Favorite Musicians

[kyuuketsuki]

Ok... So we have a bunch of favorites threads floating around including a favorite music thread, in which people have been listing bands, but bands are nothing if not comprised of talented musicians. SO! Here I'd like everyone to post who their favorite individual musicians are, regardless of band affiliation. I don't much care if they are living or dead, but please do try and keep it within a sensible period of time [in other words no classical musicians that are not contemporary, we all know the likes of Mozart, Mendelssohn, Bach, Beethoven, Wagner, Pachebel, Vivaldi, and the like are musical geniuses and masters who deserve to be on any person's list of favorite musicians].

I feel that some guidelines should be set to make it more informative as it were.

1) State the person's instrument(s) of choice

2) When you list the musician state why he is on your list, and a link to him playing, preferably solo. If the reason is him playing solo, then by all means state that the video is the reason

3) List some bands or affiliated works, so that if others like the person, they can check out the bands they played for.

4) TRY and keep it concise.

5) Typical music style [I say typical, because many musicians can play more than one style of music, but play mostly in one style]

The preferred method of listing a musician would be like this:

Takahiro Matsumoto - guitar - Amazing guitarist whose compositions aided in getting his band, the B'z, recognized by famed guitar legend Steve Vai, and honored by being the first Asian band on the Hollywood Rock Walk. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpc85WsieP4&fmt=18 Affiliated bands include B'z and TMG

Of course you don't HAVE to follow those guidelines, BUT it is certainly preferable if you do.

[kyuuketsuki]

Since this is my topic, I suppose I should start it...

First some musicians no one has probably heard of:

Keith Carlock - drums - Probably one of the best freelance drummers around, and is constantly being put on lists as one of the best contemporary drummers by various magazines. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFtgkuEyXQY Some affiliated bands include Steely Dan and Sting, being his most famous of endeavors.

Victor Wooten - bass - Amazing bassist who is unfortunately lesser known than others. One of the better bassists out there, in my opinion second only to Flea. Invented the double slap bass technique. http://www.metacafe.com/watch/45171/vic ... ing_grace/ Affiliated bands, he is currently playing with a band called the Fleckstones

Les Paul - guitar -  OK OK. People have heard of Les Paul, but NOT as a musician. People know him as the guy who invented the electric guitar, but that is simply not fair. An incredibly talented guitarist, and one person who truly did love playing the guitar. His invention probably put him on easy streak for the rest of his life, but despite that he continued playing EVERY MONDAY at the Iridium Jazz Club practically until the day he died. In fact, he only missed that last Monday, because he was in the hospital where he would eventually die. I had the honor and pleasure of going to one of his shows a while back, and I have to say, it is sad that he is only known for his invention, because he is truly one of the best guitarists I have ever seen live, the best jazz and blues musician I have ever seen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb5_DEhmDAM Affiliated bands: Les Paul's Treo Common styles of play: Jazz and Blues  (RIP Les Paul)

Ann Marie Calhoun - violin - Amazing violinist. Witnessed her awesomeness because of Steve Vai, and I am happy that I got a chance to meet her. She is mostly a solo violinist who makes appearances with various bands Doesn't hurt that she is easy on the eyes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL7qN_R9c3Y Affiliated bands Steve Vai [the rest are bands that she happened to play with as I am unaware of any CDs that were recorded with them] Jethro Tull and Foo Fighters Typical style: I am not exactly sure... She seems competent to play all styles, I have only seen her play Rock infused, and some classical style, so I really can't say

Alex De Pue - violin - Pretty much the exact same as Ann Marie, but seems to have more rock in his blood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL7qN_R9c3Y Affiliated bands: Steve Vai and solo works Typical style: Seems more in tune with rock violin than Ann, but again, haven't seen enough to be sure

Note: yes the same video was used for both Ann and Alex. Couldn't resist posting a great violin battle <3

Toru Takemitsu - piano [mostly] - A classical composer whose style is unlike any other. If you saw the movie Ran you'd probably understand. He was a visionary and a fantastic musician. Affiliated bands: primarily solo artist, Typical style: experimental classical is the only way I can think to explain it


Artists people probably know: [Note at this point I am too tired to search out videos, I'll do that later though. And will be completing the info part later]

Jimi Hendrix - guitar - I don't think I need to explain this one. Possibly one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Steve Vai - guitar - My personal favorite guitarist. Probably the craziest guitarist I have seen... I mean who else would use their tongue to modify the sound of a note? Yes HIS TONGUE Affiliated bands: Frank Zappa and solo Typical Style: Rock and experimental

Ginger Baker - drums - Probably the best drummer of all time. I don't think I need to say more on this one... Affiliated bands: Cream

Takahiro Matsumoto - guitar - Amazing guitarist whose compositions aided in getting his band, the B'z, recognized by famed guitar legend Steve Vai, and honored by being the first Asian band on the Hollywood Rock Walk. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpc85WsieP4&fmt=18 Affiliated bands include B'z and TMG

