Fran ... I don't think Jill took as much issue with Scott's comments as you did ... And he was (admittedly)expressing his OWN opinion, which as a member of this forum he has a right to do, as do YOU ...

When someone lays themself out for others to hear, I think it is expected (hoped for) that there will be some feed back... especially when one says "Guess it's open season now!"
Jill has asked and received help from this forum and she will continue to do so as she puts together her 'act' to take it on the road as a solo ... I am sure she is strong enough to accept some 'constructive' criticism ...

Scott... While the use of midi backing files may not be for everyone (apparently you included), it is a resource many others use ... I think a number of us perhaps consider ourselves "entertainers" more than 'players', and I for one will use whatever technology is available to help satisfy the client ... I started out many years ago playing unamplified accordion ..I now play an arranger keyboard WHY??? ... because I can and it helps satisfy my clients...
I have often said that I miss "the old days" when our band could take a top hit, play it in 'our' style and the clients would love it ... Unfortunately, that's not the case anymore...Too often now, if it doesn't sound like the record it's not good enough...

Jill ... I've listened to your songs, and if I may suggest, you might want to be careful with the delay/echo/reverb during live performance ...although I thought it gave "Summertime" a nice quality...
As others have said ... You sound good, you look good, and based on what I've read from you, you have certain standards which will help you be successful in this crazy business...
t.