Conference napalm::guitar

    re: .0
    
>   Hope I'm not boring the tits of ya?
    
    You didn't bore me, but your note was hard to read because of the
    lack of paragraphs and the run on sentences.  We don't "grade" people
    on their writing, but good writing style is necessary in notes for
    the mere reason that it makes notes easier to read.  This conference
    is of course for relaxation, but it's not that hard to put a period
    in every so often and figure out where the paragraphs should go.
    
    Anyway, it's a good topic, and I'm grateful that you couched it
    in terms of "favorites" and not "bests".
    
    My favorite (this is not news to anyone who's read GUITAR or MUSIC
    for any length of time) is Steve Morse, formerly of the Dixie Dregs,
    winner of the Guitar Player magazine's "Best Overall" poll for the
    last five years.
    
    The reason he is my favorite can be described in one word: perfection.
    Morse is known to be the ultimate perfectionist in everything he
    does.  
    
    1)  His music is not 4/4 ditties churned out at factory speed,
        but careful written complex compositions honed over a long period
        of time until they are "right".   They are always innovative,
        interesting, and you can listen to them 100 times and always
        find somethng new.
    
    2)  His playing is perfect in almost every way.  It's obvious that
        he pays careful attention to tone, dynamics, expression, bends,
        vibrato, accuracy.  His solos have all the properties of his
    	composition.  They are always very emotional and original.
    
    3)  Many dedicated guitarists have said that no one is more dedicated
        to MUSIC (*NOT* guitar, *MUSIC*) than Steve Morse.  He will
        make almost any sacrifice to improve his music (practice time,
        learning, etc.).
    
    The bottom line is that his music "speaks" to me.  Every note sounds
    "right".  I also admire him for his attitude and thoughts about
    the practice of music.  His advice on "learn how to learn" is the
    best advice I've ever received.
    
    	db

    I agree, Clapton plays awesome blues WHEN HE FEELS LIKE IT, but
    ... the ONLY white guy who can do this? 
    
    There's a whole crop of young (white) Blues Guitarists in the 
    Boston area, all VERY VERY good. The best of the lot are 
    Ronnie Earl (with Roomful and also Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters
    - check out "I Like it When It Rains" and "They Call Me Mr. Earl")
    and Duke Robillard (of whom I've spoken elsewhere in this file).
    Both of these guys are amazing Blues players. I can't decide who
    I like better. Duke is more technical, and Ronnie is more emotional,
    I guess.
    
    Also, what about Mike Bloomfield? He did some pretty groundbreaking
    stuff in his heyday (1966 or so). I still like the slow blues on
    the 'Super Session' album. There are lots of very good white blues
    players. There are some not so good black blues players, too. I
    always think Son Seals is about a quarter tone sharper than the
    rest of his band. It gets on my nerves.
    
    -Dave

    This doesn't seem like it belongs here, but...
    
    Me and Stevie (my resident guitarist) LOVE George Lynch!!
    
    He's got *feel*...remember 'feel?'  It's that element from 'way
    back--they're not teaching it anymore, though.  Rec execs seem to
    think it's outdated and obsolete.
    Look at Bon Jovi!  (Isn't it funny how the guy sold trillions of
    records but "everyone" hates him?  Why won't anyone admit it?
    *Somebody* bought those albums!
    
    Come on and own up!
    
    Stacie
    (I admit, I've got one--I still don't like them, though.)

    
    JACK BRUCE
    
    1.  He brought intense jazz improvisational skills into the rock
    arena, immediately raising the level of rock bass lines from so
    simple my dog could play it into something that could stand on its
    own melodically.
    
    2.  After leaving Cream, he chose to play very challenging music
    with little commercial potential (with the obvious lapse with West,
    Bruce and Laing) rather than run the Cream format into a rut, which
    is waht everybody else did.
    
    3. He has recorded and performed live successfully in the rock,
    jazz, swing and avant-garde idioms.  Unlike some other players,
    he never sounds like he is over his head or slumming.
    
