This general topic pops up occasionally and thought I'd seek more input on the subject.

Playing around with some Jazz Acoustic Bass RealTracks. I wanted a solo walking bass intro for 4 bars. To get a phrase I liked, the Play button had to be pushed about 10 times. It seems like the particular track only had 4 or so phrases, some occurring more than others. There are other RealTracks that also seem to have a very limited number of phrases and got me wondering...

My knowledge of Midi instructions is very limited but there seems to be a lot of data that can be stored using Midi messages. Now assuming a high quality synth and descriptive Midi messages, is it possible to get virtually the same sound as a RealTrack? Auditioning styles, I've found some bass lines to have more realistic sounding phrases than others. If enough Midi data could be captured from a live player, the Midi phrases should be the same as the RT? The only limitation I can see is the quality of the synth. Some advantages would be tremendous savings in disk space over RTs and easily editable tracks.

So back to my inital question. Can enough data be captured and stored in Midi messages that would sound like a RealTrack given a good synth? Are the BIAB Midi styles the 'best they can be'? I suspect because of the great number of styles, it is a work in progress. Are these phrases done at the keyboard or with a live instrument?

And if anyone who appreciates a good jazz bass has a favorite style, I'd love to know it - I may have missed it.

Thanks,
R