sorry, you are wrong(keyboards)
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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20243
Printed Date: February 14 2025 at 19:35
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Topic: sorry, you are wrong(keyboards)
Posted By: Vi0LaToR
Subject: sorry, you are wrong(keyboards)
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 10:01
| 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. |
Replies:
Posted By: Ricochet
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 10:02
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agreed on that...I love Wakeman much more than Emerson,even with his 80's-90's madness period... ------------- 
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Posted By: Easy Livin
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 10:12
There's no "right and wrong" of course, it's all down to opinion.
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Posted By: MattiR
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 10:13
K. Emerson appeared in 1967, R. Wakeman - later. It's enough for me to say who is better 
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Posted By: TheProgtologist
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 10:14
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Yep..it's all a matter of opinion. I happen to think they are two of the best keyboardists from the age of classic symphonic prog.Why does one have to better than the other?They are both extremely talented. -------------  |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 10:27
| It's hard to judge which one was technically better but in my opinion Keith Emerson was more a pioneer, he was the one who brought the Hammond organ, the piano, the clavinet and the Moog synthesizer into progrock music, he scouted the borders with keyboards sounds and he embellished the serious progrock music with stage antics in the vein of Jimi Hendrix. |
Posted By: A'swepe
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 10:36
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Take a wild guess who I prefer. Seriously, there is no way to judge who is "Better". They both have a distinctive style, are classically trained & incredibally talented. Simply a matter of preference. I take nothing away from Emerson, but I simply prefer Wakeman. Always have, always will.
------------- David - Never doubt in the dark that which you believe to be true in the light. http://www.myspace.com/aardvarktxusa - Instrumental rock http://www.soundclick.com/aardvarktxusa |
Posted By: eddietrooper
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 10:45
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Wakeman for me, but not in the late years. I don't like the cheesy sounds he has used since the ABWH album. |
Posted By: walrus333
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 10:48
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Both are great. I would agree that Emerson was more of an innovator. Why is it though that Jan Hammer is always left out of these keyboard polls? He was darn good as well ------------- If anyone knows where I can get a copy of some Flute and Voice (Indo-Prog/Raga Rock) albums please PM me! Many thanks! |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 11:07
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you know!!!
------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 11:41
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Hugh Banton. But as people rightly say, it's all down to personal taste. There is no wrong or right answer. I'm not one for outlandish solos, so Hugh Banton gets my vote. -------------   
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Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 11:57
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Why are people who have a different opinion to you "wrong"? There is no right or wrong, this is purely subjective. You're not related to proglover by any chance? |
Vi0LaToR wrote:Posted By: The Lost Chord
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 12:05
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tony banks -------------  "Only the sun knew why"
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Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 12:05
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------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 12:08
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Posted By: A Guy
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 12:54
| Tim Hodgkinson! Kerry Minnear! Ed Wynne? |
Posted By: greenback
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 13:04
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i always believed the trinity of keyboardists is made of Jobson, Emerson & Wakeman. This trinity has as acolytes kit watkins, richard harvey and kerry minnear. now to me jobson is the best because he can do any genre of music. i have problems seeing emerson ambient. ------------- [HEADPINS - LINE OF FIRE: THE RECORD HAVING THE MOST POWERFUL GUITAR SOUND IN THE WHOLE HISTORY OF MUSIC!> |
Posted By: ANDREW
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 13:19
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Exactly!!! |
Posted By: MattiR
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 13:23
Perdoname, amigo de Mexixo  |
Posted By: dave-the-rave
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 13:24
| Richard Wright of PF. Nobody did more (feeling) with less (bombast). |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 13:35
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But of course, Hugh Banton learnt a lot from Vincent Crane from The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Atomic Rooster. Not heard Vincent Crane myself though, so I cannot comment. -------------
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Posted By: Winter Wine
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 13:38
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If Baldfriede were here, She'd say you're all wrong and tell us who IS the greatest keyboardist, And I bet it'd be someone i've never even heard of However I prefer Emerson because, To me anyway, He's got a better sound. However I love the Wake man, He's in my favourite prog band after all. ------------- My computer's broke |
Posted By: MattiR
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 13:40
Yes is my favourite band too (all music), but Emerson is nr 1 |
Posted By: Progger
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 13:42
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Posted By: Garion81
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 14:11
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I like both but I like Keith's aggressiveness on organ more and his piano work better than Rick's. I also think he plays more styles of music than Rick. It's all a matter of opinion.
------------- 
"What are you going to do when that damn thing rusts?" |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 16:58
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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. |
Posted By: Flying Dutchman
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 17:30
| IMO, its Banks all the way. Much less w**kery- every note that guy plays has something special. He's pretty much the man. Then Wakeman, especially when he's atmospheric (Awaken, And You And I). Then Emo tied with Banton. A lot of what Emo plays is boring to me, and some of Banton's stuff lacks a little spice for me. He's more of a background keyboardist, as opposed to the other three (IMO). |
Posted By: Oxygen Waster
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 17:47
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The fact that u would call someone wrong for favouring somebodies keyboard skills makes me not care what you have to say. |
Posted By: andYouandI45
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 18:06
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wow, you cant say
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Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 18:16
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^ One doesn't usually hear an American use this Brit slang. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: The Miracle
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 18:21
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Wakeman for me too, but that doesn't mean that Emerson isn't a great player... ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/ocellatedgod" rel="nofollow - last.fm |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 14 2006 at 19:19
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I like both of these keyboard players but I find the likes of Tony Banks and Jordan Rudess to be better than the both of them IMO. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005 
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Posted By: DrWu
Date Posted: March 16 2006 at 17:33
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Amen. |
Posted By: Flip_Stone
Date Posted: March 16 2006 at 18:04
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Seems dumb how people are arguing over who is the best keyboards player. Since it comes down to personal taste, it's not going to be something that can be answered conclusively. Translation: Arguing over who's the best keyboard player is a waste of time!
