I play (home jam) with a great sax player. I think that's why it's harder for me to accept a 'keyboard sax'. Consequently, he DOES NOT LIKE playing with the 'drum machine' (BK7m) even when the pattern is well suited to the song. Doesn't bother me but that may be because I'm used to it and he's not. His words, "they SOUND like drums, they just don't FEEL like drums". Ehhh. Personally, I'd rather rehearse with it than without it. Of course the secret is the judicious use of variations and fills, setting the right tempo, and making sure the basic beat fits the tune. I think a lot of arranger players could use a lesson or two on how to best use the 'drum machine' built into our arrangers. I have heard performances ON THIS BOARD where an entire song would be played without a single break, fill, or pattern variation. If it sounds monotonous, then it's not the arrangers fault, it's the players. This is a case of no talent or no imagination. Just sayin'.

chas