I used a drummer only once, never do it again. The drummer could not stay with the keyboard. As Russ says, a drummer adds to a song. He picks up the tempo and slows it down ever so slightly; it is not even noticeable. His volume changes accordingly. He is being asked to follow a beat instead of creating a beat; not fair to put that on a drummer.

When I was playing a single, I added electronic drums to my singing and guitar playing. It was almost impossible to add any feeling to the song. I was not leading; I was following. And here lies one of the major reasons for musician’s dislike of arranger keyboards.

I use a keyboard because have no other choice. What bothers me is that I am beginning to feel it sounds good. But inside of me I know I have lost something when I stopped playing with a live band.

Today I have come to love my arranger keyboard; it is the only way I can have a band surrounding me. My love has gone from freedom to express what I feel to creating what I feel sounds good.
This is not as bad as it seems, many are doing the same thing in other areas.

I love my keyboard, I love music, and I am contented a greater part of the time.

John C.
PS, I used a bass player once, that turned out pretty good.