Great bands with great instrumentalists

[TerpWomenFan]

I can't leave out my boy Bootsy Collins.

 

[huskyblooz]

And of course the Great Johnnie Johnson, keyboard player for Chuck Berry is also in the R & R HOF. Here's a rare solo moment from him.

❤️ Johnnie Johnson!

 

[Aluminny69]

Julliard trained Neil Sedaka was a concert level classical pianist. Here is an example.

 

[Aluminny69]

Ray Manzarek of the Doors was another great keyboard player. There is the seven minute version of Light my Fire, but this song is classic.

 

[Aluminny69]

This song still gives me shivers! Love the comments, like this one: "So privileged to have been born in an age when such incredible music was written and performed!"

 

[Aluminny69]

Here's a great "movin' in" song. (Surprise at the 2 minute mark.)

 

[Bigboote]

Two great power trios (Experience and Cream) have been cited. The Who are pretty much a power trio plus vocalist. Pete Townsend is maybe a top-ten guitarist, but John Entwistle and Keith Moon are among the best ever on bass and drums. Here's an instrumental of theirs, beauty in simplicity:

 

[Bigboote]

Led Zeppelin are another power trio plus one, and every one of them was among the best. This cut also showcases John Paul Jones's keyboards. This song sometimes ran over 20 minutes in shows, with Jones riffing on the piano in the middle.

 

[Bigboote]

Here's a current power trio, all fantastic musicians, very much in the tradition of the Who, Cream, Led Zepp:

 

[Jimdish255]

Despite his successes his bands were NOT generally recognized as being comprised of all time "great" musicians. Though perhaps Mick Ronson's career puts him in the conversation. However, in 1976 Ian Hunter would release an album with a powerhouse lineup including Queen doing backup vocals, David Sanborn and Jaco Pastorius. The track below features one of the most replicated bass lines in popular music by Jaco. Glen Campbell was also great and often left out.

All American Alien Boy - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Scud49]

This one is Van the Man at his best:

 

[Jimdish255]

Led Zeppelin are another power trio plus one, and every one of them was among the best. This cut also showcases John Paul Jones's keyboards. This song sometimes ran over 20 minutes in shows, with Jones riffing on the piano in the middle.

No music expert but Jimmy Page is an absolute virtuoso musician to me. By that measure I think he edges out other guitar players. Fast or slow, hard or delicate he could do it all. As much as I love Garcia, Trucks, Hendrix it just feels different.

 

[Scud49]

Now here's some exquisite musical arrangement:

 

[Jimdish255]

One of the Greatest instrumentalists. Period.

Here's an interesting tidbit going down the Hendrix rabbit hole and checking out early influencers. Can you hear a little Hendrix in Ernie Isley, or is it the other way around?

How the Isley Brothers' mom made Jimi Hendrix feel right at home in New Jersey

The Mother’s Day Good Music Fest Friday, May 6 at the Prudential Center in Newark features the Isley Brothers, Keith Sweat, Monica and SWV.

www.app.com

 

[Jimdish255]

Possibly the greatest jazz trio in history.
The incomparable Oscar Peterson on piano. Barney Kessel on guitar and Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson on bass.
Mind boggling piano playing.

Love Oscar Peterson. Fantastic. Also had the privilege of somehow buying front row tickets to see Michel Petrucciani at the Montreal Jazz Fest some 25 years ago. Most incredible playing I've ever witnessed close up. We were angled perfectly behind him as he walked with crutches to the stage, lifted himself to the bench, spread his arms like a condor and launched into the jazz stratosphere. Still gives me chills.

 

[Scud49]

Riki Lee Jones on the vocals, and some exquisite arrangement detailing the journey down that highway of life:

 

[HuskyNan]

I sense a drift from the original topic

 

[Bigboote]

In terms of sheer artistry on a breathtaking variety of instrument, Gentle Giant are at the top of my list. This one has each of them switch instruments a couple of times.

 

[Bigboote]

In Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, and Tony Levin, King Crimson has three great strings players. Add in Bill Bruford banging things and they make one hugely artistic band. Here’s my favorite piece of theirs — I can’t find the quartet version; they have a second Stick player and a second percussionist here.

 

[SCNCHuskie]

Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band - Clarence Clemons, Steve Van Zant, and the rest. In this video they get to individually show of their chops. Amazing to watch them put a song together.

I was at this show in Germany. However, if you ever want to see a background band for Bruce Springsteen really show their talents from an instrumental standpoint search for any song from the Seeger sessions band tour.

Pay Me My Money Down (Live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, 2006)

Bruce Springsteen performing "Pay Me My Money Down", live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, 2006Pre-Order the Legendary 1979 No Nukes Concerts: ht...

m.youtube.com

 

[wingsfan055]

Chicago had great horn players as well as an awesome lead guitarist. One of the best live performances.

 

[FairView]

Chicago had great horn players as well as an awesome lead guitarist. One of the best live performances.

Terry Kath was an amazing guitarist ... and he kept getting better. His accidental death at such a young age was a true tragedy.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

Genesis featuring Phil Collins. Sorry you have to wait over 5:30 for the drum kick-in. Still a great song.

 

[cullaville]

 

[cullaville]