I can hit and work the bender every bit as good as you can..... but I can work it MORE if I don't have to play chords. That's all I'm saying. I'm not talking about synth sounds, but sax, and lead guitar, pedal steel etc., that bend and scoop almost every note in one way or another.
Sure, you can get close, but you CAN get closer......
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An arranger is just a tool. What matters is what you build with it..!