    4.  He has one of the most distinctive bass sounds of all time,
    next to McCartney, Jaco, Stanley Clarke and Steve Swallow.
    
    

     
    
    
    
    
                               JEFF BECK
    
    
    

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                THE ONLY REAL CHOICE
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                                             JT

    
    
    
    				NICCOLO
    
    		              PAGANINI !!

    
    
    Larry Carlton,  of course!

    Schubert, Lully, Boccherini, Weber, Diabelli, Rossini, Verdi and
    Hummel all played.  It is the only instrument on which Berlioz was 
    proficient.  Imagine:  a transcription of Symphonie Fantastique for 
    guitar(s).
    
    =ken

    
    I have lots of guitar heros. To name a few:
    
    Jazz            	Rock              	Blues         
    
    Larry Carlton   	David Gilmore     	Eric Clapton
    Lee Ritenour    	George Harrison   	BB King
    Howard Roberts  	Joe Walsh         	Eddy Cray
    Al DiMeola          Mark Knopfler           Roy Buchanan
    Jeff Beck                        		Johnny Winters
    Steve howe                                  Duanne Allman
    Jeff (Skunk) Baxter
    Herb Ellis
    Barney Kessel
    Joe Pass
    
    
    Other
    
    Gerry Garcia
    Lowell George
    Alan Holdsworth
    Chet Atkins
    Les Paul
    Roy Clark
    Jorma Kaukonen                              
    Charlie Daniels
    Tommmy Crane
    Frank Zappa
    Steven Stills
    Jim Messina
    
    That's just off the top of my head. I'm sure I could think of a
    few hundred more if I looked thru my record collection. My tastes
    are so varied I could never settle for listening to any one player
    all the time. I apolagize for categorizing people, but I see the
    players that I did categorize pretty much sticking to that one
    style of music. What amazes me is when I started to think about
    who I really like, and what style of music they play mainly, I
    ended up with very few rock musicians in mind. 
    
                                                Mark Jacques
    						LM02/Marlboro, Ma.
    

    	I would have to say that Mark Knopfler is my most current
    guitar hero. Geez, hero is such a BIG word. I would have to
    include Ry Cooder in there somewhere too.
    	Heros are so hard to find!!!!

    Like everyone else, I also have my guitar heroes.  But players like
    Jimmy Page get their names entered into this file all of the time.
     So, I thought I would list the guys whom I grew up with who always
    blew me away.  These are the guys whom I stood and watched at countless
    gigs in the Lowell, Mass area.  I don't know where they are now,
    but I hope that they all have a guitar in their lives.
    
    o Michael Flaherty.  Mike could copy anything, which was quite a
    feat in high school.  "Going Home" from Woodstock? No problem. 
    "Highway Star"?  Never missed a note.  Players like myself were
    still trying to figure out the chords to Aqualung while Mike had
    the solo down better than Martin Barre.  He got better when he got
    older.
    
    o Dave Pierce.  Dave couldn't copy like Mike, but Dave had a sound
    and a style all to himself.  Talk about explosive power and feel!
     Dave could play a Sears guitar through one of the old Kustom solid
    state amps (you know, the padded vinal) and get a good sound out
    of it. I could pick Dave's playing out of a room full of guitar
    players. 
    
    o Mike Genieres.  Mike had the best vibrato I've ever heard.  He
    got the most out of each note, which few guitar players ever cared
    about.  Although Mike wasn't a slow player, he could play a slow
    solo that seemed to hang in the air.  I guess I could say that whatever
    Mike played, it always sounded "right."
    
    Any one of these guys could have been a guitar hero if the cards
    had gone the right way.  As it was, they raised the standard of
    playing that was required of the rest of us.  The rest of us certainly
    practiced harder after hearing them play.
    
    Kevin
      

    Why ? Do we have to explain ?
    
    He paved the way for lots of guitar players. Keith Richards is
    obviously my #2 choice !
    
