I know you periodically bring this up, Donny. Sometimes I think it's just to get the troops riled up (nothing wrong with an occasional little forum 'dust-up'). But the truth is, you're right on at least one count; in all my years playing in and patronizing clubs (never been much of a bar goer except for gigs), I've NEVER seen an arranger keyboard in a club or bar (or dance, or party, or parade, or carnival, or ....). Since they've been around since the early 80's, I'd say it's unlikely they will ever become prominent in those venues. The thing is, young people don't buy them (or want to be associated with them), and old musicians who MIGHT buy them are past playing the club/bar scene.

I'm guessing younger club patrons would not accept arranger music as it currently exists. The styles is today's arrangers cannot compete with live music or even DJ's playing recordings of live music. Also, you won't see the kind of interaction (with an arranger performance) you see between musician and audience in a live setting. Maybe one day they'll reach that level of authenticity, but not today.

Don't hate the messenger.

chas