SRB:   yeah, that sucks —

BT:   Man I know right. I don’t get that either.

PL:  Yeah, probably better looking too

BB:  What’s Talent and Personality have to do with it?

MG:   I just know that recently my band needed a sax player and we discussed the “Melinger Option”. Two guys threatened to quit,one had a seizure and another started drinking again after 20yrs sober. That was just the discussion.

Michael Melinger So what time does the gig start?

FD:  Then they play my style better than I do!

SS:  Don’t worry about it. They’re probably still judging you for something you done wrong 20 years ago. That’s their problem not yours. Just keep evolving.

JH:  I know and they’re so many of them

MK:  Hah! Melinger- we are going to have to “get our own damn gigs!”

FK:  That just doesn’t seem fair!

BB:  Who ever said life was fair?

FK:  No one I know ever said life was fair…and that doesn’t seem fair.

SL:  This is the one of the finest posts/comments streams I’ve ever read. It has more substance and creativity than half of the bass solos I’ve ever heard, and 99.78% of the scatting ever done, worldwide.

CM:  Mike, if it’s any consolation people don’t hire me because – and I quote – “you live like five states away.” That’s cold blooded.

SS:  I’m afraid to say anything.

DW:  I want all the gigs myself and for nobody else to have any.

SS:  I was just going to say that being passed over for gigs is a perfect opportunity to cultivate humility and generosity, but I think DW said it better.

GR:   I just assume people don’t like the way I play.

GR:  Hah! I was kidding; everybody lives the way I play, and the way I smell.

GR:  Lives = Loves

SS:   “Lives=Loves”. True that. That’s all we need to know. Thanks. And your personal hygiene is beyond reproach.

SL:   See? It just keeps getting better, like a James Polk B3 solo.

Michael Melinger I’ve been gone a few hours, but now that I’m catching up with this thread, I am convinced that I have the finest friends on the planet. Now, give me a damn gig.

CM:  Mike, can make a 9 pm down beat? My tenor payer in Boise bailed on me. I know I should have called you first, but…

Michael Melinger What’s it pay? Oh damn, there’s my crappy attitude again…

CM:  It’s a fundraiser for a good cause, so no pay, but we get a free meal and soft drinks, plus we’ll be on first call for any paying gigs they have, so don’t forget business cards. Oh, and can you bring a PA?

Michael Melinger  Already dying of exposure in Idaho, eh? Judging from your photos this morning, it should be quick.

JS:  Hey Michael. You play 120 schools a year (minimum of 4 gigs a week during the school year), as well as quite a few workshops a week. These are jazz gigs (REAL music!). You also have a successful teaching studio and other party gigs, etc. You have also managed to organize things to where you can do 99% of it within 35 miles of your home. You also create a nice environment to work in and your checks never bounce. I consider you one of the most successful musicians I have EVER met. For WHATEVER that’s worth!

JP:  You are preaching to the choir. Keep AJW working. You’re doing a wonderful job. That’s real satisfaction.

Michael Melinger Thanks, you two. I’m hoping you realize my tongue was planted firmly in my cheek when I wrote that post. Judging by the number of ‘likes’ it must have struck a chord.

MN:  Really isn’t fair, is it?