JPF Home Page Forums Musician Gear and Techniques Guitars and Guitarist Forum Underappreciated guitarists

Everyone loves guys like Hendrix, Joe Pass, Django, BB, Albert & Freddie King. Who are your "lesser known" faves?

1) Mick Taylor (Stones). I just love everything he did on Sticky Fingers. Not only my favorite Stones album, but the solo in "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" is one of my all time favorites. (Hats off to Ry Cooder for wicked slide on Sister Morphine as well).

2) Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. He has such a great, smooth blend of blues and jazz, with a little country seasoning no top (he also plays fiddle). I love his sense of humor as well. Check out his Pressure Cooker album.



------------------
Visit http://www.zeyerband.com for music downloads, lyrics, news, and show dates

Chet Atkins. Yes, I realize he's pretty well-known, but he's one of the few guitarists I rank up there with Hendrix. Chet didn't so much push the envelope as make it feel a lot roomier.

Joe

Have to disagree with your initial premise -

I think far more folks would be able to tell you who Mick Taylor was than Joe Pass, Django and Albert & Freddie.

For lesser known I'll pick Danny White, Martin Barr and Reeves Gambrels(sp?). If this makes you go "Who?" then it'll be worth explaining.



------------------
Marty listen here

Is there a setting on the digital delay that will allow me to think before I speak?

Floyd "Wonderful" Smith, who some recall as a "one hit wonder", because of his 1950's chart placement with "Floyd's Blues". Like many, that "flash in the pan" was just a high-point in a career that spanned decades, and saw him record and perform with many greats of the jazz world.

Hi All,
Roy Clark is one of the All time Greats on Guitar. On Steel Guitar Jerry Byrd is one of the Premere players.

Tony Rice comes to mind. And Jimmy Vaughan...

It seems stupid to list a guy who is one of the most well-known and recognizable people of the last cnetury. But, in spite of his fame and renown, I think George Harrison was always underacknowledges as a guitarist. He may not have been a speed merchant (so what?), but he defined what a lead guitar palyer in a rock band should be. The world will be humming his guitar licks long after most other guitar players have slpped off the radar.

Well Truman, you beat me to it. Talk about good musical taste in a lead guitarist. Bob Dylan once said George was his favorite because of his reserved, understated and tasteful soloing. And as a rhythm guitarist I don't know anyone who is more underated than John Lennon. Just think of his work on songs like All My Loving, I'm Happy Just To Dance With You and I'll Cry Instead. No one else did anything like that before or since as far as I can hear. Some decent and really catchy lead work on a few tunes like I Feel Fine and Get Back as well.
Steve Biederman

Right. Lennon was a first-rate rhythm guitarist. Guitar players know that a good rhythm player is not just a guy who isn't good enough to play lead (Lennon was good at that, too. Listen to the lead on "She's So Heavy" and "Get Back" and listen to the GREAT solo on "You Can't Do That"). Lennon was a superlative rhythm player who absolutely launched that band. Listen to the way the acoustic guitar drives "Can't Buy Me Love." Listen to "I'm Happy Just To Dance With You." His rhythm parts on "Long Tall Sally" and "Roll Over Beethoven" are like a freight train. He was damned good.

A guy I'm real impressed with is Brent Mason, who I found on Alan Jackson's and Brooks and Dunn CD's. I had never heard of him until I started getting into country music. Another guy is Jan Ackerman, from Holland who years ago was with the group Focus. Their big hit was Hocus Focus or something like that. The song did not represent Jan's true talent. On other songs he was a real gem.
Dan

catfish keith can *really* slide.

------------------
kit malone
http://www.kitmalone.com

I am so with you on George Harrison! Loved his playing!

Alex Lifeson - Awesome textures, leads, all of it, I just totally dig him.

Robert Cray, David Gilmore, Pat Metheny and me Vincent Tomasso(I am feeling very under appreciated -jk)

...and just about everyone else in Nashville. I had the opportunity to watch him work at a session in Nashville last year. He is really something.

Tho they are known as vocalists and songwriters, both Vince Gill and Brad Paisley got my attention for their guitar playing...

Mike

Here are my favorite "unknowns" (to the general public):

-Roy Buchanan (deceased)

-Danny Gatton (deceased)

-Lenny Breau (deceased--Danny said he was the best!)

-Jim Weider www.jimweider.com Tele/slide master!

-Sonny Landreth -- very much alive slide king!!

