[Harp-L] Paper protects friendship (was re: jazz instruments and Galison/Peyroux)

["Dave R. Fertig" <drfertig@xxxxxxxxx>]

With loads of respect for the sad and painful  plight of Mme. Peyroux 
and Mr. Galison:

It's the lawyers, baby.  As one of the species (civil rights breed), 
I know it too well:  "entertainment" lawyers are (generally) like 
most lawyers, gill-net fishermen who love to watch the netted swarm 
fight, and would destroy the fish before letting it go 
free.    They're just after your roe, anyway.  "Generally."

And when a lawyer advises you to act inhumanely to protect yourself 
legally, protect your humanity first and legally kick the shyster's 
arse right out the door (after getting your files and etc.)  Believe 
me, the only humanity in the legal process is what you bring to it.

As for labels and distributors, well, how many seem to be run by 
lawyers these days?   I love the fact that Bad Boy Bonfiglio sold 400 
CD's at his gig in Wichita, but it's a long slog to make a living that way.

As always, be careful what you sign, BUT more importantly, be careful 
about learning what needs to get signed:  Paper protects friendships.

And c'mon, no matter what you sign, please don't sleep with the 
singer (unless s/he plays harp...)!

Thanks, Winslow, for the turgid and cautionary picture showing how 
things so nice can go oh so wrong.

Dave Fertig