IMHO;
Using midi files for backing is just fine, and most of what is being said I agree with. Here’s that little word again, BUT, Why not give the other side of thw story a thought. Why is playing live good, what does it offer that is good?

This is my story; It is not about the value of using midi files but the value of playing live. After playing live for many years I agreed to play a single singing and using my guitar for background. I knew or felt it might be empty, not enough going, on so I added a drum unit. It did fill the void but it had no character. It did not support my feelings/emotions as I played the song, it went it’s own uninteresting way.

I am guessing that there are certain types of music that hold the tempo without change. And there are other types of music the needs some slight variation, I referred to that as feeling the excitement. As the volume gets louder and the tempo increases ever so slightly so does the excitement of the dancers/audience. I have played songs where the people that were dancing, they lost it, they felt the excitement – The song did not end at the same tempo.

To be free enough to go in any direction the dancers/audience calls for is one good option. To bee free to cut the song short because of an on coming event is another good option –Or to extend the song because for a guest performer –Or to repeat the release because your favorite dancers just showed up, wow, what an option.

Having said all that – Yes, I am using midi files for some backing.
I don’t know how this will go over – I was called to play/help supply music for an up-coming Christmas party. The person who called is one of the Pastors at my church. I was not able to say yes, but I offered him my set of Christmas midi files so that the night would be more of a success.
Music without John being there. Hmmmm.

John C.