    Chuck has got swinging jazz education (Louis Jordan, etc.) He can
    play syncopated notes ! Best soli : Johnny B.GOOde, Roll over
    Beethoven, Soul Rockin'. Live tracks : Fillmore blues/Everyday I
    got the blues (From St-Louis to Frisco is the LP, on Mercury).
    
    OK : he's simple, I hear. Ever tried to really play like him ?
    Impossible, man, impossible. First, the sound, then the notes he
    DOES NOT PLAY ! To me, a great guitar played is recognizable by
    the notes he does not play.
    
    Mick Green (Pirates) is the best Telecaster player of all times.
    
    Mick Jones (CLASH...) also good, but a bit copyish.
    
    Lately, er... It looks like guitar is not the in-instrument these
    days. It's alright, we've had to much of these heroes.
    
    I recognize that Beck, Clapton, Page, etc. are brilliant. It's just
    that I do not appreciate their music, or the people they play with.
    
    Oh, and don't forget Damian O'Neill (Undertones, That Petrol Emotion),
    this guy has got CULTURE !
    
    Thanks for reading through!

    Golly Mr. Wilson, Noone said word one about Malmsteen !!!
    
    I wonder ???????
    
    Anyways,,
  
	Ritchie Blackmore has been my hero for a real long time.  
    
    Strange how his style changed from the later rainbow albums to the
    newer Deep Purple stuff.  Personally I don't think he's a happy man 
    now that he's back with D.P.

    His playing was outrageous on the last two Rainbow albums.  The newer
    stuff he did with Deep Purple doesn't really move me at all, so I was a
    little disappointed, but I still have this guy down as one of my all
    time favorites, wether he's currently happy or not.  I'll cut the slack
    for him and wait for the days when he's crusin again. 

Re: -1.
    
    That's because Malmsteen is no hero...he's a novelty at best.

    I think what happened with Yngwie is that after his success, a dozen
    others guys with comparable speed started showing up.
    
    Speed alone is an athletic pursuit, not a musical pursuit.  I like
    Yngwie and unlike some folks, I think his music is quite good but
    not outstanding.  I just feel like his proficiency on the guitar
    far exceeds what he is trying to accomplish musically and I find that
    dissapointing and perhaps wasteful.
    
    It's part of why I like (oh no, here he goes again) Steve Morse.
    His music is just as ambitious and developed as his skill on the
    instrument.

    	db

  re .15

  Steve Who??  Just kidding :-)

  Ya, Steve Morse is definately hot.  I noticed that no one
  has yet mentioned Eric Johnson, so I will.
 
  I like his musical style alot, and he seems to be technically very good.
  Perhaps because he is fairly new on the scene, though, he has not yet
  influenced very many guitarists. 

frank

    I've always admired guys who can get expression and feeling from
    a guitar. Two of them are special to me -- Mark Knopfler and (the
    brits may remember this guy) Hank Marvin. Why? I'll ramble a little...
    
    Knopfler became kinda unique because of his 'out-of-phase' Strat
    sound way back, such songs as 'Sultans' and 'Lady Writer' on the
    1st album were typical. His fingerpick style is also instantly
    recognizable, no matter what flavor axe he uses, be it a Strat,
    dirty-sound Gibson, acoustic or National Steel. Another feature
    of his 'style' is best described in his own words -- he always
    described himself as 'just a strummer and a picker' and has a
    (self-confessed) mediocre voice at best. He describes his (frequent)
    guitar licks as 'the bits I can't sing, I get the guitar to sing'.
    His vocals (sic) are thus liberally interspersed with short melodic
    licks that complement the vocal. Few others do this, even fewer
    can pull it off as well as he can. I remember spending *weeks* way
    back tyring to learn all the licks from 'Sultans'. Eventually our
    beloved moderator (tnx again, db) found me a copy of the tab so
    I could get it right (!).
    
    The 'Brothers in Arms' album is, for me, a milestone. There are
    so many different styles of song and new directions in guitar sounds
    (each so appropriate to the mood of the song, but *still* recognizable
    as Knopfler). I'll get the 'Brothers licks down if it kills me --
    I still get a lump in my throat every time I hear the song, there's
    so much feeling in his playing...
    
