Prolific Musicians

Getting back to Danbo's original point of why some musicians are so prolific.

I remember reading an interview with Clive Nolan where he said he didn't really see himself as prolific, he said that music "is all I do". I suspect that is some cases, the mucisians prefer to offer their services without the ties of being part of a band on a permanent basis. They have the freedom to come and go, while being able to make a good living from doing what they love doing. If they don't want to do something they can just say they're not available.

There's also the benefit of not having to write the songs, promote the album, finance the project etc. While many artists will thrive on such pressures, others shy away from them.

Money of course will always come into it. We tend to assume that our heroes are wealthy beyond our dreams. The reality is of course that away from the headline acts, the income of many will be very variable, and at times almost non-existent. 

When a musician becomes prolific, usually loses quality. Or not?

asuma wrote: now i wonder who has the smallest catalouge (sp?). are there any people with only 1 or 2 albums?

I'm sure there are tons.

Easy Livin wrote:

A bit of quality control on the solo stuff would have been in order. He's made some true masterpieces, but too often it was a case of quantity over quality.

Yes, I have to agree with you, at least 90% of this albums are New Age easy music. But that 10% surely makes it for all the rest!!!!!!!!

Iván

I believe the most prolific is Rick Wakeman with almost 130 albums performed and composed by him, without counting his work with Yes, Strawbs, Bowie, Cat Stevens, ABWH, etc.

Iván

Well I would think theres many reasons for that.. on both sides.  I know with Dave Gilmour.. he generally loves being a session guitarist, it takes the responsibility away.. he doesn't have to sing and he has a lot of friends that ask him to do it...so he does.  It also gives him the ability to play many different styles from jazz to blues to heavier rock..  Why does everyone want him to play on their albums... they get his name, his sound and his experience... Who wouldn't want him!!

I've met Tony Levin a couple of times.. I think he started his career as a studio musician and liked that better than being in an actual band.  Its sort of like working temp work.. I can understand that.. pay with no committment.