Ian,
Yes as you say a decent live band...but decent to me and I think maybe you too...is NOT what some of todays bands are about.

Balence are you kidding...go play some stuff on the radio.
You will definelty hear drums and screeming guitars, some vocals, doubt if you recognise any keyboards (at least not often).

But I'm with you, I like a pretty balenced sound except certain styles...and orchestral stuff.

BUT, I like to hear individual instruments stand out, sometimes drums or perc., maybe french horns building in the distance, maybe a quiet carinet solo...but very clear.
And strings that just sound real. A violin that has just the right vibrato, and brilliance.

What I don't like is when a bunch of intruments just muddy together.

Also, Live play to some is not the same to others. If you play at a club for dinner then dancing...that's different than playing a series of beautiful songs for listening plasure for a group of you friends you have over. That's what I do.

That's why I want my arranger to sound like an orchestra, not a band.

An arranger with kick ass drums (especially for Latin) is OK,but sure is not my only requirement.

Lee S.