Hello HearToLearn -

I too have been at this a for long time - many years ago even playing live to pre-recorded cassette tapes, as the WHO did in the early 1970s - in a very loud arena-rock setting. YEOW

Today, I have a quartet that wants to have the sonic embellishments of studio recording available for live performance. Guitar, Keyboard, Bass & Drums.

We would benefit from having strings (for example), filling out a given orchestration to beyond the number of musicians fingers available at any critical moment.

I prefer doing the count-ins live as do my colleagues. In any case the performance tempo would not vary greatly from the original, so it is only to provide a more natural feel for the others.

I hope I've answered your questions!