....WHY TRY TO CHANGE ME NOW....

My guitar player, Bob Szmik, an old geezer like me (he used to own a HVAC install/repair company but long retired) just whipped this out and sent it to me (along with the sheet) to go over for our next rehearsal. We haven't played together much since Covid but stay in touch (he only lives 15 min. away). Although he just recorded a quickie plain vanilla version for me to practice to, his playing is so naturally lyrical and pretty (tasteful) that I thought I'd post it even if the only one that might listen to it would be Capt. Russ.

This is (obviously) not an arranger performance but one of the reasons I decided to post it was a recent post by Deane (Hammer) asking "when is it time to quit". Bob told me the other day that he'd quit playing and was now just into listening. I was quite taken aback and asked why someone with his talent and experience would quit playing and he couldn't explain it, just that he was now just into listening and that maybe he'd go back to playing sometime in the future. Given his age, it had better not be too far into the future . Is this a case of just being 'burned out' after a lifetime of playing music? What do you think?

In any case, I'm including the clip he sent me along with the sheet, in case someone wants to try it on for size. It's an oldie-but-goodie called 'Why try to change me now'. Very easy changes. If you record it, with or without arranger, please post it. I love the tune.

chas

nice playing
i quit performing live 16 years ago (im 76). BUT i never stop thinking about playing and im always looking at eguipment to buy even though i dont need it. i dont miss the business but i do miss the thrill of people enjoying my music. i also learned when its time to leave the stage. i get more excited about working in the computer field than learning a new piece of music now. it changes from time to time . one day its music , next day its building a computer or rebuilding a laptop to give to a friend. so i get what hes saying.

Chas, I truly enjoyed to rendition of, Why Try to Changes Me Now.

You did not just play the song, you played you and the song. All those extra notes belong to Chas.

Please, please, post more of you.
John C.

As an ex-guitar player, I truly appreciated this one Chas. I could never have performed this one, and I applaud anyone that could master all those notes on a guitar. Playing that high on the neck was always problematic for me, but this guy really nailed it. WOW!

Gary

On top of that Gary, he's one of the nicest, most modest guys you'll ever meet. Like Russ, he loves his old vintage (read EXPENSIVE) guitars; unlike Russ, he only has about 3 of them. He also played in our little 'old fogies' group. I have a couple of recordings of just him and I if I can find them. He does a solo on one of them, 'Angel Eyes' that is just downright beautiful. If I find it, I'll post it. Playing with guys like Bob always makes YOU play better. My advice, forget about being the 'star', play with the best musicians you can find. That's how you grow.

chas

TASTY!


R.

Words of wisdom.