Mind you, if you played with Keith's sidemen on a regular basis, perhaps you'd have a different opinion on how good it is!
I wouldn't want to play with Keith's sideman...they charge too much!
Seriously, Diki, I do get lots of time playing with some very good musicians, on a regular basis.
The arranger is just another tool...and, to me, just as much fun as playing within a group...in fact, I'm going to use it in a group situation...those SA/SA2 sounds should be lots of fun and very expressive.
It's like a mechanic refusing to use a screwdriver because it is electric...
Ian
PS...No, arrangers aren't the perfect replication of playing with sidemen, but, I can certainly live with it.