Power single -
One person running a show and making a big sound. The tools & techniques vary, but a talented emcee is required and one with a working knowledge of dancing, tempos and room rhythms.
Many of us use multiple sources as backing or supplemental backing, but one thing is consistent - One person running the show and making a big sound with whatever tools he/she chooses.
I proudly use all the tools available to me, including SMF, MP3, CDG, rhythm patterns, arranger trax, manual bass with live chording along with strong vocals and harmonies - BUT - if a prerecorded assistant ever fails ... I can go into "100% live mode" in an instant and make it seem like that was my intent.
I'm sick of the discussions comparing "players" and non "players" based on the degree of automation used - you can't be a purist and play an arranger, just as you can't be a purist and sing in a microphone. These electronic "buddies" are here to enhance, thicken and fill out the sound - use 'em or not .... it's your choice, but if you sit at an arranger .... don't throw stones at the guy who stands behind a computer. You never know how many hoops he's jumping through to make the room happen.
This is my 43rd year making money as a musician, and I've done it in almost every conceivable way with almost every combination of tools/instruments available.
In truth - I probably sounded just as good 25 years ago with no automation but the drum machine, playing Rhodes (right hand) Moog bass (left hand) and jumping up and down between the Rhodes and the "Synth du jour". I played rooms that 5 pc bands played and got the same money - I had bigger crowds than many of the bands. My summer spot at the Jersey shore asks me to work weekends every year, but it's too much with my teaching schedule.
Hi, my name is Uncle Dave, and I'm a power single.