Lots of times on the "Zone", we let the testosterone take over and get into silly pissing matches. I think we all basically like each other, but sometimes get caught up in the moment.

I want to let you folks know that there are people here who, for a variety of reasons, are ones I'd like to recognize for their accomplishments in the music field. They listed here in no particular order. And, remember, this is a totally subjective list, reflecting my musical preferences and the fact that I can only comment on those I've heard. I'm sure I'm missing some great players/entertainers. That being said, here we go:

1. Dave MCMahan. He keeps the B-3 tradition alive. He's a great player, who chooses his materials with taste, and performs like the pro he is.

2. Don Mason. Country isn't my favorite music, but this guy not only sings as well as the best of the historical giants, his ability emulating steel on a keyboard is awsome. I can imagine the collective "good feelings" his audiences have after hearing him perform. He deserves the title "gentleman Don".

3. Chris Valenti: A modern Geno Vanelli/Stevie Wonder. Great voice, the right look and the right creativity to earn a well-deserved place on my list.

4. Dave Boyd. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and his compassion shows when he's at a keyboard and behind a mic. Maby not the worlds best on either keys or vocals, but when he puts it all together, he's "world class". (Really wish he's treat his little Kentucky "filly" better, though-she's about to spend that welfare check and stop waiting for him).

5. Chico Brazil. I'm really a fan of Bossa, and my friend from South America performs with such a smooth delivery and sincerity that he makes me miss my long-time partmer and teacher, Tommy Johnston. Tommy was a police judge in the day and a killer B-3 player at night, who specialized in and taught me about the Bossa, jazz and life. I can imagine Chico would be the perfect replacement for Tommy.

6. Diki. Controversial, yes. But, strip away a little hardened crust, and you've got a sensitive, real player, who is passionate about his involvement in the music field and speaks his mind with clarity, in a literate fashion. Fantastic musician.

7. Nigel. The guy is a joy to watch on the stage. He has no expectations of ever being a headliner, but really holds his own with his band. Music is a release for him and he has a ball, while performing at national quality level on both keys and guitar. He works as a world class gaming programmer, has overcome a physical situation none of us ever wants to endure, maintains this great site, and still "rocks" like a champ.

8. Rory. This guy can handle any venue. He's in Nashville, and I'd place him among the best in the group of studio musicians there. Early on, I assumed he only played gospel and country, and appreciated his ability in those fields. Then, he posted some jazz versions of country classics that made me re-think my "elitest" view of not liking country and
and gospel. Hes faced some personal challenges, and that makes him a person even more deserving of my respect. I think we'll be hearing a lot about Rory from Nashville, and hope he's in town next year so we can meet and visit at Summer NAMM.

9/10/11. Dennis (Miden), Dreamer and Chas. Have not heard enough from these guys, but, from their posts and the word on the "street", they are players to be admired. I'm going to make an effort to get with Chas next year in Atlanta, and wish Dennis wasn't halfway around the world. Dreamer always says he's a physician, not a "pro".I totally disagree...really like his stuff.

I'm sure there are lots of good players/musicians I haven't mentioned. Absolutely no "slight" intended. But, here, from vastly different backgrounds, ages, geographies and approaches, are some of my real favorites.

I'd be honored to share a bandstand with you folks. And, I'm glad we have this place to share our expertise, experience and friendship. Just wish we'd all think twice before letting the unintended "meanness" surface.


Russ

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 12-06-2008).]

In no particular order.

1. Dave MCMahan. Primarily an organ player (in the Hammond tradition) so he automatically makes the list.

2. Capt. Russ. See above.

3. Diki. We know he's a good pianist but I have had the privilege of hearing him lay down some very tasteful organ tracks (and he didn't even have the benefit of a C1 or Electro ).

4. Rory. Any Country player that is skilled enough (NOT A PUTDOWN) and versatile enough to hold his own in a jazz setting has got to make MY LIST.

