Diki, I think you explained it well. Many viewers keep their thoughts silent, so not to offend anyone, or to not over glorify another. It took me a while to establish a stronger backbone and I started posting again. Hey, I have the toughest critic in the world, within my family walls. I sent my new website to my wife and she said to take down everything but my instrumental! How's that for confidence. I played a party for a dying friend yesterday. It was supposed to be for a few family members. Drove 3 1/2 hours and couldn't even find a parking place. I was not prepared for 50 or more people. They shoved me in a corner and had my speakers behind a lazy boy, on the floor. Kids were running around my equipment and the mother told me to turn it down. Luckily, I had done a few songs for my friend, but I was so upset after that comment, I turned off the keyboard and promptly left. To make the day worse, I checked my phone at 6pm and read "Jim, where are you, you were supposed to be here for the Veteran's special at 2 pm". I couldn't even sleep last night and had thoughts of selling my gear. Stuff happens, but if you like what you do and your soul enjoys the happiness that your music brings, it's all ok.

solojim.com

Perhaps I'm missing something, you know, I'm still learning English... but if there was something about your singing, I'd say that you ought to be confident about it; singing is definitely one of advantages you have; I'm not even sure that a common audience pays a lot of attention to playing an arranger, but singing is usually something which everyone understands. You know, there're people (like me) who actually can't sing and when they try it's either laughable or "what's the hell is that?", and there are people who can sing, and you are one of them, it means that listening to it is comfortable, and I'm 100% comfortable with listening to your singing.

As for some unfortunate job you had recently, I understand your feelings. When I started to play in public, I had to play an acoustic piano, although all my previous practice was only with keyboards. Somehow for a long time I was mostly well-recieved. Then the economy got worse, people stopped to tip, basically people started to be less optimistic and less open to different kinds of music. What I'm trying to say is that although I was less experienced at first and don't even want to think about how I sounded there, I felt successful back then, and now when I think that I have more to offer, the general atmosphere makes me to question everything.

Last gig I had was practically ruined by kids and managers, and when there are not so many gigs at all it surely makes you wonder, but so far I just intent to minimize my efforts, I mean, if they don't care, neither will I, I'll just bring one keyboard, one speaker and will be playing to myself...

It often seems that things in life are rather independent from each other, and the things people say to us or do to us are not really about us, they are just about how they feel in this very moment and a lot of time people feel uncomfortable not really knowing the reason for that.

I think the thing to concentrate on is the technique and the utilization of the keyboard. Music tastes and abilities vary wildly, but one thing I hope pretty much everyone here has is a desire to improve…. After all, why else come here?!

I always liked Don Mason’s demos, because there was usually something neat with a guitar sound he pulled off, and that was something I could look at and try to copy or adopt. I try and take that into most things I listen to. Even if it’s something I would never do, you look deep enough, there’s probably at least ONE thing worth adding to your bag of tricks.

I do sometimes wonder if we listen hard enough to our demos before we post, though. One of the bees in my bonnet is how a large percentage of amateur demos (and even many pro ones too!) swamp the backing with the solo sound, and this is one of the easiest things to fix. The critic who’s advice you are the likeliest to listen to is always yourself! Have a careful listen BEFORE you post, and see if some common problems can quickly be fixed. Try the two take system. Listen to the first take, adjust your mixes, do another… it’s 99% of the time the better take!

Paul, I apologize for not commenting enough for the quality and professionalism in your performances.

What impressed me was the connection to an authentic, historic genre. I thought long and hard, but decided that some here would think that leading a discussion in that direction would be jet another example of me veering off course.

Your contribution is unique, professional and should be appreciated.

Jim, that was a day from hell. Hang in there. you work a lot, and you earn the work. Several times a year I remember your 4 hour visit fondly and symbolically kick myself in the A** over not taking the time to visit.

My thing is, it's one thing to share the workings of keyboards, but I also value learning how people get jobs, their playing history and what they're working on.

To me, that's a major takeaway from this site.


Be well, all,


Russ

Hey Jim, sorry to hear about your gig from hell, especially, after much effort and terrible conditions. I have weathered the same elements, but not a perfect storm like you had. I have up and left a venue a couple of times due to, what I considered, personal affronts, not music criticism. I have to admit, however, that I am not thick skinned about my chosen trade, but am venturing out of my comfort zone to bring people an enhanced performance. Because of the Covid-19 hiatus, I have worked hard to improve without having to prepare for my band, Karaoke, dinners, and NH gigs.

The new me has it's inherent dangers, as well as personal rewards. The venue I played for has shut down after being there three times a week for seventeen years. I am picking up some party gigs that requires a more aggressive approach. I will put on my hardhat and steel jock strap and let her go.

I may get bruised feelings, but, like Jim, I have been around too long to fold.

For every job from hell, there’s job that was a joy. Which ones you remember can govern your life… 🎹😎

A sage comment to be sure.

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Perhaps I'm missing something, you know, I'm still learning English... but if there was something about your singing, I'd say that you ought to be confident about it; singing is definitely one of advantages you have; I'm not even sure that a common audience pays a lot of attention to playing an arranger, but singing is usually something which everyone understands. You know, there're people (like me) who actually can't sing and when they try it's either laughable or "what's the hell is that?", and there are people who can sing, and you are one of them, it means that listening to it is comfortable, and I'm 100% comfortable with listening to your singing.

Kab, you are so intuitive.....yes, it was all about my singing. I was told I can do better. Brings me back to Diki's point: practice, practice, practice and then submit. In school you learn to write a business or other letter and send it a week later, after proofreading.

And thank you for the nice compliment too

Bernie, you and I sound alike. Thanks for the post

That's OK Russ, you were a busy guy that night. I enjoyed your performance and guitar playing! Hope to meet up one day again:)