I've been playing solo with an arranger and with sequences for a solid four years now. That means I've had four consecutive years with no excuses for bad music. No tempo problems, no overplaying by the guitarists, no egos to stroke, no problems with the band drinking or showing up late or getting bored or finally meeting the girl of their dreams who doesn't want them to play anymore right when you need them the most... how many reasons can YOU name why musicians can't or won't do their job?

I'll tell you the very best thing about having an arranger keyboard on stage with a band... it makes the band acutely aware that they can either be replaced or you can leave whenever you want and gig without them (and possibly in place of them). Were it not for that threat their overconfidence would mean they would hold your living at risk constantly, and they know it... they even flaunt it. And yeah, the fact that I've developed near-perfect timing also makes them aware that they'd better be on their toes if they don't want to look like rank amateurs. Musos may view arranger users as a threat - but is it because they think some robot will take their jobs, or is it because they secretly think their own flaws will become more apparent if they play next to you?

And BTW: I keep seeing these jabs at people who use sequences - some here and definitely more on other keyboard-related forums. Today's jab is from "Rog" who equates sequencing to "faking it". I guess he's joking but frankly I don't care if this is meant to be funny or not - it's really rubs me the wrong way to see keyboardists, of all people, putting down sequence users. I see no difference between using an arranger, where each measure is sequenced and you just switch between short sequences at will, or using an entire pre-sequenced song. Some of us work hard to develop our midi files, which is an artform in and of itself. Actually being able to entertain while using sequences is another unique talent... it takes balls to walk onto a big empty stage in front of a room full of people with nothing but a keyboard and some sequences, and something more to pull the gig off that way. Not one of my employers has ever implied that I am faking anything by using sequences or an arranger keyboard, so why are keyboard players doing it?

[This message has been edited by The Pro (edited 03-20-2005).]