True, but is that capability alone enough to justify the huge difference in equipment costs, especially since that requirement is very infrequent. Plus, the midi/mp3 backing is probably going to sound better and always be error-free. I think it's more than that and I think Bernie comes closer to the real reason people choose an arranger over other cheaper (and possibly better) forms of musical backing.

Fact! Does anyone dispute the fact that a popular DJ will command considerably more money than the average OMB arranger player. Also, DJ'ing provides more opportunities to land the 'big' gig (weddings, etc.) and his gear probably costs way less than a Genos + hi-end PA which could cost as much as $10k.

Now I'm not advocating for either, I'm just asking why it's so important to have a keyboard in front of you, especially one in which the audience knows (or suspects) that it's not you that's playing all that complex music. In fact, the better it sounds, the greater the suspicion. Bachus post is insightful; why does the guy feel a need to drag along a keyboard he doesn't/can't play and mimic playing? Is it necessary for his act? Would his audiences love him less if he left the keyboard at home? Because of the large amount of money involved, I'm just curious, is all.

chas