Working Man

Hello friends, welcome back to Blake's Blog.

I know I haven't posted recently, but today I am checking-in with you.

It is early April 2025 now, and the last three months of 2025 went by very quickly. I am reflecting today on my many years of work as a full-time bassist. Most of those years were in Denver, and three of those years were in Kansas City. Of course, there are several previous Blake's Blog entries where I talked at length about those years.

Today's thoughts are about comparing my current workload here in Florida to the many years I played gigs elsewhere. After having just experienced the January-March time period it really hit me how much more I am working here in Florida. I can easily recall many years in Colorado where the months of January through March were very 'light' as far as gigs. I remember March in particular as a month that would usually be very 'bleak' with hardly any gigs. This was mostly a result of my playing in wedding bands, and in Colorado there were no brides having their weddings during the winter. So, I'd have to wait until the summer for the gig calendar to fill up.

Since I moved to Florida in 2023 I have played very few wedding gigs. I don't really miss them that much either, as I have done HUNDREDS of wedding gigs in my career! Instead, I am playing mostly at restaurants, hotels, country clubs and performing arts venues for concert audiences. I am currently experiencing a wide variety of gigs, venues and artistic culture.

My calendar right now is as busy as I've ever been, I have a gig almost every single day! Currently I may only have 2 or 3 days off per month, and I love having a day off so that I can spend some time with my wife and actually have dinner together. I don't necessarily want to have a gig every single day but the earnings are good...and of course, I am grateful.

Also, the cash tips on most gigs are remarkable here in Florida, which is very cool indeed.

This year looks to be my best year ever for earnings. It am full of gratitude to be turning 61 (in just a few weeks) be still able to work this much playing bass.

I have not been doing any private teaching since moving to Florida two years ago. For most of my career, the income I made from private teaching was a major part of my earnings and my ability to pay my bills. That situation has really changed, I now am only playing gigs. I am also not doing as much session work now as I have in the past, as the recording scene is fairly non-existent here in SW Florida. I still have some long-time associates I record for from my own studio, and I always welcome any opportunity to record bass.

This week I continue playing with many different players and groups. In addition to the variety of unique bookings I may have on any given day, I also have 3 gigs every week which are steady, regular gigs. It's great to have that consistent and dependable income and camaraderie!

These weekly gigs include engagements with these groups:

Kitt Moran, a professional female singer with a jazz trio playing American Songbook material.

Matt Ragas and the Geniuses, a talented male singer with jazz trio playing American Songbook and also familiar pop hits re-imagined and done in a fun, jazzy style.

I also have my first gig this week with SW Florida's top artist, Danny Sinoff. Danny is the first cat I heard about when I moved here, and he has a stellar reputation. He is a pianist and singer, similar to Harry Connick. He had offered me several dates recently, none of which I was available for. Finally, things worked out for us to perform together later this week. We will play at The London Club, Naples' top jazz club, ultra swanky. I am stoked to play this gig, hopefully it will result in more work with Danny. Can't wait.

Okay, that's just a bit of an update on what's been happening with me lately.

Hope all is well for you! Cheers!