    As regards Hank Marvin, Mr Knopfler & I share many boyhood memories
    of Hank and the Shadows. He was (I think) the first person to show
    that the guitar was a 'valid' solo instrument, and the Shadows were
    certainly the first and most successful purely instrumental band.
    Hank played the Strat like I think it should sound -- clean, pure
    and melodic. Over the years I have learnt most of Hank's repertiore,
    just for the 'thrill' of trying to emulate his sound and expression.
    
    On one of the last shows on the 'Live Alchemy' Dire Straits tour
    (Odeon, Hammersmith?) was kinda unique. Knopfler introduced the
    last song thus:-
    
    "When I was a kid, all I wanted was a red electric guitar. The reason
    was because of a guy who played a red electric guitar. I *still*
    wish I could get it to sound the way he plays it. Here's one of
    my all time favorite guitar players -- Hank B Marvin". Hank walked
    on stage to a standing ovation, with his original red Strat (the
    one Cliff Richard bought him back in 1959). They played kind of
    a duet of "going home" from Local Hero, trading licks off each other.
    It was wonderful. The look on Knopfler's face was priceless too
    -- sort of "thinks: here's my boyhood hero on the same stage as
    me playing one of my tunes..." Could any of us ask for more?
    
    Jimi.
    
    p.s. anyone from the UK know if the Shadows are still playing together?
         The last album of their's I got was about 8 years ago, and
         I haven't seen *any* of their albums over here...

>        It was wonderful. The look on Knopfler's face was priceless too
>    -- sort of "thinks: here's my boyhood hero on the same stage as
>    me playing one of my tunes..." Could any of us ask for more?
    
    The last thing I'd ever want to is get up on the stage with Steve 
    Morse.  I'd rather die.
    
    In fact, I've even had the opportunity (he invited people to jam
    with him at a clinic I attended) and passed it up.
    
    	db

     
    I agree totally on that point,it not what you put in its what you
    leave out that counts! 

     Re: .0
    
    I forgot to mention in my earlier reply that I have heard of Clannad,
    in fact have a bunch of their records.
                           
    If all you are aware of is their latest records, which are very
    electronic, some of the early titles on Shanachie Records may be
    quite a shock....they started out as a traditional folk band.
    
    Interestingly, the band consists of two sets of twins, who are cousins
    plus one set's sister.  I think that has a lot to do with their
    gorgeous harmonies.
    
    Now, back to the original subject.....
    
    

I luv Stevie Ray Vaughn.
I have his albums,"Couldn't Stand The Weather" and "Soul To Soul".
In Japan,we can get the live video disk (Laser Disk).
It was taken in Japan about 2 years ago.
But I've not bought it, 'cuz I don't have a Laser Disk Player.
             
Would you like him ?
					:-)

    
    	Alex Lifeson (the most textured gitman to ever come down the
    pike!)
    
    	David Gilmore (non-tech, but emotes like no other!)
    
    					Steve
    
    Another country heard from!

    I agree ---Stevie Ray.... but all you nothern boys are forgetting..
    Gary Rossington
    Allan Collins
    Steve Gains ????
    

    
    Paul Gilbert!

>    Gary Rossington
>    Allan Collins
>    Steve Gains ????

Excuse me ,I know none of them.
Could you explain to me ?

						Captain Fingers 

    Richard Thompson
    Jerry Donahue
    Jan Akkerman
    Albert Lee

    
    Re: .26
    
    1.  Because they do not play heavy metal
    
    2.  Because they do not appear on MTV
    
    3.  Because three of them are bald   :-) :-)
    
    4.  Because you can never find any records by the last three in
    the store.
    
    5.  Because noone has heard the intro to "Calvary Cross", the
    Fotheringay album, the album "Tabernakel" or listens to anything that 
    might be remotely considered country music.  8^) 8^) 8^)
                                                
        

    re .-1:
    
    I resemble that! I think Albert Lee is GREAT! I just don't have
    'axe heroes'any more. I'm 30 freakin' years old! My hero is Ivan
    Boesky!
    
