If I'm honest - when I played, or sang with bands - the rhythm (backing) parts almost NEVER varied. We rehearsed so that there was a consistency. What I played over top of that arrangement is essentially the same as how I approach playing over a track. I use full, 2 handed chords and greatly color the general arrangement ... just like I did in the band. No one ever said we sounded limited, or boring.

What "IS" a bit different about using sequences, and tracks is that you need to make then sound as lifelike as possible ... and that generally related to moving more air. At lower volumes, through smaller speakers, sequences loose a lot of their sizzle. I played Bari Sax in a 10 piece band that featured a 4 pc horn section, drums, perc, keys, gtr, and 2 front singers, as well as many harmony singers .... and EVERY (dance) song was sequenced. Experienced players can play in time with the track, just like a click in a studio - good monitors are essential, and listening for blend is vital. My approach is ONE SIDED - the audience has to enjoy it. If they like it, then I feed off that, and we're all happy. So, when playing to a packed dance floor - use the tools ya got. Give 'em the big guns - sometimes it's tracks, sometimes a simple piano/bass/drum version, and sometimes the crowd will accept a strong style arrangement ... the most important thing for me is to personalize what I ADD. Vocals rule, and the chording I use triggers the harmonizer, so that's #2. Everything else is just supporting me. In many cases, a powerful track, with a strong vocal can grab an audience quicker than a style based arrangement ..... not it ALL cases. Believe me - I use the styles. I LOVE the styles - that's whey I own arrangers, but when you play to a dance floor - you have to be ready to pull out all the stops.