True, Donny. I've been fortunate to have had a very good music education: theory, counterpoint, harmony and classical organ. I wasn't exactly into classical organ but it was all they had until they opened a theatre organ class. I'm happy that I had the education, though, for it taught me a lot, especially to have a very good independent LH (a must for playing counter melodies) and PD (both feet).
My main problem is that I am pretty much helpless when it comes to technology.

Only use the arranger sparingly, and won't use anything but styles. I walk out of a restaurant or other venue if I see a laptop on the bandstand.

No statement here about what's right or wrong...just letting people know the way I handle it.

This approach might not work for different venues or players, but I've worked 51 years now as the top paid person in the area with only 9 weeks off.


Works for me!


Russ

Do you check what is being done with the laptop first, as it may be just supplying sounds (Triggered by the Midi outs of the keyboard as the artist plays the notes) from various VST instruments, and so is just expanding the sound pallet available on his keyboard.
There are many other things a laptop can do for the musician as well, so don�t assume that it is just for pre-recorded backings.
Enjoy whatever you play

Bill

Be true to yourself. If you feel that making music a certain way is wrong, then don't do it. As far as your audience is concerned, at least the average audience folks, they couldn't care less whether the music is Tivo-ed, midi-ed or whatever. They simply want to be entertained. Give them good music with a good arrangement, the right kind of music for the venue and audience, put your heart into it, and they'll be happy and so should you.

Glenn

No offense taken, Chas. I love being the devil's advocate, so I understand when others do the same.

Russ, I only use the laptop to hold lyrics files, and sometimes to play music while I'm on break. I can remember hundreds of song lyrics, but I have many hundreds for which I need a security blanket.
Back to the thread, I don't care who thinks I'm cheating or not cheating. If they are in the audience, it means I'm working and they're not!
DonM

Don, I don't use a lap-top for lyrics, I just screw them up!

Oh well,


R.

Russ,
BTW, the wedding is over, so I'll be able to install OS on the G70 and get it shipped to you in the next couple of days.
DonM

Hey, Bill...really doesn't matter what they are used for...I just don't like laptops on bandstands...nothing more than that. Everyone should do what's comfortable. I do, and I avoid what I don't like. That's the good thing about getting older. You can be obnoxious as hell and no one can do a damn thing about it!


Russ

Thanks, Don. No hurry. Give the kids my best. Would have played "another one bites the dust" if asked!

R.