    -Dave

    RE: .25 "Idon't know"
     Has everyone forgotten "LYNYRD SKYNYRD".
    
    > Gary Rossington - now with the Rossington Band
    > Allan Collins - now fighting drugs and memeoies of woman
    > Steve Gains - RIP Died in the plain crash that also killed
                    Ronnie VanZant.
    
    The good news is that Lynyrd Skynyrd is back! I saw them in concert
    last month, minus Alan Collins, with Jonny VanZant (38 Special)
    doing the lead vocals in the place of his late brother and they
    were HOT! These boys were at the forfront of Sothern RockandRoll.

    If you like Lynyrd Skynrd, you'd probably like Blackfoot.  I think
    Blackfoot's featured guitarist, Ricky Medlocke, plays with more fire
    and originality than the LS guitarists, who always seemed capable,
    but not very original (standard southern rock pentatonic guitarists).
    
    In fact, Ricky played drums in early LS and appears on the "First
    and Last" album, both in the grooves and in the picture on the front
    cover.
    
    I recommend the "Strikes" album in particular.
    
    	db

    I realy liked Blackfoot especialy the guitar work but I have'nt
    heard anything from them in quite some time. Maybe this is because
    I now live in California and am exposed to there music or that,
    now that I am older, 50% of my radio time is on the country station.
    
    Thanx for the info
    
    Mark (Stuck in Cal)

    Blackfoot is no more.  They broke up about 1-2 years ago.  The last
    album I saw was "Vertical Smiles" which I found dissapointing.
    
    Ricky Medlocke put out an album about 5 months ago as "Ricky Medlocke
    & Friends".  I didn't buy it though, so I have no idea how good
    it is.
    
    However, I'd go through the old stuff before experimenting with
    the new stuff.  I like all these Blackfoot albums:
    
    	Strikes

    	No Reservations  - Their first album.  It's very hard to find,
    		but I have a few extra copies I'd be willing to sell
    		to geniunely interested individuals.

        Flyin High
    
    	? - the one that came out after Strikes (don't remember the
   	    name.
    
    Stay away from "Tomcattin'" and "Vertical Smiles".
    
    	db

    Re .32 :
    
    You're missing at least three Blackfoot albums that I know of ;
    
        "Marauder", came out after Tomcattin' but was in a different
                    class ( check out "Diary of a Working Man" for a
                    REAL song ).
    
        "Siogo",    which marked the change in line-up with Kensley
                    ( ??? ) from Uriah Heep ( I think ? ) being added.
                    Almost a venture into AOR/Metal.
    
        "Highway Songs Live", a single live album recorded in U.K. around
                    1984 with a storming version of "Highway Song".
          
    
    Ricky Medlocke also played on an album entitled Jackson Highway
    circa 1975 ( not sure of this at all ) with Duck Dunn ( really
    stretching my memory now... ). If anyone knows where I could get
    a copy of this album...
            
    Blackfoot had a couple of pretty successful UK tours around 82/83,
    but nothing much since. Any info on Mr Medlockes current interests
    would be appreciated.
    
    To me, Blackfoot were the best of the Southern Rock units up until
    "Marauder".
    
    Dave _noone_understands_my_confed_flag_fixation_.
    

    I'll state the obvious since no one else has (in reponse to this
    note).
    
    My primary inspiration comes from Andres Segovia.  Principle reason:
    
    1. I learn (or am reminded) of the capabilities of the instrument
    every time I hear his recordings.
    
    2. He reminds me that the music matters, not the guitar.
    
    3. I haven't heard a recording of a bad performance (although I
    have heard bad recordings of good performances).  Standards count.
    
    Although I disagree with many of Segovia's statements disparaging "impure"
    guitars and styles (flamenco, rock and roll, etc.) his music hs
    to be my primary influence for classical and steel string playing.
    
    - Evan

    Uli Jon Roth ( once with the Scorps but moved on in more than one
    sense ) is, to me, one of the best around.
    
