piano’s sound great, love the weighted keys) and the sx for the style engine.

I can play solo piano on the p121.

Then if I want to play as an arranger, I can suit myself if I want to use p121 as controller or just play the sx itself.

After 20 years of just basically fiddlling round with keyboard technology, it took an accident to give me a wake up call, and actually start playing again.

Hope yo find what you’re looking for Donny.

Quote from Dave: I think you'll be much more content if you let the parade pass by (so to speak) ... and enjoy the creation process at home. Make tracks, improvise, record another album .... cherry pick a few jobs that make you happy, spend less time on this forum (he said with love), and get out there and do something productive.

I too,applaud Dave's sincere advice,but thinking of myself,I doubt if I could be happy if I didn't have any engagements to prepare for. I think the idea of cherry picking a few jobs is important,since you have been an entertainer for so many years.

Bernie

Most people that retire are excited with the thought that they don’t have to continue doing their job. They are happy that it is over. Musicians do not carry the same feeling. Retiring from playing music is the last thing they want.

There is something else that is involved here, it is what Gary has shared with us -- the decline in health and the ability to do what we always have done. Most of us hide this part of the equations. Dave talked about this I a kind way, I feel both issues must be looked at, they are attached.

I have learned to accept age and loss of ability; it was not an easy task. I fought with all that I have. During this period, I silently bought and sold more keyboards than I than any other period in my life. I needed he next new model, or I have to add more interesting songs, the list was long. The reality came when I realized that I was preparing for a possible job, which I knew I could no longer do. I had the instrument and the knowledge, but not the energy, nor did my hands perform as they did.

The good part:
Since I accepted my reality the search is over. I have a Sx900 which I am thoroughly enjoying. AND it is NOT being set up to play a job; it is being set up with the same love of music I had at the beginning, the reason I bought my first keyboard, to play the music I loved.

I had no choice. It was either chasing after something that could not have or accepting the reality.

I am happy, I love people, my wife and I are in a great place, and I play my keyboard every day. Life is good now!
John C.

Thanx all kind words for sure and deep heart felt thoughts.
you can feel by reading these posts how much music means to many of us.
Keep the flame burning !
“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by.
No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”

If the health factor is added, I quite agree that one stay in music to any degree you can.

Uncle Dave: Beautifully written and very true.

Bernie: I agree. You can have fun playing at home but it doesn't mean as much if you are not out there performing live.

Tracy, that’s a matter to where you are in your life. At 50, 60,70, I would agree with you.

John C.

I love music, and playing it. When I discovered others enjoyed what I played, I started performing. I liked pleasing people; performing per say not so much. I always felt like I was sharing my music with my audience. I didn't have the presence, or even ego, of a lot of other entertainers. My success came from playing what people wanted to hear in the style they expected to hear it. It became a lot of work with the 5 pc band, with glimpses of fun here and there. So it wasn't so hard for me to give up last year. I remained available for single work until recently. Almost all of my equipment is gone now and I don't miss the load/unload/setup/teardown/repeat.
I do believe the ability to walk away depends on personality, and necessity to move forward. Some thrive, and even depend on the attention and affirmation of an audience. Personally that wasn't the case for me. My satisfaction came from getting it right from my point of view.
Right now life has taken a turn, a good one even with physical difficulties, and I've realized I did what I originally set out to do for awhile and am satisfied with that. I miss it sometimes, but not for long. My performing days have their place in my personal nostalgia...and I'm ok with that. On to the next..Donny, I wish you well along with anyone else facing the challenges of change.

Ummm, nicely said.....and a very healthy outlook.

chas

Thank you buddy..

Well I don't agree. I'm 76 and still working on playing out. Maybe I'm dreaming more than I'm working but the dream is still alive. Gotta keep trying to move on.

Everyone has a specific timetable. My Dad's been retired for almost 30 years, from a job he LOVED, but he cherishes his time off just as much, and if you ask him how he enjoys retirement, his answer is "I don't know how I ever found the time TO WORK!"

