Never heard of a power single. Did hear of a power trio. That is a trio where each player is a powerhouse, and the final product is as "full" and entertaining as bigger groups. Each player is good enough to be a feature.

Thing is, if you have to tell everyone how good you are....you're probably NOT!

The exception is UD. He's that good, and I'm surprised that he would take the time to tell us what everyone already knows. I'm a BIG FAN, MP3's, laptops, etc. notwithstanding. I look past all that at the talent.

As an occasional member of an audience I have the right to an opinion, even if some, including some here don't care what that opinion is.

I would stay and enjoy a visit at the bandstand anyone here worked, whatever the material or equipment.

But, when I see a laptop on a bandstand and don't know the performer, I leave, PERIOD! DJ's and Karaoke? FORGET IT!

I don't look down on those who use whatever they use,

I guess it's all in the eye of both the performer and members of the audience.

UD and Donny are two of my favorites, but they will never convince me that it's OK for ME to use laptops, sequences, MP3's or much of the automation that's available. I only use an arranger when there is no alternative, and that, believe it or not, is rarely...not 10 % of my jobs. That does not mean I think that they shouldn't do whatever they like; it DOES mean that they should respect my choice to do it differently. (and, it goes without saying, I'm sure that's the case).

Some are entertainers; I'm not. For some, the show is the deal. For me, content is everything. My audiences are smaller and much more critical. Incidentally, Tony, sometimes, I have to play "behind a ham sandwich"...so quietly, I don't interrupt the discussions going on st the table. I'm often the "invisible" musician LOL!

In a major way, I've sold out. I play society music for big bucks, when, as a "purist", I should be playing hardline jazz in a run-down warehouse for next to nothing. I'm just not that much into STARVATION! LOL!

There is no RIGHT WAY...just the way that each of us can live with.

Here's hoping each of us has continued success; however we define it.


Respectfully,


Russ (think I'll start using a kazoo) Lay