I come from an organ background, but don't do running bass lines. I have always put strings, organ,guitars,piano, or some suitable sound for my left hand. I use it for movement, modulation, or added rhythm.

I have been watching other keyboard players and it seems most just use the left hand to define chords with no sound. I expect that many home players would do this as a rudimentary way of playing, but I see pros doing this also.

In the latter case, I begin to wonder if my style is an overkill. In other words, is more better or not. As a caveat, I have been playing for over fifty years, but that doesn't make it right, but is it necessary.

Bernie