    "Beyond the Astral Skies" ( c. 1985 ), although fairly cosmic in
    its lyrical content, is a showcase for some magnificent guitar work
    AND composition.
    
    I saw him play in a small venue ( 1000 people maybe ) a couple of
    years back. He played 26 fretted and fretless guitars designed by
    himself and displayed a range and mastery of techniques I've never
    seen equalled.
    
    I'm not fortunate enough ever to have seen Steve Morse but, on record,
    would rate Uli Roth pretty close in the intelligence stakes.
    
    Anyone know what he's up to now ?
    
    Dave.

    1) Frank Zappa-check out the "shut up....." box set
    2) Lowell george- slide heaven
    3) Robert Quine
    4) Albert King-To me this guy was the coolest of all the blues players
    appearing on the cable B.B King thing. I don't know all that much
    about him however, what is the quintessential King disc. Any ideas?

Hi guys;

This reply hadn't had any action for some time but I just got into this 
note.

Is there an intro. note around here?

Anyway, to keep to the subject at hand.

I don't know if you all are mostly from the east or what. Y'all named a 
lotta good/great players but I did not see one vote for someone whom I 
think has got to be one of *the* most expressive, diverse, beautiful 
players I'd ever heard. When I first heard his stuff I was totally blown 
away, and remain faithful to all of his work to this very day.

His first works/group of name was with Tom Scott and the L.A. Express
He's done lots of soundtrack and studio stuff.
He's done work with Joni Mitchell and went on to be one of *the* founding 
members of the now grammy winning Yellowjackets

He's since taken on a solo career and a few other group projects

I'm talkin' 'bout  ROBBEN FORD.

What a masterful artist! Is he not so heard of wherever most of y'all are 
at?

Let me know if you want a discography.

�RLMz�

    yeah, Robben Ford is hot.  I'd sure like to see a discography.
    
    /rick

    
    Well, my axe hero is honored in this month's Guitar Player.  The
    one, the only Joe Walsh.
    
    Go back and listen to Walk Away, and tell me if that sounds like
    an 18 year old song, recording-wise or other-wise.  
    
    And he's gotta be a great guitar player, 'cause he makes such weird
    faces when he plays a solo. ;-)
    
    I just wish other people had the courage to show a sense of humor
    on their records.  Whether it's "I Can Play that Rock and Roll",
    or "In the City" and "Pretty Maids All in a Row", or "The Worry
    Song", Joe can cover just about every mood I've ever had.
    
    Long live Coricidin bottles....Long live talk boxes...Long live
    Joe Walsh!

	re: Robben Ford

	A few years agoin the used record bins I came across an LP entitled
	the Charles Ford Band Live at (somewhere or other).  This was a
	memorial album for Robben and his two brothers (who's names I can't
	think of off the top of my head).  The record is a live recording 
	done in a small club over a weekend.  The band is Robben on guitar
	and his brothers (one on harmonica and vocals and one on drums I
	think).  The overall recording and sound quality of the album leaves
	something to be desired, but the guitar playing is just AWESOME!!

	Robben is really one of the most inventive blues guitarists I have
	ever heard.  I'd like to find more of his stuff like this.  I have 
	one solo album by him as well as "Top Cat" by Tom Scott, but don't
	really know of what else he has done.

	-gary

    
    re: Robben Ford
    
    Robben began his career as a blues guitarist on the West Coast.
    He's on a number of Charlie Musselwhite albums from the late
    sixties...they are on labels like Vanguard and Arhoolie.
    
    He switched over to jazz and hooked up with Tom Scott's LA Express
    just in time to get tapped for a Joni Mitchell tour that resulted
    in her "Miles of Aisles" LP.  
    
    The Yellowjackets were originally intended to be Robben's backing
    band but eventually they struck out on their own.  
    
    I haven't really heard a lot of the above stuff, but from what I
    *have* heard his move from low-down blues to slick LA pop-jazz shows
    a stylistic range beyond most of his peers (can you imagine Larry
    Carlton or Lee Ritenour playing in a gritty blues band???).
    
