Man do I hate that!! They usually come up to you while your playing another song and we discussed that in another thread. If I can't get rid of them with a wave off I try to explain I just don't know their song or what key or whatever and put the blame on myself. Then of course they start singing to me as if that will automatically teach me the song. If all else fails and its the host who wants them or I I have to relent--and its been my experience that it usually turns out bad. And you all know the number one reason why---they can't count of keep a beat even if they do fine some right notes! If they stay too long I explain I have to get back to the dance music.

That aside years ago there was a guy at the Jersey Shore who did an unbeliveable OMB. Hammond with 4 leslies, Coon theatre organ on his left with 4 gyro speakers( those were two 12" speakers on a rotating board to give a vibrato effect to the Conn's strings), Baby grand on his right, two Mini Moogs on the B3 and two cabinets with 4/ 15" speakers for his bass pedals and Drum Tracks 8 track drum machine. AND HE WAS BLIND!! His name was Al Rando and he was/is a shore legend. He later did a smaller restaurant with a cut down setup and invited anyone to sing. He packed the place every night with groups that would come in to "Sing with AL" This is way before we got polluted with Kareoke in every bar. The amazing part is he could play anything in any key including some Opera one woman came to sing and he made them all sound good. I don't know if he is still around but he was the most amazing musician I have ever seen


Bill in NJ