Indeed... the balancing act is the main thing. I simply get the urge to point that out every now and again when I read posts that simply ignore the musical side completely, and just crow about the money (and there are several here that do that).

And, of course, I use an arranger for solo and duo stuff myself, so don't ever think that the money end of it is of NO concern to me at all! But I DO like to try and balance things out, and remember that playing fine music (and it doesn't have to be jazz - I am equally happy with just about anything, as long as it is played with passion and commitment) is probably as important to my soul and survival as the money that I make.

But I think I would like to clear up one thing, from at least my limited experience...

I don't believe there is ANYWHERE near the resistance from 'other' players to the use of an arranger as your regular, band keyboard as some make out. To be perfectly honest, I believe most other musicians care about as much what YOU play, as you do which guitar THEY play, or what brand drumkit, or what type of bass. Basically, if you ROCK, they don't give a hoot. (Just DON'T fire up the auto section on the breaks at rehearsal, and play a bossa nova!)

But I am fairly certain that if you go into a band gig, and play the way I have heard many play on this forum (not all, of course, and whoever is reading this, of COURSE I don't mean YOU ), it is possible that, to be kind, they MIGHT try to tell you that it is the keyboard...

But it isn't... Just like the guy in the clip at the bottom of p.1 of this thread, no-one cares when you can play that well WHAT you play. Something to consider...

Performance or equipment...? Performance - EVERY TIME..!

[This message has been edited by Diki (edited 10-26-2007).]