5. Chris Valenti. The most 'soulful' voice on the board. Could front a lot of groups in a lot of different genre's.

I tend to like those slightly outside the mainstream. I know in my bones that there are many fine musicians on this board that I just have not heard in performance. Perhaps, like me, they don't perform arranger music and therefore don't think it would be of interest to most on this board, or maybe are just reluctant to post music in genre's that would not be relevant or particularly well-received on this board. Just a thought.

chas

I have to say my favorites would be Donny, Fran and Squeak.

They always make this forum an interesting and entertaining place to visit.

Ian

I say get the lock ready this is gonna get ugly real fast. Without seeing anyone perform or anyone posting anything who can say anything. And when someone finally take the time & post something no one replies anyway.....eg:
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/018719.html



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 12-07-2008).]

Another favorite of mine is Gary Diamond, who not only does a great job of performing with his arranger, but has always been very helpful with technical issues.

Ian

Can't imagine that happening, Donny...this seems like a great thread to me.

I should also say two of the greatest contributors to my arranger useage would be Michael Bedesem and Jørgen Sørensen who make the coolest software.

Most important of all is Nigel...without him we wouldn't have this great site.

Ian

[This message has been edited by ianmcnll (edited 12-07-2008).]

There is a think line between the words "BEST" & "FAVORITES" for Pissin contest fuel........But,

If I had to vote, Fran Carango without a doubt would be on top of my list followed by Uncle Dave, Gary Diamond, Don Mason,
Dan O, AJ, Scott Yee, Mike Sutliff, Nigel, Rikki, Tony W, Tommy F, Russ lay .....as far as what they have done to help me in my world? There isn't enough room here to post it.

Happy Holidays!



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 12-09-2008).]

I'm not sure this is going in the direction Russ intended. I think the subtlety of Russ's original post might be getting lost.

chas

Russ, great post. I'm not going to name favorites, I've found many folks here most helpful. I gotta say Captain you deserve kudos, for your a high energy, non stop level of activity being it with your business, music and cars/motor vehicles. If I can do about 25% what you're doing when I get to your age, I'll have a lot to be grateful for. Keep up the great work!!

Well, this has been fun..............

cya

Russ - thanx for the nod, my friend. I'm honored to be in such esteemed company!
You're on my "1st call" list when I get to horse country! ( I just gotta remember to bring my own coffee! )

Thanks Russ for including me in your list..I know I have been most remiss in not posting some jamming somewhere.. But it has been a bit topsy turvy for me over these past few months with different gear and "modus operandi", so I must get to it and do some.

Maybe even get someone to do a youtube vid at a gig.

But again thank you so much for the props. You made my day!!

I would LOVE to visit the USA and catch up with all you guys, that would be way cool.

Maybe one day. Just gotta get that #1 record.

All the best m8,

Dennis

You guys always leave me out!


Anyone like originals, got about 60+ I've created using my arranger http://chipos.com
(Click the play button an the bottom right)
Boy, can't pass up an opertunity to plug meself..
btw/I have a heck of a good christmas song to lead it off!!
happy holidays!

Yamaha should be paying me..




[This message has been edited by beachbum (edited 12-07-2008).]

Hey, you may not have made Russell's list of favorites, but you're definitely on mine.

Nice stuff...always a treat.

Ian

Thanks, folks. I had absolutely no agenda here other than giving well-deserved recognition. I do wish I could hear more music from more people. But, the people I recognized are the ones I personally enjoy and admire from a musicianship standpoint. It's interesting to me the diversity of styles and differences in equipment used.
Since I'm a musician and not much of an entertainer and haven't been able to see "shows" by members, I only considered the music side of performing.

And, Steve, I think working in diverse fields
and trying to be a pro in all of them keeps you young (at least I hope so).

Good music is good music. And good players deserve recognition. It never occured to me that anyone would consider this post a slight or snub. Be assured, that's not the way I do things.


Happy Holidays, everyone,

Russ




[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 12-08-2008).]

Only someone who has never been around here would even BEGIN to think like that ...

