Other Prog Music Instruments

I love all instruments, if used with skill and soul - even a basic power trio of guitar, drums and bass can produce amazing music (as we all should know). However, I have a definite weakness for 'ethnic' instruments of every kind - be they exotic percussion, woodwinds, strings, or whatever. Their distinctive sounds enhance the already interesting textures of most prog music, and make them even more intriguing. 

GaryB wrote: Some bands I like that feature sax or violin or flute would be: Osanna, Colosseum, Altona, Soft Machine, Caravan, Esperanto, Epsilon, Gong, Message, Opa, Missus Beastly, Arti + Mestieri, Kraan, Alquin.

Of course GENTLE GIANT aren't bad either: guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, saxes, recorders, vibraphone, cello, violin and heaven-knows-what-else, all played by the same five musicians, often in rapid succession, and EVEN live on stage. Moroever, their tunes are superb and their singing highly accomplished. Masterly!

fuxi wrote: If I hear that a band has electric guitar, sax or flute, violin AND vibraphone or marimba in it, I want to hear them immediately!

Even if they're not prog? I'd like to recommend you some stuff.

Some bands I like that feature sax or violin or flute would be:

Osanna, Colosseum, Altona, Soft Machine, Caravan, Esperanto, Epsilon, Gong, Message, Opa, Missus Beastly, Arti + Mestieri, Kraan, Alquin.

Well, I play both winds instruments (sax and flute) and the guitar (it's one of the most versatile instruments after all), but my favorite instrument must be the organ, if only for the incredible power of its sound (I also love baroque, and the guitar adapts itself surprisingly well to that type of music). However, I don't look for "specific instruments" oriented music, quite frankly. I do recognize the skill of various guitarists/saxophonists/flautists/others, but their presence is not necessary.