I have no regrets, but I do still keep my hands in non-arranger playing gigs fairly regularly, even if they are just jam sessions...I don't want to lose my chops.

The arranger has it's advantages...it has kept me working when the other jobs were scarce or non-existent, and has mainly been just another tool in the musical tool-chest for me.

Still lots of traditional instrument players here on Cape Breton Island, and for many years there was an abundance of fiddle players and their piano accompanists...it appears to be balancing out now, especially with several schools in the area offering band programs.

Ian