Thanks for the kind words, Genie.   i am flattered at being included on your list with Leadfingers and David Scheim. David is simply amazing--especially the way he can literally pluck a jazz harp accompaniment out of the air. I'm sorry I don't get a chance to hear Leadfingers very often--usually only when I make it over to Sidmouth.   When I do, it's a pure delight to hear him.

As far as my own accompanying, I try to adhere to the maxim of the famous accompanist Gerald Moore, reflected in the title of his autobiography---Am I Too Loud?    Aim is to weave a harmony or countermelody around the singer or lead instrument, not being tentative, but only bringing the viola out at the ends of phrases, unless given the opportunity for a break. And trying not to trespass on the singer's range unless doing a duet with him or her.

To complement, not compete.l