    Haven't heard anything about him for a few years...where'd he go????
    
    
     
    

RE:	Robben again..

Thanks for the info on Robbens background prior to Tom Scott.
I'd love to hear that Charles Ford Band live album. As for the Musselwhite 
lp's are they still available? What are they?

The first solo lp I got turned to, was INSIDE STORY, a 5 star lp if you 
asked me, just excellent. Anyway, that's when the "'Jackets" *were* his 
band. I saw him a coupla times at the "Golden Bear" in Huntington Bch with 
the 'Jackets but, he also used *another* guitar player who supposedly was 
his rhythym player and GAWD he smoked too! I don't remember his name. I 
have his Yellowjackets works, 2 albums I believe, another solo lp prior 
to INSIDE STORY, and the Scott lp. I will compile a discography ASAP. If 
any of you know more than what's already been discussed please forward to me.

Not to compare Carlton,Rit, and Robben, but their music is pretty similar 
and having seen all three and collecting all three's lp's, I would have to
definately give the artistic impression edge to Robben. He can make you 
tingle with excitement or move you to tears with his use of color,scales,
and feeling.    

Be in touch.

    Robben Ford toured with Miles Davis recently.  Within the past year
    or two I saw a documentary about Miles on public TV.  There was
    some footage of Miles' [latest] band and Robben was playing guitar.
    Actually, it might not have been a "tour"...now that I think of
    it, it was a Jazz Festival from New Orleans.  Anyway, Robben was
    interviewed.  I've always had the highest regard for the first Tom
    Scott and the L.A. Express album,"Tom Cat".  Is that Ford playing
    the guitar on "Goodnight Mr. and Mrs. America and All The Ships
    At Sea"?  It's one of my favorite solos.
    
    Speaking of Tom Scott...
    I always thought that a good name for an L.A. Express album would
    be, "L.A. Expressions". :^)
    
    -- Joe.

    
    Re: .43
    
    Funny you should mention Miles, I forgot that I still have a tape
    of the Amnesty International show at the Meadowlands where Carlos
    Santana jams with Miles...that's Robben all right...playing *Strats*
    
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Where'd that 335 go??????
    
    

    Anyone see Robben Ford on the Carson show Thursday night?  Luckily
    I happened to be up and had the TV on in the backround.  He's got
    a new album out, "Talk to Your Daughter".  Played the title track.
    It was smokin!
    
    /rick

    re .45
    
    yeah but the 99 year old piano teacher blew him away!
    
    :-)

    
    
	    Rock				Jazz(Fusion)
	    ----				-----------
    
 	   ! Not necessarily in order of preference:
    
	   Santana				Mcglaughlin
    	   Eddie Van H.				Paco DeLuca
    	   Eric Johnson			 	Al Dimiola
    	   Joe Satriani				Mike Stern
    				Beck
    	   Steve Vai				Holdsworth
    	   Steve Morse				Scott Henderson
    	   Daryll Stuermer			Steve Erquiaga (w/Andy
    								Narell)
    	     			.
    
    				.
    
    				.
    
    	And on and on..
    
    
    	but these guys bring out the goose bumps.
    
   
    	J.P.
    	   

    ...and we mustn't forget John Scofield!!!

    I don't know that much about guitar playing but I am surprised that
    Gary Moore or Micheal Shenkers name doesn't appear in hear. I was
    really impressed by the feeling that Shenker puts into his solo's.
    
    Does no one else rate these 2 guitarist?
    
    cheers Mark

    Hard to believe I didn't see Albert Lee till .26, or Al DiMeola
    until .47.....
    
    I love to hear lead players who can tastefully back up singers (again,
    it's what you don't play!):
    James Burton
    Albert Lee
    Frank Reckard
    Ray Flacke 
    Ricky Skaggs (he's got a helluva nerve - he's an incredible singer,
    fiddler, mandolin, acoustic guitar, etc. but began playing electric
    as well....unbelieveable string bender!)
    