We'll all make these choices in our own time.

Have you ever played out?

Great thoughts all - however we choose to make our music, it is wonderful therapy. Whether we are gigging and enjoying the challenges of crowd pleasing, or kicking back in our bedroom slippers with the phones on, playing an arranger (or other instrument) is always great for the soul. I don't know what I would do without music in my life. I am sure you all have the same feelings.

Great sentiments Dave and enjoyed reading all the responses on this subject!

Well I have read Uncle Dave's words many times on here and I have come to realize that as much as I am against returning to being
a "gear hoarder" and by repeated multi trial and error with so many keyboards I have come to this conclusion. No one keyboard will ever fill my needs, wants and love for my music.
That said as I love playing Arranger keyboard
and singing all kinds of songs on top of the styles, tracks etc...
I also like to go back to my roots and play Hammond Organ with waterfall keys , drawbars etc, and just jam out like I did as a kid in so many bands in the 60's,70's..only do it at home with some good backing tracks.
So I have decided to keep my Roland EA7 which does all the styles playing so very well that an arranger keyboard can do and may even take it out once in a Blue Moon too to perform with.
But to satisfy my Hammond Organ Jones I am deeply considering a dual keyboard Hammond SKX underneath on a double tier stand. This way I have the best of both worlds and can sit and enjoy two styles of playing. For now I am still pondering this idea, but it makes sense in many ways. More thought is needed. To be continued....

Meanwhile tonight I am going to have dinner at a nice high end
Italian Restaurant with Fran & the wives
and see Uncle Dave perform with the SX900
gonna be a good time!!

Take care

Whoo Hoo - road trip!

Sounds like a great night and a great opportunity for a Group Hug and Photo! Just sayin'!!

Have fun DNJ and friends!

To quote you Donny.... take videos and pics to post.

Ed

Only with Dave's permission... Just sayin..

Eddie fun evening,..great music, & food too !!

Thanks Donny. So no arranger on this gig, huh?
Eddie

Nope not for this small room,
there are many ways to entertain the audiences besides
just using arranger styles & Uncle Dave
does that with perfection no matter what he is playing!
...Just sayin..

Yeah, I go through periods of adjustment with my setups. I use the SX at the winery, but this Italian restaurant deserves my strongest vocal presentation, so I use my guitar/voivelive 3 rig ... still not sure how to process vox when using the SX. So many choices ...

Got it. Dave is versatile. If the room was any smaller he could probably do the gig on a kazoo......and make it sound good.

LOL - thanks. I've never been one to follow the "norm". I use what my heart tells me is right for the situation. If only that transferred over to my personal life!

It was a hat trick zoner night for me - first met up with Rich (Sparky), then Fran and Donny came out to the restaurant. Whoo Hoo!
It was a typical January in the North East, though .... by 8:30 the place was almost empty. We had one more table come in at 9:30, and that was "all she wrote".
Busy days are easier to pace, but having my great friends in the crowd made it a night to remember, just the same.
Arrangers, guitars, set lists, registrations ... none of it matters as much as friendship. Met Fran 36 years ago, and thanks to the fact that he liked my wife, we've been close the entire time. That wife is gone, but Fran is still hangin' in there. Met Donny shortly after that, and in spite of a few "speed bumps" we've been close buds since the start, as well.

Lot's of zoners live close enough to visit face to face, but even those I've never seen up close have found a place in my heart forever. I have friends all around the globe because of THIS FORUM, so thanks Nigel - This is a special place, indeed.

Glad you were able to get together and had such a great evening. Moments like this are to be treasured as we share our art and friendship. Wish I could have been there.

Us too! I gotta get out your way one day ... I work too much since I retired. lol

Must have been a great night ... When SZ friends get together it is something special ... I'm jealous ! ...

Regards from Jerusalem ...

We always have a blast when visiting each other at gigs..
fun fun fun

Wow some really good messages. Thanks for that.