Tony, in most types of music there is a volume change and a slight tempo change to accent important parts of a song. I am being critical here, but when I played rhythm with my guitar, I had three choices. On the beat. Before the beat, or just after the beat. On the beat for Latin music. Ballads, just after the beat, and up tempo, before the beat.

Playing after the beat creates a drag, a holding, just what is needed for a ballad. Playing before the beat creates tension – up tempos need that for excitement. Again, I am being critical, but I am talking about creating a feeling in your music.

Dancers respond to volume and tempo changes. An up tempo needs excitement --- the volume increases and the tempo moves up slightly. (not in all music) This is what is happening in a song like Mack the Knife. Without volume, key changes and a slight tempo change the song the song is not that great.

Now in my post it was the first time I used a electronic drummer. After a short time I became used to playing with it. BUT, my music lost something—and there is the difference between an arranger keyboard and playing live, we lose something.

John C.