your question

12/23/2019 JimmyMe again.

My wife and I just got back from NY where we saw, wait for it... Harry Connick Jr. doing all Cole Porter. While some of the show was schmaltzy (it is Broadway, after all) when they hit the hard swinging stuff, it was amazing and Connick is a beast of a piano player. Yet, as I was watching the bass player, I kept thinking, "Man, Trevor Dunn would be killing this right now."
With this in mind, do you think, if the circumstances were right, you would ever find yourself in a show like that; even with the schmaltz? I mean, I'll bet you could tear up swing music.
Thanks for all you do. I'm always looking forward to your next project.

my answer

Well, been there done that. I’ve done my share of those kinds of gigs, although not on that level. In fact, even working in Mondo Cane was a similar “orchestra pit” type of gig. Not really my thing anymore. There is very little creative input coming from the orchestra in those types of productions. It’s more about “the show”. And though those types of musicians are totally pro and very skilled, it takes a certain mindset to do that night after night. I do love to play swing and old standards but preferably with friends, in small ensembles, at jam sessions in bars.