Hey guys. For me, it's been great getting to meet and collaborate with musicians from many different backgrounds, and I thank the Most High for allowing me the opportunity to do such. I've learned so much from people sharing their wisdom and knowledge when playing. For instance, there's a local group in St. Augustine, Florida I get a chance to perform with four piece band by the name of "Funk Shuwey"(I'm not sure on the spelling) that plays classic rock, but from diverse backgrounds. Lead vocalist and guitarist Ron Norris, I didn't know that this guy was in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame for many of the classic 60's and 70's groups he worked with. Slide guitarist and vocalist Ron Peck worked with George Jones for 17 years, and is a fill in slide player for Jimmy Buffett. Bassist Rusty Springfield worked with Lou Rawls, Cole Porter, Ringling Bros. Circus, the Chiffons, just to name a few. These guys are great musicians and people to meet and greet. It's amazing the different walks of life musicians come from, but are able to communicate in the universal langauge of music.

Yes, Bruce, you sound like a lucky guy. I am no musician but I was always amazed while growing up how bands could travel all over the world, different cultures, different languages...yet put on the same show and have almost a universal positive affect on their audience. It's a neat thing.

I wish I had applied myself more towards music as opposed to sports. I'm sure I would have had many more opportunities to play with a lot more, and better, musicians and I most likely would have traveled a lot espescially to England. I love that Neo-soul, funk-jazz movement they have going!

I'm just thankful that I'm still able to do this 'cause 20 years ago, I allowed myself to become a crack addict, and lost gigs, the whole nine. If it wasn't for the fact that I had to kick that habit(I quit cold turkey), and Uncle Sam saw what little talent I had and gave me a second chance, I wouldn't be here with you great people, sharing these experiences. I don't take what I'm doing for granted, and everyday's a new experience when playing music.

Second chances. It's a blessing some of are given them, and we make good positive use of it.

Bruce... can't reply to your PM because your inbox is full.... but thanks for sending me the message.

Bruce-
sorry so long in posting here, (been on vacation etc) but just wanted to say a big loud "yes" to what you've stated here.
You've obviously taken responsibility for your life, cleaned up your lifestyle, and turned it into something positive.
I hope you pass this on to younger guys in the same situation you were in, to give them some hope that change can happen.....so many times, they just get tossed aside and ignored, and a few kind words from someone like you can make a big difference. I know, I've been there.

You've added a lot the board, thanks for being here.
Gotta go....
TonyY

Thanks guys. Kat, I just realized that I gotta clean my inbox, been busy n'all. Tony, you're right. As a matter of fact, when I get to talk to some of the younger cats, and I tell them my story, they're amazed of the fact that I got through it, and I tell them that's why I keep the gray beard (Unless I at times mess it up when trimming and have to shave it off!). It reminds me of what I went through, the work I had to do on myself for myself (I was a patient if you know what I mean), and as Elton John said on one of his greatest hits, "Im still standin'"!

I was playing reggae in St. Augustine, Florida at the Oasis bar and grill, and I ran into this older gentleman named Glen from Augusta, Georgia, who played in James Brown's band for 20 years or more. It's just funny the musicians you meet around the world. He was telling me 'bout the old recordings sessions like "Night Train", "Try Me", and "Please, Please, Please".

Hey guys. July 5, I had the opportunity to open for this young guitarist named Trey Alexander(www.myspace.com/treyalexander), who was the 2006 Guitar Magazine guitar hero, and man, this kid can play! Trey invited Tony Smotherman on stage with him to play some Hendrix, and the manager of the venue came to me and said that we were watching history, and these two young guys will become household names, and I told her that I'm glad I'm getting to witness it. What was sad is that there weren't many people there to see this, and the manager mentioned that there was a local thrash band that's playing the same venue, and tix are already sold out.