As good as the Ketron nd Yamaha top end arrangers are, to me, they're not as "top shelf" as the group at the top of this post. The arrangers we're talking about are great. Group playing is a different animal. Please notice, I'm not claiming one is superior to the other, given some contributing factors like budgets, space, rehearsal requirements, etc.
It's just that, to me, the interplay between musicians of similar backgrounds and abilities is greater than the sum of the parts. Unfortunately, for me, as well as others, group work is not always either possible or practical.
Russ
I have to agree with you there, Russell...as good as today's arrangers can put out relatively realistic backgrounds, there is no substitute for "live" play, and the way each musician connects and inspires the other.
For me, playing together in a band is not practical most times, and I have learned to be very content with using an arranger, both for "live" gigs, and for writing and arranging music at home.
I'm just glad that arranger instruments were invented and developed to the degree they are today...now, at least I have a choice.
But, as far as TOTL arrangers being as good as a tight group like the one Donny posted...no, they're not there....yet.
Ian
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