In the 50 plus years I have worked as a performer/musician, there have been several times when I was leaning towards quitting or just taking an extended break.

One time in particular, I was teaching part-time, working full-time as a communications director and playing 1:00 AM to 4:AM after hours Monday-Thursdays; then 5:00 Pm-4:00 AM Friday and Saturday in the same club/restaurant. I got off at 4:15 PM from my day gig and then worked 11 hours straight on week-ends in three different sessions/locations.

On Saturday morning, I was so tired and disgusted, I went to sleep at 4:30 AM and woke up at 4:00 PM. I was ready to hand in my notice that night.

Driving to work, I turned on the radio (in my 68 Mercury Capri)and stopped in wonder, when I heard what came out of the speakers. It was a beautiful male voice, doing a combination of solo guitar and vocal scatting.

It was BEAUTIFUL! Turned out it was George Benson singing Masquerade, one of my favorite Leon Russell tunes. The story is, he was just warming up, when the producer heard him (he was doing guitar for another singer, and had never released a vocal recording). I hurried to work and played my version of his version of the tune. I finally got what is meant to put your own "mark" on a piece; to make it my own.

The story is, George had lost his Verve contract and was moving to Hawaii to dig foundations. This was one of his last dates. He and I demoed for Guild at the same time.

The album (Breezing) went on to sell 13 million copies. The most he'd sold when doing conventional, straight ahead jazz was 500,000.

He took some flack from the purists, but he knew the integrity was still there, and inspired many players (like me) to rethink our whole approach to tune interpretation and performance. Plus, he was banking lots of bread.

The point is, as Diki says, you adapt and you go on. I would never even thought that an instrument like and arranger would exist. Some of the equipment I use for recording is so cool I just walk around with a silly grin on my face.

Ms. Spalding was recognized by Diki as an innovator, along with Bruno Marrs and others. He's right (damn, I hate to keep admitting that LOL). And there are others: Leanne La Havas being one of my all-time favorites. At 24 years old, she's as good as anyone I've ever heard, and I have had Ella, Pearlie Maye, Jackie De Shannon and others sing and cook breakfast for me.

At 68 (soon to be 69) I'm nowhere near ready to quit. I'm still learning in spite of what some would consider significant physical obstacles. That just makes me appreciate my past more and want to continue until I can't.

You ALL have my wish for continued enjoyment in the playing of music; however, wherever and whenever you choose to do it.

BUT, PLEASE....DO IT!


Russ