Is it really possible?

[styxfanNH]

Is it really possible for any of us to actually tell how good any keyboard player really is? And I guess I am kinda comparing Dennis and Larry, but not necessarily. In many cases keyboard players are playing background chords that aren't really front and center and when the keyboard is front and center, it is in many times a ballad with not a lot of really dynamic fast fingering of piano keys taking place.

In most bands, each instrument is designed to compliment each other in the mix. I just spent the last couple of weeks with Pieces of Eight running in my car. After really listening to it for the umpteenth time, I was listening to Renegade only to pay particular attention to DDY's organ rift throughout it. What a great rift. It fit perfectly. A really nice funk to it. But with that said, I wouldn't say that it proved that he was a great keyboard player.

I guess what I am asking, is there really any way to tell when a member is part of a band if they really are a better keyboard player than another? I would think unless you are looking into the classical music realms that it would be hard to tell what makes a great piano/keyboard player as even the solo's are generally mixed with other instruments in the mix.

Just looking for some thoughts out there.

[bugsymalone]

I just go by a few keyboard breaks DDY has played and, admittedly, they are right hand work mostly. Listen to the break in Young Man and, of course, the end piece of Foolin' Yourself. Just astonishing solo work in my book.

That said, you are right, NH. I think that often keyboards are used as fill and , in the case of a lot of Styx music, as the orchestral sound for the more progressive rock songs.

I think in DDY's case, a lot of his work was very inventive. Maybe not technically virtuoso work, but clever, original, and always just right for the sound of the song.

Bugsy

[SuiteMadameBlue]

I have to agree with Bugsy on this one.

I personally have no clue (obviously). This is how blonde I am (LOL) I just recently found out a few years ago that a lot of the keyboards are pre-programmed - LOL That pretty well wrecked a lot of concerts for me - LOL

A real concert to me is when each member of the band plays their own instruments, nothing programmed, no guitar tech behind the stage playing the guitar, etc.

[froy]

Is it really possible for any of us to actually tell how good any keyboard player really is?

Yep take Gowan for an example I can tell right away he stinks




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[Monker]

Is it really possible for any of us to actually tell how good any keyboard player really is?

Yep take Gowan for an example I can tell right away he stinks

Well, with Dennis, you can't tell if he's still good - he hardly even plays at his shows.

[sadie65]

I think it would be a bit hard to compare. When I listen to recordings I have to remember that whomever did the recording would have had the opportunity to run multiple takes to get it just as they wanted it (I'm speaking about "back in the day" of course, not now with Pro Tools and such). In a concert setting, there is the occasional solo, however most of the key work is supposed to blend in, to resemble the song as it was recorded.


Unless you put any two side by side, basically noodling or showing their best stuff, I'd be hard pressed to give any sort of judgment. And even then, it would be totally subjective, since it would come down to what you really like.
I suppose it could be judged from a technical point of view, but since I'm truly not qualified in that area, I wouldn't be able to tell a difference.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

"Pieces of Eight"

Gowan couldn't play this like Dennis does at his solo shows and what he added in the middle, no way. Gowan would fly off the spinning keyboards (LOL)

By the way, Dennis does play this one on the keyboards!!

[styxfanNH]

I don't think anyone plays anything like anyone else. It's not the notes its the styles and nuances that make the player or playing style.

[bugsymalone]

Well, there is technical brilliance. Plenty of people have that. I agree, again, NH. There is much more than that with the music. Nuance and something I call the "soul" of the work. Not soul in the sense of soul music, but the obvious infusion of something from the player than just the playing.

I think Dennis is a master at putting his heart into all his music and it shows up in his keyboard work as well. There is something extra in it and I feel it is his personal feelings, coming out in the music.

I have not heard a lot of Gowan's work, but the Dennis stuff he plays that I have listened to, while it it technically accomplished, sounds empty and, well "soul-less" to me. Because it is not his work to begin with. My guess is what he has written has a lot more depth to it than the music he is just copying. (We are NOT talking singing ability here!!).

I like this topic, NH, obviously, because I am a HUGE fan of the keyboard work in a lot of progressive rock bands. I know that is one of the reasons I love the music in the first place.

Bugsy