Sorry Donny, it was honestly NOT my intention to put down people who enjoy playing along to pre-recorded backing tracks, and offer my apology to you (and anyone else) who might have taken offense.

I myself used to perform with karaoke style backing tracks, but only 'after' purchasing an arranger keyboard, did I discovered how much more 'musically satisfying' (to me), playing in auto accompaniment mode was.

I realize that many top artists of the day are utilizing backing tracks on stage (and with great success). I totally respect that, but for me, I want to be both band conductor and performer, and have the flexibility of taking a song 'where I want' and 'when I want', on the fly, while performing onstage. I never play a song exactly the same way twice. The ability to modulate keys at will, play different substitution chords, take an extra chorus, etc is simply not possible with a pre-sequenced backing track. I suppose, since this is an 'arranger kb specific' forum, I felt it was ok to express my opinion in support of 'arranger mode' playing.



I believe what keeps the music from sounding 'boring and repetitive' is OUR 'live' playing' (as well as singing) & how we 'interact' with the backup band (accompaniment). IMHO, arranger auto accompaniment backup supports this better than a commercial pre-sequenced backing track can.

Donny, I agree with you that it's the overall sound and performance that counts, no matter which performance method you choose. I welcome hearing from others with their thoughts on this topic as well.

Scott