Uncle Dave, let the truth be told. You are right, but there is something special about playing with a live band, if you're playing with pro musicians. It's awesome to invent up on stage right on the spot and have the crowd go nuts, how about your drummer doing a solo in between songs "can't really do that with an arranger". I do agree with everything you said, but it is a matter of personal preference. I play for crowds of 500 - 5000, I've done solo appearances for promtional purposes only, cd played and I sang, it's not the same.