Backing Tracks acceptable or not ?

Thoughts?.....

after watching 2x....he makes some good sense..

Ideally the less automated the performance the better, for me as an audience member anyway. Maybe the vast majority of the general public doesn’t really care either way? Of course, the venue and the artist/genre has a lot to do with it too. I would like to think that most people would be disappointed if they paid top dollar to see an artist like Michael Bublé perform and he sang with no band and just backing tracks Of course there’s a completely different expectation at the local level like at a bar, restaurant or party, assuming the music is not the primary focus.

Like them or not Backing tracks custom made or commercial, and all automated music including arranger keyboard styles etc were birthed by computer technology, and will keep progressing year after year, and the masses will enjoy them and utilize it more and more, so will musicians and singers,etc, the sad truth depending on how you look at it..

Donny, I fully expect to see you one day with a robe and sandals carrying a big sign that says "REPENT, THE END IS NEAR".



chas

Absolutly acceptable. Your still playing along and singing live as you would with a band, IF the venue would pay a band. I keep them simple and as the names says in the backround of the mix.
It does open the door to a million mediocre singers who do very poor Kareoke Acts.
One of the most unusal and very good examples here is a drummer who's been here for a long time and works in one of the top bands. He also does a solo. Tracks with him playing drums and singing. People love him. Gotta love the name, his name is Mark Husbands so he calls his single act " The Single Husbands Band"

All the tools are there have To be used in any way shape or form... as for Mark Husbands he's working he gets paid and people enjoy it that's the bottom line..

Donny...I think you answered your own question!

I've always been a fan of using tracks especially the ones I create for myself..

Been really tempted to play guitar over tracks, but since everything else is live, decided not to. Would really open things up, though.

Just isn't me.

R.

Depends on the device used to play the backing track.
Here, a backing track ... is made to sound live with the Midjay Pro AjamSonic:-


https://youtu.be/7l0vmOybg1k

Same applies to SD40 and SD90. The player can add live 'sound' to a track and thus eliminate the 'player' feeling.

Thanks,

AJ

I seldom use tracks, almost never. But here's one I do sometimes when the situation is just right.
My Way, DonM

sounds great Don.....luv the Elvis version
utilize tracks more often when needed & Mix It Up!!

Acceptable, the world is changing. Arrangers are a great alternative though for those that have the talent and the right venue.

I have transitioned from Band, to solo, to a 3 piece with Tracks. Myself on Keyboards, vocalist, Sax player with Vocals. With tracks, we can cover 100% of requests we get; from Current songs to Standards. We are entertainers, doesn't matter how the music is played. I'm tired of all the volume, competence, drama issues with a band. I can put on a professional, polished, and tight act with tracks running and mixing songs on the fly. It's a lot harder with a band. Using just an arranger, the styles just don't sound as authentic. I will create my own tracks for some of the medleys I do.

Big thumbs up!

Mix it Up baby!!

Just missing one thing. Needs thunderous applause at the end!

Fantastic rendition Don!

I am with you Al, use as needed . . . Since I have pretty recently had to come up to speed fast on Chritian Rock, there are so many cases when the right backing track has made the difference. With the kind of sound they were wanting, and songs they were asking for, the arranger alone just didnt work for some songs. The congregation is very pleased with what i have been producing, whether it is live, arranger, or backing track. I am still playing along and singing, and hoping to add another vocalist soon!
Play on!

First, great job as usual Don ...

As for the use of backing tracks, I agree, in moderation ... there are some songs where I feel the track is needed, such as New York, New York - I can't imagine a style doing justice to that iconic arrangement ...

here's a great NYNY style....enjoy

When I was still working, I rarely used backing tracks, most times, none at all - just didn't need them with so many incredible, custom, song-specific style files available for Yamaha arranger keyboards. Attached are a couple Yamaha style files for Sinatra songs to play with.

Gary

Interesting topic, Donny:

When it comes to "selling records" (I know, an outdated expression) the obvious answer is, "Whatever works!" 97% of the general public does not understand (or care) the difference between live or artificial... unless it happens to be a performance in front of an audience.

Great addition to my collection, Don Mason. Thanks!

Naturally, Arranger Keyboards are a great alternative for all of us... whether performing at Ernest's (like Mason) or doing your best to knock out another song in your little "closet sized" studio. We do what we have to do... and I can't afford to hire a band or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir when I do my best to present my song idea. If I could... and it made economic sense... I would do it just like Sinatra and his "Label."

----West Mayberry Dave