This is why I sometimes say that it's better to play more manual parts and sequences of particular songs. The "generic" flavor of styles HAS to get boring after a while ..... no one plays the same exact succession of notes every night, every song.

I'm a firm believer that arrangers can be overused at times, so I make a practice of shutting it off alot. There is no need for a 12 piece band on every song .... in fact, it's overkill in many situations. Last night I had the arranger off for almost two hours. I was playing swing tunes, latins, pop/rock and broadway stuff.... all with manual bass and piano. It's more interresting for ME, and more diverse for my audience. The times when I turn the auto guys on just adds to the total package.
Didn't any of you ever play in small combos? Don't you miss that 3 piece rhythm section groove? It's so cool when the bass, drums and piano are in sync - poppin' and grovin' together. It's the heart of the arrangement, so why not FEATURE it more? Just my thoughts. I miss some of those old trio and quartet days.