I agree, Ian. For what it's worth, all songs, at least all the songs I know, are repetitious loops, no different than any style file. The style file does, however, provide us with breaks, fills and variations that can be utilized throughout the song as it progresses, so it does not sound repetitive.

Now, I occasionally use a midi file, some of which are really great, and when doing so, I'll usually comp with my right hand while singing the song. But, this technique, despite the fact that I am playing some of the parts, does border on Karaoke, IMO. However, no one in the audience really knows you are not playing, or for that matter, cares. They just want to be entertained, and that's why they're paying us. They could care less about our musicianship.

Cheers,

Gary