Financially, my best money is doing singles. From a satisfaction standpoint, playing with others wins hands down.

I've been the "practice", argue, etc. route. Here's what I have done:

I have a list of pros from the area...some as far away as Cincinnati. I can add as many as I'd like, depending on the job. Minimal rehearsal is required, because the format is the same...I do the intro and verse...whomever wants to plays the bridge. Someone else plays the verse. I come in at the bridge, do the last verse and "we're out of there".

The set-up is always loose enough that I'm controlling everything. When someone is not comfortable taking a ride, they lay out. Another takes that part, or I do.

Players have a ball...everyone's comfortable
and we all make a little money. We've been working together so long, it's a smooth process, with pro results.

The big band gets BIG money (justifying rehearsal), and my trio, consisting of me on guitar and keys, my son on bass and my grandson on drums, is more like a workshop. The kids are doing great...too much rehearsal for the old "man", but a little "wood shedding" is good for the chops.

After 50 plus years, I'm not ready to give up playing with others and just do a solo.

It's the challenge of doing everything from a single to a 16 piece big band, and everything in between that makes things interesting.

Again, for me, at least, music is at it's very finest when it's played with other musicians of similar likes and talents.


HO, HO, HO!


Russ

I have a lot of music recorded , but not with the guitar player and myself at this time, but I could have something done soon. The problem is I have never tried to put any on u-tube. I'm sure I can find a computer whiz to help me. I will try to get it done asap. Or if there are instructions somewhere , someone can give me location as to where.

Bill, i remember having this discussion with you about a year ago when you first made up your mind to go exclusively solo/duet. The break is necessary when the rest of the band doesn't share your enthusiasm for the music. I know we've all walked away from similar situations where people only wanted to show up, play and get paid. And we all know that they were leaving out the most important ingredient, the music. I'll be celebrating my third year solo in 2011 and I love it. I know you will continue to be successful because you're so good at what you do and there is no alternative with you. Good luck.

BTW - Congrats, Gramps on your new #1 grandson.

Bill ... no doubt you did the right thing for YOU, because YOU feel you did the right thing ... It is too bad you didn't have a group of guys who were 'on the same page' as you as far as the quality of the music was concerned ... best of luck with the duo/single gigs ... I am sure you will be satisfied musically ...
If:
1) I could get back with the same guys I played with for 26 years - not possible, unfortunately one has passed away;
2) we could play music in 'our' style and be accepted;
3) clients were willing to pay;
I would go back in a New York minute ... there is NOTHING, I say NOTHING, that beats making music with "friends", having a GREAT time, and getting PAID FOR IT ... JMHO!!!

t.



[This message has been edited by tony mads usa (edited 12-22-2010).]