Bill, just like an arranger that no longer inspires you, you CAN change players. There's no more excuse for playing with people that don't inspire you than playing with a keyboard that does the same.

They won't rehearse? Get other players. They play it the same way every time? Get different players. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' is fine, until it IS broke...

Then fix it.

What's more important... keeping gigs you don't even enjoy, or your musical soul? Me, I can turn the thermostat down, eat a cheaper cut, go out less often, whatever it takes. But I can't stand playing with people that don't want to be there, don't want to keep growing, and just want to show up for the paycheck. That's not making music...

That's just making money