My life behind the keyboards before arrangers was mostly as lead, rhythm and bass player for a trio of drums, sax (later guitar) and me. Having to play foot or left hand bass, song chords and occassional leads is not much different than what I do now, but the arranger or SMF does most of the work, leaving me more time for playing other/more things.

How many times has the style left me screaming for a live drummer and bass player - too numerous to mention. But I continue to plug away and dream of having six other capable musicians on stage to let me ROCK . But it's not gonna happen, soon or ever.

Using an arranger or SMF gives me an opportunity to be on stage - plain and simple.