Hi John,

Your question appears to be on the basis, that players who have 'the freedom' to musically express themselves when playing 'live', can be 'restricted in this freedom, by the use of the sequencer. Not so, in my view.

In general terms, the question doesn't arise if playing out on a gig with other people, or playing from the dots. But, if you play by ear, whether sitting at home, or playing out as a solo performer, the use of the sequencer can be tremendously exhilarating. In which case, for the ear player, any pre-recorded and arranged song, which he/she has previously 'actually played' into the sequencer, can at anytime, be accompanied by your own 'live' playing of a melody line. Result:- The whole performance was 'live', because you originally played 'live' when inserting your arrangement into the sequencer. !!!

Finally, we must surely bear in mind, that many fine players will use the sequencer, for no other purpose, than to produce a final 'arranged and played' performance, resulting in something which is far superior to anything they could produce during a 'live' performance. ?

Just my view you understand. The sequencer is not just a device to 'cheat' on our actual playing abilities. Wondrous players can, and do, produce wondrous sequenced arrangements. ! Over to you. Enjoy.

Colin.