Several times a month...Its a completely different approach to playing. Instead of riding a rhythm, you must provide it. To lock in with the bass player/drummer in my quartet to give the singer/soloist a solid foundation to be featured over is my #1 job with regard to my piano playing in that context.

As different as it is, I really like because it keeps me sharp and listening. My brain is processing different signals with the band than it is when I'm using the arranger, because the stimuli is different.

I feel I would lose some of my listening skills/musicality if all I did was to work with an arranger. That's also why in the majority of my omb shows, I make it a point to turn off the accmp. and deliver a song or two in a traditional style of just a piano, maybe some strings in the back and my vocal.

Doing both, almost every week, is nice.

------------------
Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 05-22-2009).]