What has come to draw my attention over the last 12 months or more is the fact that more often than not performances on the Genos are INSTRUMENTAL rather than backing up vocals.

Fantastic Donny, as usual! Love the style change!

Hoping to record some things in the near future, I see most of you are using box or YouTube to share recordings . . .

Jill, my favorite subject, chords. My wife who passed away in 1994 attended the School of Performing Arts, you would recognize the name Fame, there was a movie about the school. She played beautifully, sad to say she could not play without the music, unless she memorized the piece.

I started my journey with guitar. I studied with my first teacher for four years. After I spent my time searching for any teacher who knew more than I did. In 1987 I bought my first keyboard. (If my memory serves me right) I used all that I had learned with my guitar and brought it to the keyboard, the best thing I have ever done.

Part two: (smile) Chords and Chord Progression.

1-Chords are the basic harmony in all types of music.

2-Chord theory is important. You should be able to understand any chord, even if it is C13b9 sus4 #5. This is not a difficult learning.

3-If I am backing a singer or a solo instrument, chords and how they are played will effect notes they are singing or playing. Many years ago, a jazz singer asked if the accordion player would sit this one out. When I asked why she said; Accordion players normally voice their chords with the melody on top, which restricted her freedom to express what she was feeling.

4-Chords should be telling a story. It is that story that adds to a song. Chords are very important.

The above does nit normally apply to songs with three and four chords, but they could.

Jill, if you want the rest of the story please let me know.
John C.