    I have far too many heroes to adequately list, so I'll just put
    my top few here:
    Chet Atkins
    George Harrison
    John Fogerty
    Paul McCartney
    The Ventures (long live instrumentals!!!!!)
    Jerry Reed
    John McLaughlin
    
    etc. etc. etc.		
    						--Eric--

>    Hard to believe I didn't see Albert Lee till .26, or Al DiMeola
>    until .47.....
    
>    I love to hear lead players who can tastefully back up singers (again,
>    it's what you don't play!):
>    James Burton
>    Albert Lee
>    Frank Reckard
>    Ray Flacke 
>    Ricky Skaggs (he's got a helluva nerve - he's an incredible singer,
>    fiddler, mandolin, acoustic guitar, etc. but began playing electric
>    as well....unbelieveable string bender!)

    Well, it's easy to see why, all those guys are country players,
    an under appreciated genre to be sure. Listening to a lot of Emmylou
    are we?
    
    If you're in Mass. we oughta do some pickin' together!!!
    
    

    	
    	Dave Gilmour
    	Syd Barrett
    	Ian Curtis
    	East Bay Ray
    	Steve Blake
    		           
    

        Duane Allman(sp?).  The best of the slide players. 
        
        Gary Richrath (for you REO fans)
        
        Terry Kath
        
        
        gt
        
        

    Re. -1
    Yes, you spelled Duane's name correctly!
    
    How about Dickie Betts?  Or Charlie Daniels and Tom Crain for some
    more tasty twin lead stuff?
    
    And I just remembered two favorites not mentioned yet: Steve Cropper
    and Duck Dunn (Blues Brothers forever!!)
    
    					--Eric--

    BRIAN MAY.  No question.

    
    None other than Mr. Alex Lifeson himself.
    
    jab

    
    It used to be Paul Gilbert, but he's been weird lately, so my new axe
    hero is Michael Angelo (even though everyone hates him). 

    
    Kee Marcello - I don't care much for Europe but that guy burns !!
    
    Ever see him play flight of the bumble bee ??

    
    I have to say Todd Rundgren.  
    
    I don't like to admit it, but my main influences are:
    
    Jimmy Page
    Ritchie Blackmore
    Yngwie Malmsteen (though I can't come close)
    Alex Lifeson (I don't mind this influence)
    
    Jazz guys I like, but can't copy:
    
    Allan Holdsworth
    Pat Metheny
    
    
    So Todd Rundgren is like a lot of styles rolled into one - a sort of
    vision of what I would like to be able to do....
    
    Guy
    

    
    
    	My main influences
    
    	Joe Satriani
    	Greg Howe
    	Vito Briata
    	Steve Via
    	Roy Buchanan
    
    	M
    	 B

    Early on....Clapton and Hendrix
    
    Now.........SRV, Jeff Healey, and Clapton (still and always)
    
    Steve

    Johnny Marr ex Smiths guitarist, one of the best of the current
    generation. Supurb playing and composition, one of the last of the
    true geniuse's of the fretboard.
    
    juju
    xxxx
    

    Who would I give awards too ?               
    
    Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeotch - Tesla
    -The Best "Odd couple" award
    
    Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton - Queensr�che
    -Best Technical team award           
    
    Steve Vai
    -Best innovative sound award
    
    George Lynch - Lynch Mob, Dokken (Whatever!)
    -Awesome lix and trix award 
    
    Randy Rhodes - Formerly of Ozzy Ozbourne (RIP Randy)
    -Coops' overall awesome-award
    
    KK Downing and Glenn Tipton - Judas Priest 
    -Shaping the state of the nation sound award

Jerry Garcia and Mark Knopfler (sp?).  Both have very sweet and clean sounds.
Their spare styles *blend* with the music, rather than *overlay* on top of it. 

    I don't know about Knoppfler, but Jerry Garcia has an AWESOME guitar
    rig (as do most of 'The Dead')...
    
    jc (Who's always liked Jerry's style...)