Team,

We are launching a huge style development project and would like to know the major styles in demand that you won't mind paying to have developed for your KETRON Arranger instrument.

Please, when you mention a style (e.g Bigband), also provide a Youtube link with a reference as to the music this style should be capable of being used to play.

In the future, we will expand this project to non-KETRON owners.

Thanks,

AJ
I have a good Irish friend, that you know, that is very happy with your premium styles, as well as your help given to him in Ireland recently. You should end up with more great styles.

Bernie

Bernie,

He is a very nice gentleman, true to himself and others. He just got a 'new toy' from us and seems to be very excited about it. Once he simmers down from that, I think we will be getting a lot of style requests from him and others in that area for music from that part of the world!

I could spend hours talking about styles that Ketron (and others) needs. But in short I can not even use my Audya for any regional Mexican music, which huge here Texas and all over USA too.

Stuff like Banda:


Norteña:



Reggaeton is a HUGE all over the world now. Who doesn't know Despascito?!?


Daddy Yankee popularized the style 30 years ago, and they're still play his music all over the WORLD! Not just for Latinos.


Bachata artists from NYC/Dominican Republic like Prince Royce is very popular too, yet my Audya only has one style that sort of works for this style.



Merengue like Elvis Crespo "Suavemente"




Cumbia is very popular too, The style originates from Columbia, but has many regional variations form Central America, and Texas (Tex-Mex)



These are just a few of styles Latin players need....

I feel like all arrangers KB are way behind the times with Latin styles. That watered down ball room stuff might work for the Euro/Anglo senior circuit but not for a typical Latino party.

Just curious Paul; which (in your opinion) of the major arranger brands covers Latin styles best (quality and variety)? Also, how popular are arrangers among Latin musicians (most of whom seem well trained to me, at least those playing on the 'pro' circuit.

chas

I'd say Yamaha has the best variety and Ketron has best quality (but worst variety) which is very frustrating!


In Mexico, arranger keyboards are very popular among professional keyboardists. Ever time I go to Mexcio, I end seeing a pro OMB player without even searching for them. They are at many resturants, clubs, hotels and parties. For various regional Mexican styles arrangers/auto accompaniment works great however in my opinion auto-accompaniment can't authentically reproduce many Afro-Caribbean rhythms due to the nature of the bass patterns. The bass player in a typical salsa type groove anticipates the approaching chord on beat four. (similar to a the way a jazz walking bass does)

From what I've observed, there aren't many pro arranger KB OMB type acts in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, maybe because their music is not well suited for auto-accompaniment? As far as Central America, South America, and Spain, I'm not sure. At least on my travels to those regions I have yet to see a performing OMB KB players. I'm sure there out there, but it does not appear to be the norm.

Check out this short video for good demonstration of the bass "Tumbao" pattern found in many Afro-Latino styles. Do you agree that it's not really possible to reproduce this auto-accompaniment, despite the simplicity of the harmonic structure?

Thanks Paul. That was very informative and does make one aware of the tremendous diversity within what is 'generally' called Latin music. Maybe it'll encourage people to be more selective when matching songs to styles. Let's hope so.

chas