I am sure that by now people know where I stand on playing solo instruments, especially in a band, vs. playing an arranger KB ... I LOVED my 26 years gigging with the same 4 guys and would love to be doing it now - but let's face facts - right now the youngest guy in that band - me - is less than 3 months away from 75 years of age (did I really say that??? ) ... we would not be able to compete with the 'young bloods' of today the majority of whom are very talented musicians and vocalists ... so in order to keep my ego happy and keep playing I turned to AKBs and I LOVE it ... Is it a 'short cut' to entertaining; is it less demanding then playing a solo instrument; perhaps, but not necessarily so if the player continues to hone his or her skills as MANY on this board do ...
That being said, the AK 'bashing' on this forum does get tiresome, BUT I feel that this board is a microcosm of the world we live in - many people with many different viewpoints - and I don't feel they should be inhibited from speaking their mind AS LONG AS it does not get personal and insulting ... but when someone says or implies that all arranger players are incompetent musicians, whether the writer realizes it or not, that IS going to be taken as a personal insult ...
So I say, let the 'bashers' continue to bash, and I and many others on this board will continue in our efforts to improve our performances and be applauded, whether the audience is made up of 70 - 100+ somethings in NH and AL venues, or 30 -70 somethings in upscale restaurants, or wherever ...
Make beautiful music however you do it, and peace, out ...