Clif,
There are many playing style options available when playing both acoustic piano as well as arranger keyboards. Playing rootless type chords is only "one" style I like to have at my disposal. I play this style (on my KN5000 arranger keyboard) when I want to play as the 'pianist' with the arranger supplying the auto-accomp rhythm section (drums, bass, etc). For other types of playing, I split the keyboard into two sounds (bass sound in the left hand and keyboard sound in the right hand) though still maintaining the entire keyboard for chord recognition (full keyboard mode). I then play chords in the right hand while my left hand lays down the bass line (similar to what Uncle Dave does) with the drums (rhythm section) only and/or with other instruments (minus bass) playing as the auto-accompaniment. Then there are the more traditional arranger keyboard playing method approaches. Each has its' strengths and weakness' but the wonderful thing is that every playing style offers something different. Having many styles of playing at your disposal only enhances the music. I come from the "less is more" school of music. I look at the backup arranger as just that, a backup for 'MY' LIVE playing & singing. I don't want to get bogged down with the details of the backup parts (such as different chord riffs for each different chord inversion of a given chord), afterall, I hope the audience came to hear me, not the arranger backup band (ha, ha, ha). In my opinion, the most important arranger keyboard function (which helps to make the backup band sound live and spontaneous) are the drum "fill" and "fill to" buttons. When used in the right places (via foot controller), it will greatly enhance the drummer's realism.

Make music and make people happy,

- Scott