WOW! Great feedback. Thanks.

Actually Russ, you make a good point. Earning your living from music DOES at times put you in the position of having to act like a MacDonald's manager. Rarely, but it happens.

UB Ed. The instances I was citing happened MANY years ago. If it were a current situation I'd have been more careful and far more general about the "problems" I encountered. (Guest..I understand your caution)

First of all, top notch musical ability is simply a "given". My guess is that in most major cities there are probably about 20 really skilled musicians on the kind of instruments we discuss on Mudcat (20 of each, that is). Folks who play well, have "big ears", and know what's expected of a professional....'cause their rent money depends upon it! Most of these players move around from band to band, and my experience has been that "personal conflicts" rather than "on stage performance" is the reason for it.

Guest: I hate fights. I hate unresolved arguements. I REALLY hate "making the best of things". If the "redneck" was Michael Coleman himself,(or Scottie Stoneman, or Yasha Heifetz) I probably couldn't work with him...and I'd kick my own ass for not being able to...but that's me.

Almost every good player (and I suspect you're a VERY good player) in Toronto works with at least three bands. Don't see a problem with it. I love folk, blues, jazz and country, and at different times have enjoyed working with groups in those styles.

Now the funny thing is that I met a Mudcatter who I'd KILL to work with, but it was only after getting to know them and really liking where they were coming from "human being" wise, that I found out about this person's top notch musical skills. Bit of a commute though, so we'll probably play together sporadically...or in the next life.

Rick