dave
you should be a musician therapist.

Loved reading that "take" on our Quick Change Artist:

Thanks, U.D. ....got time for a session next week. I need some couch time... but for different reasons. LOL!

----Dave (the lesser)

I friggin’ love this place 😇

Hi Dave,
you basically set me on my new path last year.

I’ve sort of turned my sx900 and p121 into a Clavinova ( of sorts)

P121 as controller ( makes the sx piano’s sound great, love the weighted keys) and the sx for the style engine.

I can play solo piano on the p121.

Then if I want to play as an arranger, I can suit myself if I want to use p121 as controller or just play the sx itself.

After 20 years of just basically fiddlling round with keyboard technology, it took an accident to give me a wake up call, and actually start playing again.

Hope yo find what you’re looking for Donny.

Quote from Dave: I think you'll be much more content if you let the parade pass by (so to speak) ... and enjoy the creation process at home. Make tracks, improvise, record another album .... cherry pick a few jobs that make you happy, spend less time on this forum (he said with love), and get out there and do something productive.

I too,applaud Dave's sincere advice,but thinking of myself,I doubt if I could be happy if I didn't have any engagements to prepare for. I think the idea of cherry picking a few jobs is important,since you have been an entertainer for so many years.

Bernie

Most people that retire are excited with the thought that they don’t have to continue doing their job. They are happy that it is over. Musicians do not carry the same feeling. Retiring from playing music is the last thing they want.

There is something else that is involved here, it is what Gary has shared with us -- the decline in health and the ability to do what we always have done. Most of us hide this part of the equations. Dave talked about this I a kind way, I feel both issues must be looked at, they are attached.

I have learned to accept age and loss of ability; it was not an easy task. I fought with all that I have. During this period, I silently bought and sold more keyboards than I than any other period in my life. I needed he next new model, or I have to add more interesting songs, the list was long. The reality came when I realized that I was preparing for a possible job, which I knew I could no longer do. I had the instrument and the knowledge, but not the energy, nor did my hands perform as they did.

The good part:
Since I accepted my reality the search is over. I have a Sx900 which I am thoroughly enjoying. AND it is NOT being set up to play a job; it is being set up with the same love of music I had at the beginning, the reason I bought my first keyboard, to play the music I loved.

I had no choice. It was either chasing after something that could not have or accepting the reality.

I am happy, I love people, my wife and I are in a great place, and I play my keyboard every day. Life is good now!
John C.

Thanx all kind words for sure and deep heart felt thoughts.
you can feel by reading these posts how much music means to many of us.
Keep the flame burning !
“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by.
No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”

If the health factor is added, I quite agree that one stay in music to any degree you can.

Uncle Dave: Beautifully written and very true.

Bernie: I agree. You can have fun playing at home but it doesn't mean as much if you are not out there performing live.

Tracy, that’s a matter to where you are in your life. At 50, 60,70, I would agree with you.

John C.