Lots of really neat passing chords coming from Tommy's guitar.
That is deceptively challenging...way more complicated than you'd think because it's done so well.

And Ray is all about interpretation. For this tuns, vocal quality is almost a non-issue.

R.

perhaps it's about freedom of speech ... or maybe it's just to bait some people into commenting ...

Gary, in the Rory and the Toots version of things, there are a lot of notes, but it's about a whole lot more than speed. It's repetitive steps playing variations on a lead line within the boundaries of the structure....playing off the chords with compatible notes.

Toots plays so far behind the note that he sometimes risks "stepping on" the following one. BRILLIANT!

Again, we're talking musicianship vs. entertainment.

But, wherever each of us is coming from, you have to appreciate the raw talent, skill, knowledge and pure brilliance of guys like Toots, Tommy and our friend Rory.


I sure do!


Russ

Russ, there is no question about their playing skills, which far exceeds the vast majority of most of the musicians I know. I only wish I had those skills to go along with my ability to entertain. If that were the case, I could have made hundreds of dollars, like Don Mason.

Gary

Gary, Russ tips his roadies more than I make.

Gary, I wish I had a little of your ability to entertain.

I'd trade "chops" for that ability in a heartbeat.


Glad you're feeling better.


R.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I actually learned a few things from this thread. That said even though this thread did take a few strange twists and turns.

It is good to be challenged a bit to improve playing skills.

That said, I always have to keep in mind what I can do to improve the experience of my audiences.

For me, that means adding songs that are requested, and finding ways to involve audience members as my audiences benefit from active involvement in what I do. Plus the AD's I deal with appreciate that.

FWIW, I did try some new chord changes on Georgia. Some worked but some(due, I think, to the way styles work on my arranger) just didn't work.

It's definitely easier to involve more complicated chords on my guitar than on my arranger.

Ron, like I said above, learning is the fun part, especially when you get constructive criticism and assistance from forum members.

Good luck,

Gary

There ARE compromises that must be made when adapting songs to live arranger play.

Yup