Opinions will always vary, and I love this software for the very reasons you stated. I can work any time I want to without having to try and fit a session into 5 other people's lives.

Now, in my opinion, if I was writing with the end goal of a CD release, I would use RB to write but call in the people who will play the stuff to learn it and record selected parts over the RB parts. I always try to make my RB music something that can be faithfully reproduced on stage so those who did choose to buy a CD would get on the CD what they heard at the show. That works in both directions though, so in order to do my music in a live show, my band would have to include 2 keyboard players, 2 guitar players, me swinging back and forth between the two, a pedal player, a banjo, bass, drums and 2 fiddles. That's 11 people. Ever try to coordinate 11 people for rehearsals?

Thus there won't be a show coming anytime soon...



No matter what, I wouldn't have "THE LICK" in my show....