The drummer that works with me occasionally (with an arranger) is a true professional. He’s played with some very good groups over the years, including remnants of the Lawrence Welk group, Broadway shows, and such. He holds a degree in music and can sight read like crazy. No problem playing along with an arranger. He uses headphones straight off the mixer, where he gets a good mix of what’s going on. I typically start the style, so he can get the feel, then quickly mute the drum track. He’s right on the money and very tasteful. Live drums really can add to the approximation of a “live band” sound.