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In some ways I think it may be more a question for the artist - does he (or she) regard him (or her) self as a songwriting guitarist or guitar-playing songwriter?
I don't really care how they label themselves or prioritise their talents, so long as I like what they do.
However, in terms of musical taste, I guess I'd have to say I like music which is guitar-driven rather than song-driven.... but then I don't like it if the songs aren't good. Put it another way, I certainly don't like "singer/songwriter" music if the guitar isn't a prominent element.
It's all a bit chicken and egg.
I love a good song + singing + interpretation - accompaniment is then, just that - it's about the song.
Players - I enjoy players who have 'feel' and who drop the ego and allow the 'tune' be the star.
I also appreciate players who compose their own music - just doing in vogue arrangements, well u'r a cover artist.
Unless it's Joe Pass in his era.
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
That's why the correct answer is John Prine.
This is a really good topic.
Re. Vai, I agree; he thinks of himself primarily as a composer, collaborator, arranger and producer; he happens to be good enough at the guitar that his composing is not hampered by a barrier in playing ability. All through his career he’s produced really interesting compositions. I’m sure he would like to be remembered for that and not for the widdly stuff (but he won’t be, of course).
I also really like his voice!
(You edited your post so the video link’s lost by the way.)
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
It was interesting in the recent Lee Anderton interview with him that Lee suggests his output is 90% instrumental, then Vai tried to correct him and say 60/40, maybe 70/30. He certainly sees himself as more than just an instrumental shredder.
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
I think Richard Thompson seems to meet the definition of being a great songwriter, expressive singer and also be a virtuoso guitarist. Most of his songs sound great with just decent plain vanilla playing, though - the "virtuoso guitar playing" isn't a requirement of the material, just a nice embellishment by the great man.
To repeat my heavily-bastardised Segovia quote...
"Great guitar players have the technique and ability to say so much with their playing, but in the main, actually have very little to say when they do."
I was watching what the guitarists and bassists were doing and they all seemed to be looking angry and moving their fingers a lot. It was some pretty impressive finger movement but it just didn't translate to sound..
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
Parts don't just appear out of nowhere. Someone has a rhythmic, melodic or harmonic idea that starts everything off. Wouldn't we all agree that Smoke On The Water is a guitar riff with a melody line, catchy chorus and interesting lyric? I don't think the drums or bass really have much influence over the composition - good though they both were as players and good though their parts on the song are.
Improvised-based bands, like Can, for example, may have developed material by all playing together, and then cut & pasted the tapes to make a recorded composition, but that's different.
He was personable, but looked very nervous on stage which I can understand - although to be honest he could have mooned the crowd and told them to fuck off and they'd have given him a standing ovation.
Anyway, I digress. Superb musician.