Keyboardists similar to Billy Curry (Ultravox)
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Other music related lounges
Forum Name: General Music Discussions
Forum Description: Discuss and create polls about all types of music
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=129923
Printed Date: March 06 2025 at 13:08
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Keyboardists similar to Billy Curry (Ultravox)
Posted By: Icarium
Subject: Keyboardists similar to Billy Curry (Ultravox)
Date Posted: October 27 2022 at 17:10
|
I can't hide that Ultravox is among my top 20 bands, for many reasons. But one of them makes them more stand out than anything. That is Billys keyboard skills. Hes very fluid, one of the most unsung keyboard wizzards of any decade, hes very prolific in the 80s though. I think he has one of the best pitch bends techniques ive heard on keyboard solos that ive heard. He to me makes them the most prog friendly. Hes melodic ability and arrangement skills are phenomenal, hes like the 80s version of Eddie Jobson, the way he wizarding both both electric violin and viola but also brilliant synth soloist. Hes polysynth solos are amazing. Who other sounds like Billy Curry And who other is a fan of hes playing ? -------------  
|
Replies:
Posted By: siLLy puPPy
Date Posted: October 27 2022 at 17:34
|
Hey, i'm a huge Ultravox fan as well. I love everything from the 1977 debut to Lament. Both John Foxx and Midge Ure lineups were excellent. Currie's keyboard talents were truly one of the band's greatest attributes. Similar artists? Wow. There were so many great new wave / synthpop bands in the 80s. Much of it was inspired by bands like Kraftwerk, Devo, Pere Ubu and other post-punk bands. I have been listening to Ultravox frequently in recent years. The pop hooks are irresistable and the punk ferocity is cool too. The synth years were glossed over with a new romantic haze but also works superbly. -------------  https://rateyourmusic.com/~siLLy_puPPy |
Posted By: Icarium
Date Posted: October 28 2022 at 00:11
|
^ i agree with the bands you compare to and I can see Kraftwerk as a main component but watching the release year on both Devo and Pere Udo, debuted similer/later then Vox, and i think Ultravox is as strong a force of influence towards the 70s and with "Vienna" they made a brillient showcase on how to blend classical motif with a cold eletronic pulse. "Much of it was inspired by bands like Kraftwerk, Devo, Pere Ubu and other post-punk bands." Quote sillypuppy -------------
|
Posted By: Icarium
Date Posted: October 28 2022 at 00:12
|
As a norwegian i can really hear that a-ha picked up on some influences by Ultravox, and also Roxette from Sweden -------------
|
Posted By: Steve Wyzard
Date Posted: October 28 2022 at 13:55
|
I'm a huge fan of his 1988 album Transportation (with guest Steve Howe). It was one of his only albums that received a wide release in the USA. As far as a similar sound, my first thought is Anthony Phillips's 1984 album. Why doesn't Currie have a page on this site??? Prog-Related, at least?
|
Posted By: siLLy puPPy
Date Posted: October 28 2022 at 16:18
|
Currie was also in a band called Visage which was a synthpop / classical crossover band. His solo works are considered prog in many circles. He was also in a short lived band called Humania that only had one archival release. ------------- https://rateyourmusic.com/~siLLy_puPPy |
Posted By: Mila-13
Date Posted: October 28 2022 at 16:53
|
Hope to see you there, cheers! |