I agree, but might that just be the nature of 'arranger' playing, or at least a requirement of STYLE CREATION where the style has to be at least somewhat generic so as to suit many songs. The "hooks" and "catching things" to which you refer might sound great on some tunes and totally screw up others. Not to sound like an arranger snob but that's why I only play(ed) organ on gigs (occasionally Rhodes or piano). My "hooks" and "catching things" may be (and probably are) inferior to the arranger's but at least it's the result of a decision I made and not the computer or style creator.

Again, where VOCALS are the featured part of a performance, skillful use of an arranger keyboard can be totally acceptable (to all but musicians in the audience ), but if I'M in the audience, you can bet I'm there to see the VOCALIST. Please, no 'hate' responses, I love (well maybe LIKE) arrangers for other functions ie. song writing, testing possible approaches to (live) arrangements, developing ideas for an instrumental part in an arrangement, etc. And of course, we can all see their value for OMB's. Since the overwhelming popularity of DJ's, audiences have shown that they don't care where the music is coming from. Trust me, this whole arranger/non-arranger thing is strictly among musicians. JMO.

chas