All Good points Uncle Dave. Especially the part of "jazzers" and arrangers. I like to dabble in jazz quite a bit, but I don't consider myself an accomplished / polished jazz player by any means.

I grew up as a synth oriented rocker, with also a strong penchant for power blues, and my favorites included guys like Emerson and Wakeman on keys, and Robin Trower on guitar ( those don't mix well at all do they ?..lol ). I sort of drifted toward the jazz - fusion music that was being made at the time and found new favorites in Chick Corea, DiMeola and McLaughlin, to name a few. Later I became a big fan of Monty Alexander and Keith Jarret.

It is only later in life that I've drifted toward more traditional jazz and blues. I find myself trying to learn more about different styles, in the never ending quest to become a better player. I've become more open to listening and even playing in other genres, including traditional classical / neo-classical and techno stuff.

Yep, a real band would always be my first choice if I could manage it. I play with different musicians from time to time, and also do studio work and the occasional show now and then, but life's hectic schedules keep me from committing to doing it on a regular basis... hence the arrangers, Motif's with arps, and several other production tools...

Compromise ? Yes.. at times I certainly think of it that way. In my mind and musical world, a virtual musician will never truly replace the real thing.. but..
Then again, it's great to have these tools that really weren't available even a few years ago in the form they are in now. Particularly in the area of modern synth / dance ..etc music, some of these tools have almost become a must have. It isn't the same as traditional musicians playing acoustic instruments, but for me I see a whole new if not different kind of creativity in some of it.

AJ




[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 11-03-2003).]