-Eric Steckle 13 yrs old! www.ericsteckle.com

-Snooks Eaglin

-Tab Benoit

-Kenny Neal

-Walter Trout

-Lonnie Mack

-Monte Montgomery-- is that an Acoustic Guitar???????

-Jeff Beck (not unknown but mostly forgotten)

-Robin Trower (ditto)

-Pat Methney (ditto)

-Pat Martino (ditto-- hey I'm a Philly guy!)


I'm sure there are more but I've forgotten them!

BLM

For acoustic guitarists, I think Pierre Bensusan is easily one of the best - but I've encountered very few people who have any idea about who he is.

Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) is one of my favourites (for my money, one of the best "rhythm" guitar players alive.) I love his use of passive (dissonant) chords.
Actually, I was surprised at a concert in '86, Lou Reed is pretty damn good!
I also love Mick Ronson (R.I.P.)
But, what do I know, I think Neil Young kicks ass.

right on Dan. Focus was outstanding. Their first two albums showed prog rock influences as well as Jan Ackermans jazz and classical vibe. Also those other Dutch guys, Golden Earring are much underated. Their guitar player could take a 5 minute solo and not run of things to say.

How about Bill Nelson. One of his bands Bebop Deluxe ripped for a few years. Hmm. Alvin Lee, Ten Years After. He was very speedy in his earlier years with the band. The lead axe for Three Dog Night. That dude could play. Uriah Heep. So many smokin guit players.

Ray Davies was great. Is great!

~Vee

How about Chris Whitley, Guy Davis & Guy Forsyth!!!
Also Pete Anderson did a lot of Killer Guitar on Dwight Yoakums discs as well as producing them too!

-ResoNut-

I'll second Bill Nelson. Keith Rochards too. A lot of guitarists snicker when I say he's one of my favorites but I've only known one player in my life who could remotely get that sound and feel. Of course, the ones who snort the loudest at him usually couldn't find the pocket if their lives depended on it.

Also Waddy Wachtel - used to back up Linda Ronstadt and plays in the X-pensive Winos last I heard. I don't think I've ever heard anyone blend in with the drums as well.

AND - Leslie West. He can get you better with one note than 99% of guitarists can with 100.

Ernie Isley - How could I have forgotten? In addition to being a dead-on funk and general rhythm player (he DOES play with the Isley Brothers), he does simply the best Hendrix impression ever.

Let us not forget Rory Gallegher, Peter Green, Kerry Livgren(Kansas),Rich Williams(Kansas),Joe Walsh, Robert Fripp(King Crimson)........

Oh yeah,
The Ultimate Studio Cat that played on everybodies records from the Beach Boys to Movie Scores.... GLEN CAMPBELL.

STUART ADAMSON...one of the greatest guitarist of all time, as well as an amazing songwriter and singer! More info at www.bigcountry.co.uk

I would like to think of them as triple threats. Singer/Songwriter/Musician. That kicks serious butt!

Here's a handfull:

1) ELLIOTT RANDALL. He was in the stage band in THE broadway show Jesus Christ Superstar in early 70's. He had an awesome (ahead of its time) blues rock band called "RANDALL'S ISLAND" in which he and other top notch NY Musicians smoked the competition of the era (songs such as Neon New York, Oil on the Water). Most of you probably don't realize it but you've heard him hundreds of times on FM radio. He rips the awesome, breathtaking solo on Steely Dan's "Reelin' in The Years!"

2) Bereli Lagrene. Someone discovered him playing in the streets and produced an album for him. My brother got me his CD for Christmas one year. Wow, awesome technique combined with passionate style.

3) Johnny Winter. In his heydey what an unparalleled blues man. Unfortunately poor health has taken a toll on his playing of late.

4) Jim Messina. When I was a kid I got the Loggins & Messina album with "Angry Eyes" on it. Played it over & over. The song "Golden Ribbons", written by Messina, showcases some of Jim's shimmering, soulful lead playing. Wow, what a tone, like a Nashville clean with never ending sustain. I don't know what ever happened to this guy or how Loggins could've gone on to become such a commercial success without him. That whole band was so good back in the days when musicians could really play challenging material together live.

5) Ritchie Blackmore. He's kind of grown on me over the years. I never thought much about him during Deep Purple's heydey, but now when I listen to "Highway Star" or "Lazy" I'm floored at his tastey licks.

6) Bill Connors. Was a member of Chick Corea's Return To Forever band for I think only one album...Hymn of The Seventh Galaxy. Wow! Raw, Crazy Fusion Man!

7) Jim Croce. Always noted for his songwriting, but I'd give up beer or women to be able to finger pick like him!

