Most Technically Brilliant Prog Band

I chose these bands because they are contained within the archives so as to avoid the what is/what is not prog debate. I picked The Mahavishnu Orchestra myself. Those first three albums still send chills up my spine. I think every band/artist I have mentioned is way up there in the stratosphere in terms of above average musicianship. Please offer comments about specific albums or bands you might think should have been included.

Maybe you don't know Chick Corea's Return to Forever?

lucas wrote: KISS prog ?

I think Kiss was added for comic relief....

Kiss - Rush - Prog !!!!

I think not.

Technically gifted (of today's bands) - Flower Kings and Spocks Beard.

progchain wrote: Maybe you don't know Chick Corea's Return to Forever?

Of course, but I wouldn't consider them to be a prog band. i don't even considerThe Mahavishnu Orchestra to be a prog band but they appeal to so many prog fans. They would often appear on the same bill with bands like King Crimson and Gentle Giant.

lucas wrote: KISS prog ?

The truly frightening thing is that someone has actually voted for them!

 

Before the KISS bashing begins full force, I will say that I have always liked the songs "Cold Gin" and "Black Diamond"......

But beyond that - 

danbo wrote: Peter Rideout wrote:  Where are Wham! and Menudo? Milli Vanilli? Tony Difranco and the Difranco Family? (Anyway, I'm not a musician, so what the heck do I know about musicianship? It's all impossibly difficult to me, even Kiss! I can sing though, but not for an audience.)   You only need ears. You've done a zillion reviews. I your opinion, which of these bands play music with the highest level of technicality? I'm not sure of the importance, but it's fun to argue. I always thought Keith Partridge was an awesome six-string wonderkind.

Thanks, Danbo! I was going to vote Bruford, but then I saw Yes there, and as they had Bill in the fold for so long (plus Howe, Squire & Wakeman), I voted for them. Lots of great bands there, though.

IMHO, once one reaches a certain rarefied level of musicanship, I believe that it's hair-splitting to argue about who is "best." It then comes down to a matter of personal style & taste. Best does not mean "fastest," as many younger music fans tend to think. You must also have soul and originality, plus songwriting ability.

Peter Rideout wrote: danbo wrote: Peter Rideout wrote:  Where are Wham! and Menudo? Milli Vanilli? Tony Difranco and the Difranco Family? (Anyway, I'm not a musician, so what the heck do I know about musicianship? It's all impossibly difficult to me, even Kiss! I can sing though, but not for an audience.)   You only need ears. You've done a zillion reviews. I your opinion, which of these bands play music with the highest level of technicality? I'm not sure of the importance, but it's fun to argue. I always thought Keith Partridge was an awesome six-string wonderkind. Thanks, Danbo! I was going to vote Bruford, but then I saw Yes there, and as they had Bill in the fold for so long (plus Howe, Squire & Wakeman), I voted for them. Lots of great bands there, though. IMHO, once one reaches a certain rarefied level of musicanship, I believe that it's hair-splitting to argue about who is "best." It then comes down to a matter of personal style & taste. Best does not mean "fastest," as many younger music fans tend to think. You must also have soul and originality, plus songwriting ability.

Bravo, nice pick and "well said" in regards to "fastest" is not bestest.  err....

danbo wrote:

 

I always thought Keith Partridge was an awesome six-string wonderkind.

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Agreed, obviously. Hackett, Howe Holdsworth and Hillage (yes, the four "H"-men of the Apocalypso, again!) all owe an obvious debt of inspiration to him!

And Danny was a MONSTER bassist, as well! He had chops on his chops ! (Gravy, too...)