TRIBUTE TO THE OLD SCHOOL

The latest issue American Musical just came in and I could not be happier! The first 68 pages of this magazine can put a smile on my face for hours. Speakers, Lights, Cables, and Lasers! What is this DJ to do?
I’m sure you have seen the YouTube Videos and promotion at the expos. QSC and JBL have new speaker lines out as well as American DJ and Chauvet with lighting. Wireless solutions for speakers and latest CD players by Pioneer make me want to scream!
Thankfully I am married to this wonderful woman who keeps my spending in check. I will admit that it hurts when I am told that I have enough “toys” and I can’t afford to get any more gear. What do you mean I have enough gear? We have plenty of room to store the new gear. This laser will make my next event unforgettable! I can charge more for this! The answer is still no…
Yes being up to date with gear is great if you are rich and are working gigs every week or own a DJ store and use the gear at events. (I would love to own my own store)
I think DJS should be smart when making upgrades to sound or lighting. We should be smart and make the best use of what we have. If it sounds and looks good at every event and there are no complaints leave it alone! Save money and wait until you have enough money to buy the new toys. Sell the old ones and buy new ones. You can keep some stuff to work smaller events where you can get away with what you have.
There is nothing wrong with buying low end gear. Not everyone can afford to get the best stuff. Use the low end gear for smaller events like house parties or VFW halls. Once you can afford the upgrade and can handle bigger events like Weddings, get the high end stuff. Don’t think because you have the best gear around you are the best around. It takes practice to get all the components together to work and make an event a good one.
This is more for the beginner DJ. Buy smart and practice every day! It will show in your delivery and I know you want to make an impression every show!
Now back to my magazine…

Then there were the Platters that my aunt would love to listen to.

Yes Mexican groups to American music in a blink of an eye.

I was lucky to have a family who loved music. My Aunt was a famous dancer in Mexico who performed in ballets. My Uncles had a band and performed songs from The Doors and Beatles. They would call one of them Ruby Morrison. (His name is Ruben)

After making the move to Chicago we would go to family events. Back in those days bands played all the events and I just loved it. I would stand near the stage and watch closely wishing I could be up there playing with them. Feeling the bass just moved me; but when the guitar solo came, now that was just the best to watch. The guys playing keyboards and horns often stole the show.

Years later I took up guitar and the organ. I loved playing both instruments. Learning to read music and play at the same time was a bit hard for me. I would hit every note but yet I felt I was off. I decided to start memorizing the sheet music and play by ear. My teacher took notice and was not pleased. Needless to say my music career ended soon after that…