Shame you didn't try substituting different players instead of the arranger... It would be interesting to hear how your enjoyment of the gig changed with some fresh players and a new attitude. Your arranger doesn't really add or subtract anything HUMAN to the equation.

Plus, I'd not get to worked up about a crowd enjoying themselves 'just as much' with just automatic backing rather than the real deal... Quite honestly, were you to do a complete DJ act and pick your recorded material as carefully, you might get close to the same reception..!

Which might beg the question... Why are we playing at all? For them, or for US..? Most of them don't care much one way or the other, as long as they have a good time. But US? Maybe you feel differently, but I got into music to PLAY music (not play a CD player!), and with as many great musicians as I could. Be careful about being so happy that the arranger 'entertained' the crowd. Because the next logical step is a CD 'entertaining' the crowd. And that opens you up to people with no skills whatsoever other than the ability to play a songlist that the audience wants (and anyone can copy yours just by attending one show) being able to come in and undercut you...