Bob Lefsetz http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/ talks about how real success in the music business is about putting in 10,000 hours of rehearsal time in order to become really good at what you do. That came to mind at the recent NAMM show in Anaheim. The NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants) is the music business’ annual trade show, featuring hundreds of musical instrument manufacturers. I was walking through the exhibits when I heard the unmistakable sound of Talent. In one of the booths, all by himself, was a guy just wailing on a keyboard setup. Playing to tracks, but with a fervor and level of expertise that not only drew a crowd, but got rousing ovations at the end of each number. I didn’t recognize him at first, but as I drew closer I could make out his name tag – “Brian.” Then he launched into “Freedom Jazz Dance, ” and I finally figured out this gray-haired chap (who was, by now, working up a sweat) was the legendary Brian Auger. Yep, as a keyboardist, I grew up listening to him. Real talent does not need lights, dancers, smoke machines, or sub-woofers.
http://www.brianauger.com/