Hi Guy's

I have been reading this post with great interest, as one who posts quite often and according to some contributors to this post probably more than I should, I would like to add in my halfpenny worth.

I started my musical career on guitar as many of us did in the 50's and 60's and progressing from 3 chords I played guitar as a semi-pro for many years never really achieving the level I would have liked. I then drifted into playing bass eventually converting to fretless bass as part of a jazz quartet which lasted approx. 25 years. I always considered myself relatively proficient on bass but "always looked enviously at the pianist".

Before my spell on bass I was part of a quite successful semi-pro trio consisting of guitar, bass, drums and three part harmony. I was the low harmony but always was always "envious of the lead singer". Forgot to mention I also got involved for a time with a "Country Band" on bass and again singing the low harmony.

Along came my first arranger, now disappearing into my quiet space, I could try to play the keys and sing to my hearts content without offending anyone. After a while I started to play and sing with a mate on guitar mainly Pop and Country, and then wait for it, someone heard us practicing and ask us to play for them, whoopee, a chance to perform on the arranger.

This lasted about 2 years but sadly ended about 18 months ago, ahh well back to the studio. I then started to become more serious about recording, I still do a few live gigs but only by myself with the G70 and always for charity.

Somewhere along the way I discovered SZ, here was somewhere to post my efforts and see what other folks thought about my music, but it took a long time to pluck up the courage to post my first attempt. Since then I feel strongly that I have benefited from the comments I have received and I don't mean the back slapping.

I would never class myself as competent either as a vocalist or a musician on any instrument but I love my music and would be completely lost without it.

I have, over the last few years derived a great amount of pleasure from my involvement on this forum and would like to think I have gained a few good friends, albeit long distance ones (Thank God for the Internet).

To any others lurking in the shadows wondering whether or not to post their music I would say this, be-damned to the so called professionals who criticize but don't post, ask for constructive criticism and the descent chap's on here will respond, you may not always like what they say (Someone even had the nerve to suggest that I took some singing lessons, the cheek of it ) but most have been around for ever and you will find their opinions helpful.

If you wish to improve, and I think most of us would love to, the regular guy's on this forum can and will help, don't be put off by a few nasty comments, even some who are no longer with us certainly gave some good advice at times, just give it a try. I look back at some of my old and not so old recordings and I fairly cringe.I am, though some folks may not believe it, constantly trying new things always with the object of improving my performance.

I am now a complete amateur in the sense that I no longer get paid to perform but that doesn't stop me trying to achieve as near a profession performance as I can.

If you want to know if your performance sounds professional who better to ask than a bunch of, in the main, kindly experienced (OLD) professionals.

All the very best

Col