Live or Recorded Music

And the different views go on and all with good reason.
By Anthony S. Natale, Ph.D.

One should really examine the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as evaluate the particular band or deejay and keep an open mind on the subject. Clearly, those who are accustomed to live bands prefer them to recorded music while the opposite is true for those used to recorded music. Significantly, a live band provides a certain ambiance that recorded music can not. And, of course, there is the interaction between the dancers and the musicians. There is a certain spontaneity and excitement so that for many, Live Music is the only way to fly.

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Since recorded music comes from live orchestras, what is the problem? Cost factor and availability is a most legitimate argument for selecting recorded music. Other reasons include indistinguishable beats and rhythms, undesirable dance tempos, unequal variety of dances played.

"Frenesi" by Artie Shaw

The musical effect derived from the number of musicians and the types of instruments used and musical numbers may be too long or too short. During band breaks, dancers can’t dance and for many it is welcome respite to appreciate the music when it starts again.

Til I Waltz Again With You" By Theresa Brewer 

Ideally, a knowledgeable DJ can plan and select excellent dance tempos and medleys, have balance and variety and overcome criticism of live bands and acquire an excellent sound system to come closer to the sound produced by an orchestra. The music is usually continuous, and the floor less crowded, with most dancers getting their fill and pacing themselves.

The big problem is many DJs are far from ideal. The very same criticism applied to live bands can be applied to DJs. To find a compromise, some locations are using both live bands and recorded music. Some DJ's are discovering "the pause" that refreshes, incessant music can be counter productive.

"Stranger In Paradise" by Tony Bennett

Cost aside, if you were offered either of two bands that played continuous perfect dance music and variety or one DJ that did likewise with excellent sound, which would you choose? Since you won’t be offered this choice very often, you will have to compromise and usually take what you can get! But let’s keep trying to improve the quality of both!

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