I'm a pianist first and have played in many bands. I enjoy playing with an arranger (T2) because it gives me the ability to play music that pleases me and my audience. Creative use allows for variation as well as a consistent professional performance. Would I prefer to always play in a band with four or five other musicians. Sure. Is it practical. No way.


The arranger is a great tool. I think it gets dinged when people use it as a crutch and depends too much on droning patterns and sometimes hokey features.


It's just a tool. You have to be a musician first. There's still no shortcut for practice, study, practice, listening, practice, and practice.