sorry, you are wrong(keyboards)

I play keyboards too.

As I said in other posts, I tend to privilege expression over sheer technique.
Thus, I prefer keyboard players that are able to create a mood and a soundscape, like Tony Banks and Rick Wright.

As regards the two superheros this thread seems to be about, I definitely vote for Wakeman over Emerson, the latter lacking in composition: ok, he's technically gifted and his stage presence is undeniable. But, apart from the pyrotechnics and antics, can you remember any interesting musical phrase he's written? Maybe Aquatarkus or Honourable company...but stuff like The three fates, Iconoclast and the like get easily skipped in my player! A job lot of notes with no sensible relationship...
Wakeman, on the other hand, is capable of conceiving interesting music: this hasn't shown much while he was in Yes, but as a soloist he penned outstanding tracks (for example, The Six Wives, Criminal Record, No Earthly Connection and Out there contain particularly beafutiful tracks). I have to agree, however, with who pointed out the cheesy timbres he uses recently!

The bottom line is...Jon Lord kicks them both in the ass when it comes to technique and expressivity combined, using the Hammond organ or the piano! Man...those breathtaking solos on Highway star, Lazy, Burn and most of all Rat Bat Blue!!!!

Praises also to my fellow countrymen Gianni e Vittorio Nocenzi!!!

Yes, it's pointless to claim anything conclusive, but it's interesting to read the rationale for the opinions.

Limiting it to prog, to avoid dragging in guys like Bruckner, who could improvise serious fugues on the pipe organ...

Emerson, definitely. Not just as a keyboardist, but as a composer and interpreter. Wakeman himself has praised Emerson's left hand abilities.

Wakeman is very prolific, but the only really compelling stuff I've heard is Six Wives of Henry VIII and his work with Yes. The latter isn't a fair comparison with Emerson, though, because Wakeman has a lot less to do in what often amounts to The Steve Howe Band. I've watched them both in concert, very closely, and the amount of straight filler comping that Wakeman did came as a bit of a surprise. Emerson, on the other hand, well, often has to play independent complex parts with both hands.

Nice to see Jon Tout (Renaissance) and Tony Pagliuca (Le Orme) mentioned. Tout is very underrated (listen to Live at Carnegie Hall), and Pagliuca's synthesizer work on Felona e Sorona was quite innovative.

I would also add Flavio Premoli (PFM) and Le Orme's current keyboardists, Michele Bon and Andrea Bassato. Unfortunately Premoli couldn't make it to Nearfest'05. But the Le Orme guys were there, and it was refreshing to see a band without a lead guitarist. It's almost heretical. Aldo Tagliapietra plays more bass and sitar than guitar, and Bon (on his self-built synthesizer) does a stunning job of imitating a lead guitarist. Bassato is more classically inclined, has a great touch, and contributed a lot of strong contrapuntal writing to Elementi and L'infinito.

Finally, Jurgen Fritz (Triumvirat) and the late Rick van der Linden (Ekseption, Trace).

richardh wrote: Vi0LaToR wrote: a lot of people vote keith emerson for the best keyboardist....WRONG!!! the best keyboardist is rick wakeman, why? well he has solo albums better than keith (journey to the centre of the earth, the six wives of henry VIII...) better creation on a band(yes!).maybe keith emerson is good making quick and fool melodies in amazings songs with ELP,like a showman. Historically (1970-1975) I strongly disagree.Emerson was a better all round player and did a lot more for the development of the keyboard in prog/rock than Wakeman ever did.Rick is a great personality and made one great solo album 'Six Wives' but Yes have survived quite happily over the years without him.In truth Yes never missed him.On the other hand ELP without Emerson would be nothing. HOWEVER Wakeman's latest album Retro is superb.Quite the best thing Rick has done for 30 years and way ahead of anything Emerson has mustered since 1977's Works album.

 

I think there is something to be said for Wakeman's style blending better with a full orchestra.  That being said, Emerson's accomplishment on Pirates to integrate the orchestra and his style was quite superb.

Mmm... Emerson, Banks and Wakeman are great keyboardists.... None of them come close to the virtuoso talents of Classical and Jazz.... So they are all pretty much the same in my eyes.... They have some brilliant minds though, thats what makes them special, not their virtuosity... Because of this I think Tony Banks has some slight advantage over both Emerson and Wakeman.... but only a bit...

 

Speaking as a pianist, I can tell you that speed is much easier to aquire in the world of keyboards than one might think. Therfore, I am almost never impressed with keyboardists who play quickly, unless they are real freaks of technique.... I'm far more impressed with the skills of Prog Keyboardists as composers (ussualy responsible for most of their band's harmonies and melodies), than I am impressed with their skills as instrumentalists....

He is rarely mentioned as a keyboard player, but revered as being an excellent guitar player, KERRY

LIVGREN.  He is the true mastermind behind Kansas and i failed to realize this until i purchased the

"Sail On" 30th aniversary package.  He played almost ALL of kansas's best licks (not saying that walsh

isnt capable).  Livgren definately deserves mantion.

Phil wrote: See Royal jelly is Wakeman bashing again!! Not the first time, won't be the last...

     Where was the Wakeman bashing? All I wrote was that he was not as
innovative or technically skilled as Emerson, which actually few were. That's
in no way denying Wakeman's many great moments. If you compare anyone
to a giant, they're bound to look rather small...that's a far cry from "bashing"
as one knows it on this site (references to McLaughlin as a "pathetic wanna-
be shredder" come to mind, or Fripp being untalented and "out of tune",
etc.).

See Royal jelly is Wakeman bashing again!! Not the first time, won't be the last...

lets all be grown up about this and keep those 2nd spot players out of the equation (for example Tony Banks) - good keyboard player but limited to been a group member (seen him live and listened to his solo stuff)

 

EMO or Rick - This is too close to call - I even had arguments with my Music Teacher in the 70's about who was better - Mozart/Beethoven or EMO/Rick.  Why because they are all talent.  The question is if you love the sound, composition and technical skills.  EMO and Rick blow the field away and always have.  Solo stuff wise I prefer Rick, but some of the stuff is really bad.  EMO - just needs to do more then I may change my opinion. 

 

I have seen both in recent years and they have a totally different approach to a show. 

EMO is a rocker and thats the show you receive. His band is excellent, but he doesnt say alot.  But you dont always have too.  Great show though.

Rick is an all round entertainer:

Solo Shows are a great combination of tales and music

Group shows - he does have a good band and when he comes forward with the WAND its electric. Blew me away in Leicester a few years back when he did 6 wives on the church organ.  A sight to see.

Yes Shows - ever time I see him with Yes i note he seems to take a back seat.

 

Musically I love them both and they have classics which just blow me away.  The best - a dead heat.  But to get to know - well Rick and I have had quite a few conversations and he is very approachable, he even gave us permission to use his music at our wedding.  But he does tend to put himself out there more.  EMO - I really wish he would make more effort and reward his fans with more tours and new music.

The Nocenzi bros

FragileDT wrote: I like Emerson more than Wakeman. It's all a matter of opinion.

and truth