If you are a jazz musician and live for that "interplay"...that unspoken communication...the "give and take"...playing off each other, then you will never be satisfied with ANY arranger, because, in full arranger mode, the arranger is the leader of the group and doesn't "play off" of anyone.

If you are an entertainer and want the most "bang for the buck", you have a whole band available on your left hand.

Two different ways of thinking, and I understand both.

Obviously, I tend to side with Chas, because that's my playing history.

That being said, right now, with pretty serious injury to my left hand, arrangers are the tool(s) that are keeping me working.

A well articulated discussion by all!

I appreciate that!


Russ

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 01-27-2010).]