Except of course if that someone was me who is TOTALLY mortified, embarrassed, and upset at being left off your list !!!!!...
Who is going to play spoons in your hillbilly band NOW, Russy boy ????????



t.

I'm not going to list "favorites", and no doubt I will leave someone out and for that I apologize in advance, but I will say that I have really enjoyed listening to the music and musicianship of Diki, Andrea, and Chico, ... I consider Donny one of the top "entertainers" on this board, ... I would go to hear UD, DonM, Chris Valenti and Gary Diamond play and sing ANYTIME, ... and I have enjoyed the music posted by Bill, beachbum, DanO, and others ...
I have heard some of Russ' "work", but would love to hear him 'play', along with chas - (and NO chas, I am NOT egging you on to post something ) - and some of the others ...

JMHO,
t.

[This message has been edited by tony mads usa (edited 12-08-2008).]

Tony thanks Buddy... it was a pleasure meeting you & your lovely wife also .....we gonna get up to RI one of these days also with a stop at Franks store too..

This is the perfect reason why we should all try to organize Jams around the country periodically and try to get there to meet, play, and enjoy each others company & musicianship. I'll be at the January jam in Shreveport Louisiana with Fran the 18,19,20,21, should be a blast common down. See Don M for INFO ASAP.

Tony, you're one of my all-time favorite folks here. I thought about it and couldn't remember hearing anything posted.

You'll always be my "first chair" gut bucket guy!


Say Hi to Lydia for me, and you guiys have a worderful holiday.


R.

Thanks for the inclusion... Now, I'm not trying to be TOO controversial here (plenty of other claimants for that!), BUT....

But we need to get away from this "If you're not first, you're last" mentality.

There are great players not mentioned, great entertainers, great members here... but it wouldn't be a list if EVERYONE was named..!

It would simply be a roll-call

You WANT to read that?!

Beachbum-never heard your stuff before. Neat, fun sound. consider yourself added.


R.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=313920

Diki, my list is a list of some of my favorites. Nothing more. And you deserve to be on it.

R.

Sorry, Russ. My comment wasn't meant for you, just a general comment for those who might have felt left out...

Comment #1 ... careful what you wish for ...

Comment #2 ... thank you ,,, I was wondering what I was going to do when the OMB thing ended ...

And to you and yours as well ...

t.

Hello Russ.

Thank you for the kind words about my simple and humble music. As a ACJobim fan I learned that make music is easy. Just suitable chords and few notes in the suitable time and place; no more.

Regards from Brazil, amigo

Chico

Cap,

If you heard Eddie Shoemaker perform "Inna Godda Da Vida" he would surely be on your list.

Tom

[This message has been edited by Tom Cavanaugh (edited 12-10-2008).]

I've tried to take the high road here, but the inner Joey is going to win out. Thanks for leaving me the f**k out of your list. Perhaps if I engaged in more pissing contests here, I'd have a higher rating.

Joe

------------------
Songman55
Joe Ayala

t.

To: Tom Cavanaugh...

Shhhhh. Don't blow my cover. I am trying to maintain a low profile here hoping to get a senate seat from Illinois.
Eddie

That was funny! You're priceless, Joe.

I don't think that's it. There are some 'pissing contests' hall-of-famers that are not on 'the list'. Could be worse; I'm on practically everybody's fecal-roster.


chas

I heard there was one for sale recently, lol...

------------------
Bill in Dayton

One, Two, Cha Cha Cha

OK, let's put this to rest...

EVERYBODY who is a member at SZ is the best possible! You are ALL fantastic, A-#1, A 200-way (or however many we've got!) equal tie for Number One on the charts with a bullet! No filler, all killer!

Heck, I can't even tell you apart when you are side by side! It's like a Twilight Zone episode...

Except for ********** (fill in your own name here). He (or she) is JUST a bit better than everyone else

Feel better now?

I like the Post a Song & Duck scenario as my favorite

Yes, feel better Diki. Thanks for making me part of your list