What we all have to remember is that whether we use arranger styles, midis, mp3s or waves on a keyboard we are dealing with electronic music. That is to say we are playing a keyboard that is trying to duplicate other instrument sounds. The audience knows that there is some type of electronic device that is allowing them to hear lots of instruments (regardless of how real the instrument sound) even though on stage there is just a keyboard player.

There are some music purists who think that if you are not playing the actual instrument (saxophone for example) but instead playing a keyboard with a saxophone sound you are not a �real musician.�

There are others who believe that if you are pressing one key on the keyboard or a chord and getting the sound like a band, that is not acceptable to them. The same is said for those who play over a midi file, mp3 or wave.
I guess every one has there limit to which they feel comfortable taking the concept of electronic music and auto playing by some type of electronic musical device.


The fact is we live in a world where economics, logistics and the market determine what gets used and not used on a gig.

Ideally, I would like to gig with a band and have the instruments that I want playing with me. However, the cost of having a full band against the pay that is received from a gig makes it not possible. Also, to find quality musicians who can adjust to any type of music and is competent at all musical levels (rhythm, play in any key �) with out an enormous amount of time practicing is hard to find.

So some of us opt for fewer people in a band, (2, 3 or 4) or do it by our selves. Because we know what the audience want we try to compensate for what the performance dose not have live with electronic representations. That is where we get in to midis, arranger styles mp3s and waves.

The trick is to incorporate what is necessary while making it sound live and exciting for the audience. After all, it is the audience that determine what we do as performers not our musicianship.


The other reality is that in order to survive, you can not be a musician alone, but you must be an entertainer. Some do not have a problem with that.

I think that for some people, the more they do to become a better entertainer for the audience; they slowly drift away from the musicianship part of things.

I think each of us must know what we are comfortable doing and do it to the best of our abilities and not try to belittle others because they are not doing the same as us.