Perhaps I don't have the same expertise in this area as some of the guys here because I don't play out as often, nor do I depend on it for a living. I'll generally avoid parties and other similar venues where I'll be expected mainly or only to perform songs that sound like the original artist's recordings, unless it's for a friend or coworker. It isn't that I can't do this, it just isn't my "thing".

I will do some standards as close to the original as possible, but I also like being able to put my own spin, and I find that doing some of this works well for me in the venues I do play. I also try to mix in a good bit of acoustic stuff, just the actual instrument that I'm playing and my voice, and this usually gets a very nice reaction. I also like the challenge of making stuff up on the fly, so occasionally I might make something out of something else, and if I can add a little humor, that seems to work well too.

Donny, I kind of agree with your last thought. If you ain't actually playing it, then I don't care how you produce it or what spin anyone puts on it, it's all pretty much the same to me, whether it be a karaoke file, arranger backing, mp3 file, midifile, arpeggio, etc. There isn't anything wrong with any of that and if it's working for you that's all that counts, but I can't take it very serious when someone is saying in a critical way that one is better than the other. As for me, I have no problem using an arranger, arp pattern, or midi file for backing when I need it. I am just trying to pare down a little the amount of time that I actually do need these things, and instead focus on my actual singing, playing and entertainment abilities. The results have been good. I think it's a reflection from within that shows to the audience, because whether I want to embrace it, and accept it or not, I just feel more comfortable about my own performance when it's just me and my hands, although I also like the duet gigs as well, with a talented musician and / or vocalist.

AJ

[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 10-08-2005).]