If you need the auto accomp for real time playing, then you'll need a program like Jammer Live or RMCA. If you only need it for composing, than I would consider stepping up to Jammer Pro or going with Band in a Box, especially if you'll want to create your own styles ( I don't think you can on Jammer Live ).. I have both of the latest versions and like Jammer a whole lot better for a good bit of what I do. Used to it's full capacity it's much less canned sounding and the styles are generated by algorithimic patterns and can vary a lot from bar to bar if you'd like them to, but BIAB is better as a teaching aid for those who might want or need to learn a little more about music.

There are differing features and approaches with each of those two. BIAB has more options to purchase more additional styles. Version 11 adds some new features for style creation. In BIAB though, basically you'll need to record pieces either by step recording or real time recording if you want to make up your own styles. You can also import small pieces of midi files into it that canbe added into a new or modified style. It does not have a traditional sequencer though, ( you cannot import pieces or whole midi files in it to play alongside with the styles), but it does have a few interesting features that Jammer Pro does not. There is also much more company and user after market support for it than there is for Jammer pro.

In Jammer Pro you can either step enter notes for new styles or allow it's very complex algorithim style edit function to do it for you. Or you can use a combination of both. there is no facility for real time recording to make new styles, but you can use real time or step recording via it's sequencer to add any parts you'd like to independent of the styles. You can also import midi files into it and then mix and match or delete parts of the midi file and replace them with custom Jammer made parts.

Jazz sequencer is a freeware program ( used to be commercial ) that works very nicely also for creating rythym patterns in jazz and other styles.

You can download demo versions of Jammer, BIAB, RMCA pro, and a few other useful composition programs over at Hitsquad or one of the other music download sites. I either still have or have tried and discarded nearly every program out there that allows for accompaniment creation, so if you do decide to go the trial version route and I can be of any help, feel free to email me. I'm not quite as in tune with the real time auto accomp programs, but I'd be happy to help in any way that I can. My addy is on my profile.

Korg AJ

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 03-12-2002).]