[Note: yea yea... you should have expected that... I used word for word the example I used in the opening thread]

Jimmy Page - guitar - Another guitarist whose fame should warrant my lack of explanation. Affiliated bands: Led Zeppelin

The Flea - bass - Arguably the best bassist of our time and generation. Affiliated bands: Rage against the Machine

Slash - guitar - Another guitarist who is just on another level from much of the rest of the world

Joe Satriani - guitar - As the teacher of Steve Vai I felt obligated to put this master of strings on the list. It was also nice of him to set up G3, where I met Joe Petrucci [An amazing guitarist, but not fit to be on my list, sorry Joe, because this is my favorite musicians, not best]

David Bowie - guitar - With songs like Man who sold the world, Space Oddity, and Ziggy Stardust, what is not to like?

Ok that is enough for now... I got the big hitters, less a few that I might put on later...I look forward to seeing some more from other people

[Detective Prince]

Michael Jackson..

Why? Because...come on...he's Michael Jackson!!

His instrument? He is an instrument! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C5he8XQCBw

[Akai-Shuichi]

Ben Burnley - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfhyuEkCots
this video is obvious reason.

[mangaluva]

Alicia Beth Moore FTW. Stage name P!nk, used to be in a band called "CHoice" in the latter half of the nineties before embarking on an incredibly sucessful solo career. Weapon of choice is the acoustic guitar. My favourite musician ever just now.

Playing and singing "I Don't Believe You" on the Oprah Winfre show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQrjmh2sRl4
(Though it's not her best quality performance, normally she sings the song much slower and it's more poignant when she does.)

Playing and singing "Dear Mr President" on the "I'm Not Dead" tour (with accompaniment): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eRApNHSRRk
(I absolutely adore this song. If America has a version of the Iraq Inquiry, they should just play this.)

[ranger]

sorry Kyuu, but I'm a guy who can't be restrained by guidelines

1. Paul McCartney- bass/guitar/piano ...Arguably one of the best bassist/songwriters out there, incredibly significant to modern rock or any rock after the Beatles really.
Hey Bulldog is a good song that shows how boss he is at Bass.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxundGgHKgA (shitty quality, so you can't really hear the bass)

2. Noel Gallagher - guitar- The brains of Oasis, songwriter of one of the top selling UK bands ever.  Hella influenced by the Beatles.  A good guitarist, but really he shines in songwriting.  He's going solo, which will really just be Oasis w/o liam vocals, lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLEfNQIHah0 (Live forever, Don't Look back in Anger, Supersonic, Morning Glory in that order)

3. John Frusciante - guitar - Recently left RHCP, so I don't know how RHCP will be because he did most of the songwriting.  This guy is a beast as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ofv1q3Q4ge8 - this is one of my favorite songs, its got that funky alternative CA rock

[ranger]

this deserves a bump :O

[Jd-]

sorry Kyuu, but I'm a guy who can't be restrained by guidelines

1. Paul McCartney- bass/guitar/piano ...Arguably one of the best bassist/songwriters out there, incredibly significant to modern rock or any rock after the Beatles really.
Hey Bulldog is a good song that shows how boss he is at Bass.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxundGgHKgA (shitty quality, so you can't really hear the bass)

2. Noel Gallagher - guitar- The brains of Oasis, songwriter of one of the top selling UK bands ever.  Hella influenced by the Beatles.  A good guitarist, but really he shines in songwriting.  He's going solo, which will really just be Oasis w/o liam vocals, lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLEfNQIHah0 (Live forever, Don't Look back in Anger, Supersonic, Morning Glory in that order)

Approved, massively.

[ranger]

I'll add another

Damon Albarn - vocals/guitar/keyboards - If I had to compare him to someone, I'd say the current generation of David Bowie (even though Bowie is still alive, lol).  A great singer that can hit the high and lows with his british cockney accent, and one of the most creative songwriters - His music jumps all over the place, from the cheery britpop from his early days in Blur (a popular 90's britrock band) .
(parklife- Blur) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyyApnI6PrA

As he got older, he ventured more to a lowfi type of music, which produced Song 2 (incredbily famous, especially if you're a soccer fan) and a lot of great mellow songs. (song 2 - Blur) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlAHZURxRjY (Coffee and TV - Blur) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1uvECNUYRE

However, Blur would not last like any great band.  Damon Albarn started on a lot of different projects, and his most successful is of course the virtual rock band Gorillaz.  He was given an infinite amount of freedom, and the ability to collaborate with a bunch of celebrity artists.  Every Planet We Reach is Dead- Gorillaz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LDEm8mC-Nw
With the newest Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach, Albarn once again goes experimental with a completely different style. 

Broken - Gorillaz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWUxXaez ... L&index=49

Damon is also part of the supergroup "The Good, the Bad, and the Queen", where he works with Paul Simonon, bassist from The Clash.  Kingdom of Doom - The Good, the Bad, and the Queen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBEqBsgz7aQ

As you can see, I have tremendous respect for this guy, he's one of my favorite songwriters ever.  Actually, he probably is my favorite songwriter/frontman. 

