Keyboard Solo's

[classicstyxfan]

OK, we did the guitarists......now how about your preference between the Ivory ticklers who have been / are now with Styx......

Let's leave out Writing and Vocal Abilities I think that most of us agree who would come out on topthere.

I know we have a limited body of work to Judge Gowan by, though
if you are familiar with his solo work, please do factor that in. In the past, a few posters here have made a statement that Gowan
is a superior technician on the Keys....if that was you, please stop by here and explain the "why" of such a statement.

I'm pretty neutral on this topic, but I'm guessing some of you aren't..please share.

[GaryS]

I have a problem with Gowan but it isn't major. My prob. is that the actually "sounds" that he has programmed into his keyboard are inferior to the sounds that Dennis had live (even on the last 2 Styx tours with Dennis). I know years ago Dennis had a ton of gear with him but even on the last two tours the Grand Piano was actually a shell with a electronic keyboard inside. Gowan has done something that to me a rock band should NEVER do... give up a bit of the sound for a look OR convenience. I would never have believed 5 years ago that Tommy and JY would have gone for it BUT now I am not suprised at all.
I do think Gowan is a FAR better musician than Dennis...

[bugsymalone]

I really have no comparisons to base my opinions here, since I have only heard and seen Gowan's work on one concert shown on DirecTV. And what I saw, he was simply aping the keyboard work of Dennis DeYoung, so it was difficult to tell much about his abilities other than he did it very well.

What always first struck me about DeYoung's work was his blazing speed. I would listen and wonder how in the world he managed to make all those notes sound individually, but be so fast at the same time.

To me, his keyboard work was always used as a part of the whole, so his technical abilities were often submerged to create a sound that worked within the context of the song.

"Foolin' Yourself" is always used as a sample of his virtuosity and I find some of the live versions, where he really gets to cut loose, are superior to the really, really good studio recording of this song.

I would be very interested to hear from those of you, who have heard Gowan on more songs than I certainly have, draw a comparison.

And, then, of course, we must all add to this the astonishing work of the Legend on Lorelei.

Bugsy

[kiddo]

"What always first struck me about DeYoung's work was his blazing speed. I would listen and wonder how in the world he managed to make all those notes sound individually, but be so fast at the same time. "

Being skilled on a vertical keyboard (accordion) helped Dennis hone his dexterity immensely. Having long fingers also has not been a hindrance. :-)

kiddo

[classicstyxfan]

Gary, if you're willing, expand on the statement "Gowan is a much better Musician" for me........what criteria do you base that on ?

Speed ?
Style ?
Other ?

I'm always curious about the "why" when one rates 2 musicians...I know personal taste is always a factor, but I suspect you have the knowledge
to back up your preference.