Which is enjoyable for me, being a piano player. However, playing over a SMF can sound very busy, depending on the SMF. In most cases, I'll strip much of what's there, often leaving only drums, bass, and perhaps chording guitar.

Two additional advantages, IMO, is having the freedom to keep my left hand on the pitch and mod wheels for sax and guitar solos. Also, spending less time looking for and punching buttons means better interacting with my audience.

Glenn