Jim, I don't think this is universally true. Virtually all jazz clubs and most upscale venues want just the opposite; or at least, that's how it is in this neck of the woods (Atlanta). There is a wealth of top shelf musicians in this area and in the well-to-do northern suburbs of Atlanta (Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Diluth), "live" means "live".

I play (sparingly - no more than once a week) as an organ trio w/guitar/drums and female vocalist in a fairly large jazz club that serves mediocre, grossly overpriced, food (or a mediocre restaurant that serves great jazz - take your pick) and the place is packed to the rafters with upper-middle class suburbanites in the 30-50 age range, 90% White, 10% "other" (which roughly approximates the local demographic). There are three other similar venues (one physically connected to a comedy club w/same ownership) where the situation is the same - packed houses every Thurs -Sat. In all cases, the featured bands range from 4 (like ours) to 7 pieces. The pay is decent but not earth-shattering. But the point is, you won't make more as a solo entertainer using canned backing because you'd never get hired; not in a million years. My point is, if you provide REALLY good music, there will always be an appreciative audience willing to pay for quality. I should mention, none of these places have dancing. I'm sure there are clubs in the area that do but I'm not familiar with them or who plays in them.

Just another opinion.

chas