Folks, it was probably not a good thing that I let my frustration surface about the music business in general.

By process of attitude and years in the field, I have become the jazz standard bearer around here. As you can imagine, there are lots more Line Dancing and Buffet jobs in Kentucky than the ones I specialize in, and, often, the money is better. The work I specialize in is harder to find, less rewarding; the audiences are smaller, and the music is much more challenging. I'm NEVER satisfied with my level of performance.

If I were an entertainer, I'd play the hell out of (YUK) Aky Breaky Heart or any of the other tunes previously mentioned. I don't do a good job of entertaining. I play none of the tunes mentioned here, and don't do jobs where those tunes are appropriate. I'd be run off the stage if I tried to play any of them.

To me, the integrity of the music is paramount. I don't look down on the people who choose to play widely popular tunes. That's what entertainers do.

At the same time, I just don't understand players who don't spend the time required to learn their instrument and make constant improvement during their lifetimes a primary goal.

Of course, the sad thing to me is, when you choose the serious jazz musician route, success is really a mixed bag. Often as you improve over the years, you'll eventually play yourself out of a job. That's why so many big-time jazzers were broke, addicted, alone, incarcerated and more. That's where the frustration factor comes in.

Thing is, I have found myself in a position where I CAN'T make myself play certain tunes. It would represent a major sell-out to me. The small bit of good news is, the people who share the love of jazz communicate on a level which is unparralleled. And, increasingly, that's what I need from the music business.

For me, anything else is just a sad waste of my time.

But, that's my problem, and it should have stayed that way. The public doesn't spend 18 hours a day living and breathing music. I do.
And, I did the thing jazzers mistakenly do all too often...blame the "unappreciative", "no-taste" public. This time, line dancers and two steppers, along with Buffet fans were the ones I took the shots at.

My momentary "rant" was in poor taste and certainly not meant as a slam on anyone here.
That particularly goes for Jim; one of my favorites here. I'm embarassed that I forgot that his recently posted work was a Buffet song.(Jim, the job here was 6:00 to 9:00 four nights a week-$150.00 a night. That's probably too much of a commute for you...800-10000 miles a week).

The frustration is real, way more prevalent than some think and something I've got to deal with.

Sorry for the momentary lapse in civility.
It's just that line dance music represents everything I don't like in the business. Like Hellboy (Greg) said, I should have just kept quiet. I've got to hand it to him. He made his point articulately, without any of the confrontational attitude that sometimes appears here.

I appreciate that....nice website, too! And BBBB, well written, rational response. I particularly liked the reference to learning the "Boot" song. Good luck with that!

Russ


[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 05-28-2009).]