I don't think nobody cares for high-quality live-played background music.[/quote]

Rosetree
Maybe where you live and with all due respect I admire your attitude of keeping the quality in the preformance. I wish it were possible to be so independent. But over the last few years I've gotten a real education and in this part of the world for solo, duo or trio preformers its who has the best backing tracks and vocals and kickin PA.
I've picked some some Happy Hour gigs and people do appreciate me playing the keyboard but its the vocals they listen to. If I didn't sing I wouldn't work.
Out fo all the places with music here, and remember I'm in a vacation zone so there's lots, there are two pianists of super talent working. No other "quailty" live music except for some bands at a the kid clubs or one of the wineries on a sunday afternoon. No arrangers and DJ's are even fading out. This weekend I went to the center of the kid clubs and heard some of the best live bands I've ever heard. 6-9 pieces is common.
Thats my story and I'm stickin to it LOL !