[Dixielandjazz] My advice

[billsharp]

I just stole a DJMLers sentence  from a posting that went " I  try to 
tell people not to listen to me, but they won't listen to me."  and am 
now using it as a signature on the bottom of my emails.  This may just 
apply to what I'm going to say next - -

If you're going to solo, something magical has to take place in you 
head. It's like  taking a trip - -you have to be able to know where to 
begin, where you're going, and how to get there , by recognizing the 
signs along the way.  In music, the "signs" are the chords, and you 
have to recognize them.  You have to be able to drive (play) well, but 
with  comparatve speed and skill to that of a racecar driver, which 
means that you must be able to control your vehicle (instrument ) with 
precision.

  Here's is one way to get there if you are not that skilled at this 
moment - --Step 1) start with tunes that you already know, no matter 
how simple, and play it by ear ---like Happy Birthday, You Are My 
sunshine, The Saints, Christmas carols,  and work your way through each 
tune, until you can play it in time.   Change Keys, 5, 6, 7, 8 times.

Do this with 10 tunes, minimum.  You will Improve.  If not by then, and 
something magical doesn't start happening, don't give up your day job 
to play music.

Step2)  to be announced ( by others who will have plenty to post, I'm 
sure)