Hi Rikki,

Many thanks for the detailed explanation on how Salvatore created that custom style with variation 4 including a chord progression built in , which allowed him to fully dedicate his performance to that impressive guitar solo, and to freely & so expressively operate the PB/Mod stick. This would not have been possible to do in regular style variation mode.

Earlier today, I spoke on the telephone with Sz buddy Manuel Dorantes (both a Korg & Yamaha style programming professional), and not only did he explain the same thing to me as Riki just did, but he also informed me that this same type of style variation with a 'built in chord progression' can be accomplished on Yamaha arrangers too.
He even sent me a custom Yamaha style to showcase it. I was pretty blown away!
This is an exciting revelation because until now, I've always felt frustrated when performing solos in 'auto accomp' mode, when attempting to emulate instruments that so heavily rely on the pitch/mod wheel. Manuel says he will spend some time with me on Skype next week to explain in more detail how to create a built in chord progression style variation on the Yamaha Tyros 4, so if I'm smart enough to absorb it, I'll of share what I learn here.

In the meantime, a great big kudos to Salvatore for posting his outstanding PA3X keyboard 'auto accomp mode' rendition of Purple Rain.
I'm also impressed with the live sounding presence of the PA3X drums and VH.