Everything we use carries a negative and a positive.

Much of today’s music gains its popularity from the effects and added lines which support the melody. For this reason midi files are needed – in most cases you cannot play the song without background voice and added lines. So midi files and Mp3 are used. This does not add or take away from a performer.
The negative side:

Most music, not all, increases the tempo of the song to create excitement. It is also one of the main reasons to modulate to the next higher key. The change of tempo is very slight, hard to notice, but it is felt. The excitement in the player is transferred by tempo and key changes. Sweet Georgia Brown changes, Y M C A does not change. On an up tempo my guitar is just ahead of the beat. On a slow song it lags behind. Two different feels, one brings excitement and the other gives a laid back feeling.

The bad news: I know no was an OMB or a midi file can do that. The first time I did a single with a rhythm machine I left frustrated; the heart of my performance was missing, I had become a machine. Mp3 can.
All that just to say, SO WHAT. The criterias for judging must be stated before commenting. I have a keyboard and if I get fulfillment and joy from my performance I’ve won the game. If I need the dollars a new criteria takes place.

Guys, it’s all good, but we lag a bit in ourselves; hence we have to knock somebody. I love the people here, their music and ideas; and especially the crazy conversation that go on – they add to my day.

John C.