Scott,
Those are some strong words from someone making a living using preset styles, automatic bass lines and rhythms.

C'mon .... admit it - we ALL use automation to serve us. We are not really playing totaly live anymore. We're adding live parts, but face the truth - we're slaves to the machines. It's a cold, hard truth.

The fact that some us us can still play acoustic piano, guitar, sax etc. is great for what it is, but in the OMB setting - we are directing, organizing, singing, entertaining, accompaning, soloing ...... we wear SO many hats.

It's just not fair to say that you are a totaly live player when you use these arrangers. Own up to the reality of the situation, and embrace the advantages.
We are in a new wave of metamophasis in our musicianship. The auto-stuff adds sizzle to our skils, but at the same time .... I'm sure it reduces some facility too. Sometimes I wish I still played manual bass all night long. I was better at it a few years ago. I love the work opportunities, but I don't prefer the actual work since arrangers came along.
I am always trying to feature MY hands during a night. I shut off the auto stuff and just bang away. It's good for my soul and it's good for the crowd too. Some places actually respond much better when I go solo. The only advantage to the machine for me, is in a dance situation.

I think we're more than just a step up from lip syncing, but it's definetely not fair to say it's 100% live either.


[This message has been edited by Uncle Dave (edited 11-06-2004).]