Hi Eddie.
I am deeply touched by your thoughtful post.

Eddie wrote <"I don't know if you have had exposure to the masters">
As a kid I was forced to do all 12 classical piano grades which I absolutely hated. I was constantly vilified and bullied because boys play football , not learn the piano . This resulted in a love of Rock music and a lifelong pursuit of the Martial Arts. Opera however is a mystery to me.

Eddie wrote <"I don't know if you are young, old"> I am 65 years young.

Eddie wrote <"Tell us more about you"> Recently retired , Believe in live and let live, love making music ,
motorcycles and martial arts, bit of a loner , married 4ever , gravitate to fellow musicians . Love biab to help create music since retiring. https://soundcloud.com/search?q=gary%20weder

Eddie wrote <"(I SO want to do a country band with a horn section!)"> Would that be Western Swing ? I wish you well to bring that project to fruition

Eddie wrote <"If you want to know about funk, you listen to Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire, and Average White Band. ">
I regretfully bypassed these bands but I am going to rectify that henceforth thanks to your recommendation.

Eddie wrote <"I am just burned out from it after 64 years of playing.">
I hope you soon find the spark again to ignite those creative fires.

Thank you for your valued input Eddie.