The part of Donny's post that I agreed with was the observation that just because Keith Jarrett (or Jon Lord or anybody else, for that matter) causally stopped by an exhibitors booth (probably on the way to the Nord booth ) and checked out an instrument, doesn't automatically mean that the status or perception of that instrument is suddenly and miraculously uplifted and changed forever (several other members seemed to agree). Wasn't Stevie Wonder caught playing a Casio? I think it's safe to say that MOST keyboard artists are curious about anything with keys. Who among us doesn't run our fingers over the keys of every low-end Casio we pass in Costco or BJ's or Sam's Club.

Truth is, Scott solicited a response from me (and Russ) and I merely pointed out that he should stay true to his own feelings and convictions and not be overly concerned about mine. After all, what's valid for one person doesn't have to be valid for everybody. I'm sorry if that makes me come off as childish or immature. What's the point of having a discussion forum if everyone has to be in agreement. If you go back and read my posts carefully, you will see that the only thing I have said that seems to upset some, is that IN MY OPINION, I don't think the "mainstream" music community (excluding arranger players) considers auto-accompaniment machines as legitimate musical instruments. DonM opined that he didn't think most musicians even knew what an arranger keyboard was. I agree, but that only supports my view. It doesn't mean that I don't like arrangers; I have three (plus a copy of Band-in-a box). I guess I equate them (in terms of importance) to a computer/word processor while writing the 'great American novel'. It's handy, even fun to use, but adds little to the content.

It was merely a private opinion, based on my own life experiences in the music community.

chas