Just got home from a triple...Pleased to see I provoked such a productive & polite exchange...
My thoughts on your thoughts:
*This was directed towards OMB's, for sure...
*I DO take requests...and will continue to do so. Its an easy way, when possible, to build customer and fan loyalty...
*Do I think my audience would care if I used midi files? YES! I consistently got compliments from clients and my audience how nice it is to see someone who actually knows how to play an instrument. Some AD's, in fact, have told me outright that the acts that rely on midi files, karaoke, etc. aren't going to get as many gigs as they have in the past. Why? Because the audience "senses" they're not as authentic as the performers who actually "play."
*"Close enough" is a pretty subjective thing. I'd prefer to just beg off on a request before I put a square song in a round style, if you will...
*My specific point wasn't contemporary music in general, I do lots of stuff from the Eagles, Elton John, Hall & Oates, Beatles, Stones, Badfinger with no problem at all. My thing is with the more distinct sounding bands and/or songs, these styles aren't what I need all the time.
...further, think of some of the lines that are the foundation of some pop songs. Carry On, Aqualung, are 2 examples I've had asked of me in the last few months. As the guitar replaced the piano as the primary rhythm instrument in bands, that's where we're likely to find the line of demarcation. Frankly, the standards, big band, classic country, oldies rock are easy to find quality styles that fit properly.
*Like Zuki says, doing an evening of "contempory stuff" isn't that hard. But, for some tunes...its tough...
*I certainly cater to a more mature crowd (40's +) Most of you know I hate restaurants jobs (even though I try one every year it seems, lol)...I'm in a good place where I can take the kind of gigs I want to and turn away the ones I don't.
*My concern with using midi files is that they'll sound too perfect, too much like the record...It'd be on me then to find a way to make it my own, but its a totally different direction for me.
...Who knows? It may suck and I'll move on without it or, I may find it liberating, lol...
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Bill in Dayton