As a new member I'm loving this thread. It's making me revisit old friends and make new ones.
I've hung out in jazz clubs since the early 70's and have had the opportunity to meet a number of really fine musicians. I've met a few of the famous ones we all know as well as a lot of "A" players; musicians who never made it "big time" but travel most of the year playing gigs.
One of the things that hit me was that there are, in fact, a lot more truly fine musicians than we know exist. I've played with some smokin' hot killer players who did things other than play music to make a living. It hit me that in order to make it, you have to be willing to embrace the lifestyle. In other words, you have to be happy being away from home. Pro athletes, actors etc all do this. Yes they are the best, but I believe there are many others that are also the best we never see because they don't want the lifestyle.
As much as I'd like to play full time I couldn't handle the being gone. This song played by Chet Baker gives one insight into that life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4PKzz81m5c#t=13
Also, has anybody ever read "But Beautiful?"
- Holiday greetings to all,
Bob
I've hung out in jazz clubs since the early 70's and have had the opportunity to meet a number of really fine musicians. I've met a few of the famous ones we all know as well as a lot of "A" players; musicians who never made it "big time" but travel most of the year playing gigs.
One of the things that hit me was that there are, in fact, a lot more truly fine musicians than we know exist. I've played with some smokin' hot killer players who did things other than play music to make a living. It hit me that in order to make it, you have to be willing to embrace the lifestyle. In other words, you have to be happy being away from home. Pro athletes, actors etc all do this. Yes they are the best, but I believe there are many others that are also the best we never see because they don't want the lifestyle.
As much as I'd like to play full time I couldn't handle the being gone. This song played by Chet Baker gives one insight into that life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4PKzz81m5c#t=13
Also, has anybody ever read "But Beautiful?"
- Holiday greetings to all,
Bob