I've found for our band, even rehearsed, we get tighter recordings when using a click- and yes we do "ignore it at some places" or if the beat gets slightly off a bit (if everything else follows along nicely)... If something else needs to be re-tracked... especially the drums, it's a real PITA, to get a cohesive re-take (and I hate punching in/out drums unless it's between stops)
so, the recent mix I recorded, had that been an acceptable take (which it's clearly not), we'd simply re-track the vocals to eliminate the drum bleed issues, however, there is a plan to drop in written out midi tracks... which without a click is damned time consuming to sync/line up. With the increased reliance on virtual instruments, I suppose it's a non issue if you use a virtual drummer, but if you don't and he's not to a click....hours of editing enjoyment
I believe he should have made the distinction between live recordings and recordings involving the laying in of tracks after the initial 'foundation". In the situation Chappell mentions, it's unclear whether the retake was with the singer, or whether there was still some adaptation the band may have had from the previous Broadway performance that the singer had to adapt to. I'm guessing the manner in which the band became accustomed to playing was driven largely by following the singer over 18 months... and even 18 months is no guarantee each performance would be identical...
there a reason symphony's have conductors, despite everyone having sheet music... he's the metronome as well as the dynamics 'coach'