[scineram]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsKpazeA5L8

[Jd-]

I'll add another

Damon Albarn - vocals/guitar/keyboards - If I had to compare him to someone, I'd say the current generation of David Bowie (even though Bowie is still alive, lol).  A great singer that can hit the high and lows with his british cockney accent, and one of the most creative songwriters - His music jumps all over the place, from the cheery britpop from his early days in Blur (a popular 90's britrock band) .
(parklife- Blur) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyyApnI6PrA

As he got older, he ventured more to a lowfi type of music, which produced Song 2 (incredbily famous, especially if you're a soccer fan) and a lot of great mellow songs. (song 2 - Blur) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlAHZURxRjY (Coffee and TV - Blur) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1uvECNUYRE

However, Blur would not last like any great band.  Damon Albarn started on a lot of different projects, and his most successful is of course the virtual rock band Gorillaz.  He was given an infinite amount of freedom, and the ability to collaborate with a bunch of celebrity artists.  Every Planet We Reach is Dead- Gorillaz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LDEm8mC-Nw
With the newest Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach, Albarn once again goes experimental with a completely different style. 

Broken - Gorillaz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWUxXaez ... L&index=49

Damon is also part of the supergroup "The Good, the Bad, and the Queen", where he works with Paul Simonon, bassist from The Clash.  Kingdom of Doom - The Good, the Bad, and the Queen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBEqBsgz7aQ

As you can see, I have tremendous respect for this guy, he's one of my favorite songwriters ever.  Actually, he probably is my favorite songwriter/frontman. 

Here, we disagree (we've already had this conversation, but I feel that I must fight Blur at every turn).

[ranger]

argh why you hate on Damon Jd?  He's changed a lot, and there's not a lot of people you can say that jumped from being like a british boy band pop star, dancing around like in Parklife, to an underground mellow semi-rapper working with Snoop Dogg.

There's no way Noel can do that 

You should really listen to Plastic Beach, im so obsessed with it, I've given it over like 30 plays lolol.

[bankterminator]

I agree, Plastic Beach is great in some parts, but i just don't get how some songs relate to Gorillaz. In my opinion only a few songs are really good and the other ones just sound like they were put together in the last minute to have enough songs.

What i really like about Gorillaz though is that their lyrics actually make sense and they reflect some of our problems  (Plastic Beach=beach polluted).

Charlie Parker-Sax/jazz-bebop- One of the greatest musician of all time, a genius who can play a song in a style that every expert would say"That's Charlie Parker". Amzing how many improvisations he can do. And Jazz is too underappreciated in modern societies.


Slash-Guitar- In my opinion the main factor for the success of Guns N' Roses. One of the best electric guitar player. Look how bad Guns N' Roses are without him.

Billy Gibbons-Electric Guitar-ZZ Top: Not nessecarily one of the best or most talented, but his riffs are the kind that get stuck in your head. And he uses a Mexican Peso coin as a guitar plectrum^^
Gimme all your lovin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmWKJlahO_M

Maksim Mrvica-Piano: Pianist from Croatia. Nothing much to add here, very good pianist, but sadly classic music is not respected by teenagers
Flight of the Bumblebee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6A-JYbu1Os

[ranger]

I agree, Plastic Beach is great in some parts, but i just don't get how some songs relate to Gorillaz. In my opinion only a few songs are really good and the other ones just sound like they were put together in the last minute to have enough songs.

What i really like about Gorillaz though is that their lyrics actually make sense and they reflect some of our problems  (Plastic Beach=beach polluted).

Yeah, it does feel like a lot of the songs are shorter than they should be, but overall I think it's good.  I dunno if it's better than Demon Days, probably not...it's very hard to compare due to the completely different styles.

[Jd-]

Now that Slash's album is just days away, we've finally got our hands on the English version of his collaboration with Koshi (from B'z, for the initiated and despised).

As you may know, Slash has been working on a solo album for a while now and has collaborated with many of the big names in rock and even pop for it (Ozzy, Chris Cornell, Lemmy, Dave Grohl, Iggy Pop, Kid Rock, Fergie, Myles Kennedy, Ian Astbury and more). Well, for the Japanese version, Slash was able to get in touch with Koshi (whom he had heard of through B'z) and they produced the single SAHARA to publicize Slash's solo effort in the territory. The song went on to become a bit of an online hit amongst Slashinites when Slash made it available on his Myspace and even endorsed the YouTube uploads, because he knew the Japanese version wasn't going to be released stateside.

Due to this, he went back to Koshi and asked him to record an English version as well. Luckily, he agreed, and this is the brilliant result:


Slash featuring Koshi Inaba
SAHARA (English Version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcRklWHoK_Y#



Slash featuring Koshi Inaba
SAHARA (Japanese Version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS8QXv5tVmE#