AJ (bluesplayer),

I was not denigrating the workstations in my post; however, with all its capabilities, even with the drum track running, I don't think you would use the Motif in a solo act as the only keyboard. I am sure that it is useful in playing high-quality solo voices over the accompaniments that your PA80 is playing, or for playing with a band, or a sequencer backup. In other words, if you had to bring a single keyboard to a solo gig, it would probably be the PA80.

I think Don has answered Diki's comments really well. Even if we are using a shortcut by employing a backing style, the reason it is possible is because much of the "original" music is not all that original, and can indeed be matched with the preset musical styles. Oftentimes I hear a song, and can't help but think that its parts sound a lot like a piece of another song (that's why many artists talk about their "influences"). Still, I will second (third) Don and Gary in saying that there is a lot more involved than playing single-finger chords when using an arranger.

Don, I recall you mentioning the drummer running off with the bass player's wife a few times before. Must be a true story, eh?

I too sometimes perform with other musicians, a trumpet player and a vocalist. Initially I tried to put together a band, but found that even some good players do not have what it takes to play in a band that must vary its repertoire, rather than play everything from the sheet music in front of them, so I stick with the few people that like me can do this, and replace the others with the arranger tracks. It's not even a question of money, but musical jelling together.

Regards