It's not what the audience "thinks" that's important - it's how they "FEEL".
That's the only thing to consider when entertaining. The use of arrangers is no more "purist" than the "K" word, so let's not get high and mighty because we trigger a few more chords in real time.
That guitarist was doing exactly what he/she would have been doing in a larger band. Same thing for the singer and the drummer. Driving laws, and insurance has cut the sizes of bands, and that trio has found a way to keep working in spite of the changes. Bravo.

There are many bass players, trombonists, etc that feel that keyboard players are stealing work from other solo musicians too, so it's a "Catch 22" no matter how you look at it.

It's time to can all the stereotypes, and just get your butt on stage and put on the best show you know how.
Forget how they did it years ago ..... forget how the other guys are doing it ......
forget what I say, and just get up there and shine, baby, shine !
The music business ( pro or amature ) was built on the "fun factor" - don't take that away! Play, enjoy, entertain, emcee, DJ, host .... whatever you need to do to "reach" the crowd.

This topic of "cheating" comes up way to often in a forum of players that rely heavily on LOTS of automation. Let's give it a rest and concentrate on the real issue - PLAYING the crowd.


nuff said

[This message has been edited by Uncle Dave (edited 08-30-2004).]