X-rated Bob wrote
One part of me loves places like TJ's where anybody with a musical itch to scratch can scratch it, but another, snobbier, part of me agrees with people like Elton John and Joe Boyd that there are too many musicians in the world today, most of them with little original to say, and I don't want to add to the clutter.
I don't think that playing for yourself or a few other people is "adding to the clutter" at all. Nor does it detract from the music created by the more "professional" musicians. We have simply gone back to a time where anyone could make music and share it with others without needing some massive, money-hungry middleman to operate as gatekeeper and sole arbiter of what is good (or more likely, what will sell). I honestly think we are at the beginning of a new renaissance for music, with ideas and music being freely shared and focus for the working musician being on performances.
I've been looking at a lot of the newer technology lately and a lot of that makes creating music simpler and easier for
anyone to do. While in recent years I would have said that was a bad thing, I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that I've been totally wrong, that enabling people with little to no training or knowledge in music or playing traditional instruments is opening up new approaches, new sounds and new music, some of which will be influential. Those that remain open to the possibilities and who are willing to incorporate these new ideas can only benefit from them, IMO.
I'm making some calls today to get an idea of what I can expect to get for my acoustics (those are my only good guitars). The sun will still rise in the East tomorrow, and the next day, and the next...
Yes it will, but something tells me it will shine on a world (or yourself) a little poorer for it. ☹ Does it have to be all or nothing? You have enjoyed playing up until now and logic (or - to be honest - sheer bloody-mindedness on my part) says that can't just switch off completely. It might be at low ebb now, but for someone who obviously loves music as much as you do, I don't see that staying as the status quo permanently. Even if you just play for yourself occasionally or as "music to knit to", if enjoy it, it's a worthwhile pursuit.
