Fantastic playing and so refreshing to see kids looking for different styles of music than the pop junk of the main stream.
As far as why we play Arrangers for me it was a matter of survival. It became evident years ago when DJ's came on the scene big time and bands were struggling. From numerous bands over the years II was down to a duo of keys and drums and even that was a hard sell. To keep doing parties which were my main source of gigs I went with a drum machine ( the drummer was tired of playing and ready to leave ) and joined the enemy and DJ'd too. Worked well, made good $$$.
Then got a demonstration of an early arranger ( Roland Pro E ) from a friend who owned a music store. So now I could leave the bass pedals and one of my keyboards at home and still play with a full sound and concentrate more on my singing.
So here I am in SC from NJ. Next gig is a Wedding I will do along with my BK9 and an old friend from NJ playing sax. And yes, DJing the heavy party tunes.
I will soon be rehearsing with a newly forming 7 piece jazz/pop ensemble but it will be just for fun and to really get to play. No where to book such a group unless its a benefit preformance. Play at home for myself and still hope to find that Unicorn solo keyboard gig.