I don't consider a paid performance any different from an unpaid one - in any way. I try and give my very best whether there's money involved or not, and most of my musical buddies are just the same. This is why I'm sceptical about the 'divide' between professional and amateur.

I'm not talking about musical differences. I should hope that everyone plays their best all the time. I do, however, think there is a difference between a jam session and a stage performance. For a jam session, you are pleasing yourself and your friends. For a performance, you are supposed to be pleasing an audience. Some of the differences are playing well-arranged music, interacting with the audience in some way, being capable at dealing with a PA system, starting and stopping on time, and conducting your business with integrity. None of that is important in a session or a sing-around.