[This message has been edited by chicote (edited 05-25-2005).]

Michael H, you named a damned good one...Peter Green

did a search....first time he has been mentioned on this web site, so he would definitely be considered underapreciated.

............................................

Another one hardly anyone ever mentions is Ralph Towner. He's in the class of Metheny, Coryell, McLaughlin, De lucia, Dimeola.

McLaughlin, De lucia, and Dimeola did a show that was recorded and released ..Friday Night in San Francisco. The thought of Towner joining those three is scary lol.

Anyhow, Towner is the best I've heard on a twelve string. I'd recomend his album Solstice.

Hi All,
If you have never listened to a SPEEDY WEST JIMMY BRYANT recording you will appreciate the playing of Jimmy Bryant. Look for them in the catalogs. You won't believe your ears.

How about Steve Warriner, Jerry Reed and Multi-talents like Ricki Scaggs and Marty Stewart. But my Favorite is Cody Kilby of "Kentucky Thunder" fame.

Underappreciated guitarists

Hello,
The underappreciated electric guitarist who surprised me the most is:

"Mick Box" from the band Uriah Heep

I had never heard raves about this guy before.. but someone showed me him playing electric guitar on this guitar legends dvd. He absolutely blew me away.. the type of guitarist who would never run out of things to say on guitar.. if I could play electric guitar that good there would be a job waiting for me wherever I went in this world. I could articulate whatever I wanted to on guitar.. without someone slamming their axe in my hands.. saying you know someway to do it better just do it!

Like the guy who pointed out to me said if someone came to him could play like that.. they would be in the band no questions asked.

Granted Uriah Heeps music is okay but Mick Box is most definitely someone to check out...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...1/104-5810692-8591966?v=glance&s=dvd

This DVD features 12 very different guitarists, men who helped to shape the face of rock. Includes footage by Paul Kossof of Free, Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash, Robin Trower, Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Rory Gallagher, John Etheridge of Soft Machine, Jan Ackermann of Focus, Vernon Reed, Steve Hackett, Steve Howe, Mick Box of Uriah Heep and Tommy Iommi of Black Sabbath.

Hope this helps, S.L.

Topic: Underappreciated [Acoustic] Guitarists..

Originally posted by chicote:
7) Jim Croce. Always noted for his songwriting, but I'd give up beer or women to be able to finger pick like him!



Hello,
For Acoustic guitar playing Jim Croce and his back up player Maury Mulizen [sp?] show what a presentation can be on acoustic guitar. For further study I strongly recommend the dvd for pro video footage of what were two amazing greats on acoustic guitar:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/104-5810692-8591966

Description
When Jim Croce died tragically in a plane crash on Sept. 20, 1973, he was just 30 years old and had recently been recognized as one of the most promising artists of his era. In a two-year span, he had eight Top 40 singles, two of which were #1 records and a #1 album. Despite being one of America’s most-loved artists, there has never been a video document of his career. Until now.

Hope this helps, S.L.


[This message has been edited by Sharpe Lurker (edited 05-29-2005).]

The best Jazz guitar player I have ever heard is Tal Farlow. If you ever heard him you would agree no one has both the sensitivity and the speed that he has with the instrument.

Robert Quine - Played on Lou Reed's The Blue Mask[/b] and both Richard Hell records. But what most people here probably know his playing best from is the work he did with Matthew Sweet. (That's his leads on the title track from [i]Girlfriend and he's on other tunes there too.)

Richard Lloyd - The other main lead guitar player on Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend album (and the few that followed). He first made his name as the killer guitar foil to Tom Verlaine in Television, though.

Tom Verlaine - See above.

Curt Kirkwood - From the Meat Puppets. They had a hit in the early 90's called "Backwater", but he was around long before that.

------------------
Hop On Pop, the band

Okay...
From Denmark!
You ought to know better!!! ;-)


Chester And Lester : Guitar monsters from 1978

And this is the end of the story ;-)

Not for Dolly Parton!

[This message has been edited by Bjarnej (edited 06-03-2005).]

"And this is the end of the story ;-)"


Dont believe it ! He! he!

Keep on ;-)

All excellent choices. I second the motion on a few and I'm adding a few that have not been mentioned:

George Harrison. I always kinda blew George off because I'm such a McCartney fan and his actual "leads" were not very good. That is until I saw a Beatles tribute band a few years ago called 1964-The Tribute. These guys had it down to the lick. Watching "George" I realized it was George's playing that gave the Beatles the finishing touch that set them apart, and still sets them apart, from everyone else.

Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash. Probably the biggest influence on my playing. Not that I'm even in the same league.

Laurie Wisefield. Did a couple of Wishbone Ash albums (their best ones, IMO) and, from what I've read, is now a session guy.

Kerry Livgren and Rich Williams of Kansas. They complimented each other so well. Both play with a "feeling" that I don't hear very often.

Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings. Unless you're a prog fan, you may not have heard this guys's stuff. Kinda like Steve Howe, but more tasteful.

Michael Fath. Excellent neo-classical shreader.

Dan Huff and Brent Mason are just some of the great Nashville players. There are so many more.

------------------

Bill Hullett, Lee Roy Parnell, James Pennebaker.

James can also play fiddle, steel, mandolin, banjo.

Don't forget Duke Robillard!
Awesome player.
http://www.dukerobillard.com/

Joanne



------------------

• The Best is Yet to Be - Joanne Lurgio -singer/songwriter
  www.joannelurgio.com

The late, great Roy Nichols is one of my all time favorites. He was the legendary picker in Merle Haggard's original strangers. The work he did on "Workin' Man Blues", "Red Bandana," and I think "I'll just Stay here and Drink" are some of the best country guitar work ever. You go into any of the honky-tonks down on broadway in Nashville 9 times out of 10 the guitar player will be playing a telecaster. Not many people realize this today, but on most of those old records and live, Roy Nichols played a Les Paul most of the time.

The late great Don Rich, practically invented that telecaster guitar sound in country music. Buck Owens' right hand man. Together they started the Bakersfield movement of country music in the 60's.

Another great is Nashville cat/Englishman, Ray Flacke, who is a buddy of mine as well.

Don't forget Joe Walsh and who was that guy that played on that song "Sultans of Swing" know who I mean? (was that Dire Straights)

[This message has been edited by Louis (edited 07-21-2005).]

That would be Marc Knopfler (Dire Straits). And though I'm a bit young for the era he was huge in, I'm pretty sure he's very recognized and not under appreciated. In fact, I think in England fans of Clapton and Knopfler used to go around spray painting who was God of Guitar at that time.

Jody

------------------
Music That Makes Your Soul Happy!
www.jodywhitesides.com

I don't think either Joe Walsh or Mark Knoffler are underappreciated. Not in my circles anyway.

Both are quite famous, well-known, and very well-respected.

Both are pretty decent pickers, too.

My favoties are:Robben Ford,Larry Carlton,Barney Kessel,Johnny Smith,Wes Montgomery(passed away at age 43)The late Tal Farlow,The Late Chuck Wayne,The Late Tommy Tedesco,SRV,Buddy Emmons,The late Chet Atkins, Joe Puma,Elliot Randall,a personal studio buddy of mine,Sincerly,Carmine http://www.carminedamico.com choose GALLERY,MUSIC,and rolling billboard

[This message has been edited by studiojazzrockguitar (edited 07-24-2005).]

Monte Montgomery... he really is the modern wizard of acoustic guitar by making it the complete rock instrument of choice. His influences are Knopfler, Hendrix, Vaughan, Vai, Eric Johnson, many more. One concert will convince you for life.
www.montemontgomery.com check him out!

I think that Ted Greene is certainly in the class of greats. Unfortunatly for all of us he passed away sometime over the weekend.

If you are into acoustic slide blues Kelly Joe Phelps is someone to check out, a totally underated guitar master with a soulfull voice. He enjoyed a little bit of fame about 10 years ago.

Some songs are available to stream on his website.

http://www.kellyjoephelps.net/discography/tapredcane.htm

http://www.kellyjoephelps.net/discography/slingshot.htm

http://www.kellyjoephelps.net/discography/beggarsoil.htm

http://www.kellyjoephelps.net/discography/skylike.htm

http://www.kellyjoephelps.net/discography/shineeyed.htm

http://www.kellyjoephelps.net/discography/rollaway.htm

http://www.kellyjoephelps.net/discography/leadmeon.htm

Hey V,

Great post. I am not a guitarist, so it's harder for me to distinguish really good from true genius and even harder to know if someone is original or simply evolved from someone elses work.

By the way, Clarence Gatemouth Brown entered his latest CD into the JPF Music Awards this year. It's very hard to categorize genre wise though as it's all over the place stylisticly.

Brian

While not underappreciated, as a whole:
WILLIE NELSON
is a helluva player. Completely unique style and, his style is so understated that it belies the depth of his chops. The guy's a monster. But he always places the song first.

------------------
Hop On Pop, the band