Eric, I agree with a lot of what you say but here's the thing.... when you switch from Rock to Jazz to Polka, is it actually YOU or the arranger that's accomplishing that? In other words, when you switch to a Bachata or a Polka or a Jazz Waltz, are you really proficient in that genre'? Do you really understand the little subtleties, colorations, accents, nuances, 'feel', etc. that would allow you to augment and use the style in an authentic manner? Just playing the chord and hitting the button that says POLKA (IMO) is what makes an arranger sound like an arranger. I hate to always use DonM as an example 'cause he may start thinking I like his music , but one reason he is successful is because he thoroughly knows the genre' he plays which allows him to apply the 'secret sauce' that makes it sound authentic. Do I like Don playing Country? Absolutely. Would I like Don playing Polkas? Probably not .

So I guess my point is; this oft-quoted thing about arrangers allowing you to play songs in any style can be both a blessing and a curse; a blessing if you're a songwriter looking for a creative new approach, a curse if you're a live performer using it as a crutch (to play songs in unfamiliar genre's).

Again, just my thoughts.



On a lighter note; pianist, guitarist, etc. never refer to their instruments as 'toys' .

chas