I've just learned how to play with full keyboard accompaniment on my Kawai CP207. This is the function where the piano looks at the notes you are playing and chooses a chord for you.

I love having this capability, but I was wondering how I could I do something similar in a portable rig? Could I use a small portable midi keyboard with a laptop computer to do the same thing? Or is this function restricted to full-size digital pianos?

If this is doable with a computer, which software would I use?

For portable playing, I use a Yamaha PSR-S910 arranger keyboard, controlled through MIDI by a Yamaha P-85 piano.

Both weigh less than 30 lbs each, and the S910 reads full keyboard chords, as well as bass inversions, etc.

You could also look at the S910's baby brother, the PSR-S710, if you don't need the fancier features of the former, such as vocal harmony, and Super Articulated voices...they both have 16 track onboard sequencers, and an Audio to USB recorder which I find extremely handy for making my own CD recordings.

Third party style (accompaniment) support is excellent as well, and the styles themselves are terrific.

Snazzy

Band in a Box?

Yes, excellent choice...only flaw is that you can't play/record in real time.

Otherwise, a terrific program.

Snazzy

Stage pianos:
Korg Pa588
Casio PX330
and some Medeli models.

Keyboards:
All Keyboards from the type Arranger or Entertainer keyboard from Yamaha,Roland, Korg,Casio,Ketron,Medeli.
(I would love to have the Korg Pa2X ;-)
Some have MIDI ports and can be connected to master keyboards. Some are also as Racks available.

Software:
http://www.1manband.nl/omb/index.htm
http://www.live-styler.de/home/

Peter

There is an entire class of keyboard instrument designed to do auto accomplishments. The DP you have is one of them but there are 1,000 others and most of them are portables. Prices are all over the map from mid three digits to 10X that much. Go into any local music store.

About software. The best for live play would be "One Man Band". this is a software emulation of the Yamaha Arranger keyboards. The software can play Yamaha style files. These files define HOW the piano choose chords based on your play.
ONe Man Band

But this software emulates some Yamaha keyboards, you could also look at the real thing.

Chris, have you used One Man Band? I looked at Band In A Box a few years ago, but it proved to be too complicated for me and not usable in real time. I'd love to get some (simulated) playing-with-others experience.

There is a free demo version you can download. That is as far as I've gotten with it. I still have a Roland arranger keyboard and yes it is fun the play with the auto accompany features you feel like you are a cross between a DJ and a piano player.

I think Band in a Box might be more powerful if you want help composing music but this will do rhythm loops and one finger chords in real time

OK, I'll try the download version. Band in a Box was too cumbersome. I lost interest before I'd put in all the chords for one song!