C'mon Don. You know I respect you as much as anyone on SZ, but how does anything in my posts translate into an assertion that "Elton John is not a Pro"? First, I don't equate the use of backing tracks (as used by 'Superstars' in smaller venue productions) the same as an arranger performace. I'm guessing he was probably playing acoustic piano at that show. BTW, did you read about the really nasty reception Britney Spears got in Australia or UK, can't remember which, for lip-syncing her so-called performance. As a general rule, I'd say that most audiences want to hear the real thing.

As far as your imagined reception of an arranger player on a jazz organ forum (if one existed), wouldn't that just reinforce my reasons for not wishing to use an arranger in a jazz venue? It's starting to seem like an opinion has to pass muster with certain people less the poster risks getting trashed.

Seems like a good time to vacate this thread since it seems that everything I say is going to be translated into something I didn't say or assingned meanings that everyone knows are bogus. Since I have three arrangers, I would think that under normal circumstances, that would qualify me to have an opinion on an arranger forum. Apparently others don't see it that way. Oh well, what's new.

chas