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Posted By: greenback
Date Posted: March 16 2006 at 20:49
nevertheless, there is a really best one: his name is Rikeithdie Jobemerseman ------------- [HEADPINS - LINE OF FIRE: THE RECORD HAVING THE MOST POWERFUL GUITAR SOUND IN THE WHOLE HISTORY OF MUSIC!> |
Posted By: Alagithil
Date Posted: March 16 2006 at 21:39
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Emerson, in my opinion, exceeds Wakeman technically, Wakeman, in my opinion, exceeds Emerson in terms of usage. Emerson never had to battle for priority instrumentally, so he was free to explore and stretch out more. Wakeman was in a band with Steve Howe, NTM Squire and Bruford. He had to use his skills creatively and efficiently to contribute and compete. My fave? Ray Manzarek. ------------- Life is like an avantgarde play because tuna. |
Posted By: MegaMoog
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 16:15
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the thing is Emerson cannot play anymore and Wakeman is only getting better any ways the best Keyboard was Johann Kuhnau ( who invented Prog rock in 1701 with bird sounds and everything  with out him you would not have Wakeman or Emerson------------- Where Can I Get A Moog biscuit?  
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Posted By: soundspectrum
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 16:26
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keith emerson is more of an aquired taste...rick wakeman is more of a rock and roll keyboardisr (at least with yes) |
Posted By: Phil
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 16:34
| I think the Wakeman/Emerson debate is all down to personal opinion at the end of the day...for me it's Wakeman that I'd choose overall. There are many other great keyboard players - Jan Hammer as has been mentioned for one. However...to those that pick Tony Banks..I've always struggled with him as a choice for "best"...yes, he is a great composer/arranger but he lacks (IMHO) real class when it comes to playing the ivories.......just not in the same class....no, the piano on "Firth of Fifth" is really not that good..sorry...... !!! |
Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 16:56
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Yep! I prefer Banks to Wakemen or Emerson too.. But, it is indeed subjective. I tend to judge a keyboard player, not so much by flashy solos, but interesting chord progressions, and strong melodies. Banks was a master at both, I also rate John Tout (Rennaisance) Robert J Godfrey (The Enid) very highly because of their obvious musical skill, and the classical influence they bring to their music. Lets not Mike Pinder too Mr Lost Chord!
------------- Ultimately bored by endless ecstasy! |
Posted By: Fragile
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 18:18
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These comparisons are too close to call; Johnstone or Best.Pele or Maradonna,Keane or Viera,Wakeman or Emerson |
Posted By: moodyxadi
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 18:53
| No, not again Wake vs Emerson. Well, Tony Pagliuca. The Reason? I like him. |
Posted By: Fragile
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 18:55
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Good for you Moody |
Posted By: ____VdGG____
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 00:17
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Hugh Banton and Kerry Minnear are my two favorite, the former not for speed and technicalities, but for raw power, and the latter for the technicalities ------------- Iron throated monsters are forcing the screams; Mind and machinery box-press our dreams |
Posted By: FragileDT
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 00:40
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I like Emerson more than Wakeman. It's all a matter of opinion. ------------- One likes to believe In the freedom of music But glittering prizes And endless Compromises Shatter the illusion Of integrity |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 01:51
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and truth |
Posted By: G_Bone
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 03:01
| i dont no technically who is the best prog keyboardist, if its even one of those two (although they're definately at the top). But Emerson is probably my favourite, he along with Jon Lord are my two favourite keyboardists/organists (whatever) just because of the kidn of crazy sounding music they created that I really love. |
Posted By: Pafnutij
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 04:26
The Nocenzi bros 
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Posted By: RoyalJelly
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 04:46
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Sorry, but speaking as a keyboardist, Wakeman can't hold a candle to
Emerson, neither in terms of technique nor originality. Emerson was working with synths directly with Robert Moog, and actively involved with not only creating new sounds, but Moog redesigned the machines based on his needs. Emerson was a true pioneer in this regard, and all synth players owe him a debt. Wakeman's sounds, on the other hand, were standard factory sounds, if you walked into a music shop in the 70s and turned on a Mini-Moog, it sounded like Wakeman. In terms of his playing, he had nowhere near the breadth of Emerson's abilities in jazz & classical, to say nothing of rock and blues. In short, it's not merely a matter of opinion which is better. If you prefer Wakeman's style and sensibilities, that's a matter of taste, but Keith is a superior player and historically more important, objectively speaking. |
Posted By: kev2307
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 06:06
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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. |
Posted By: Rosescar
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 07:40
I read in an interview here that he actually created/edited all his keyboard sounds  ------------- http://www.soundclick.com/rosescar/ - My music! "THE AUDIENCE WERE generally drugged. (In Holland, always)." - Robert Fripp |
Posted By: Phil
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 08:01
See Royal jelly is Wakeman bashing again!! Not the first time, won't be the last...
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Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 08:25
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Emerson? Wakeman?
Ha! I fart in their general direction! Those wannabes are mere tinkling dilettantes compared to this under-appreciated prodigy, who had the amazing ability to make a simple toy piano sound like a grand piano, or even a Hammond organ: ------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: RoyalJelly
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 08:33
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.). |
Posted By: Ivan_Melgar_M
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 11:09
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I will vote for none of them, my vote goes by far to Vittorio Nocenzi, his style is not only absolutely perfect in piano Organ and any other keyboard instrument He graduated with honors in The Santa Cecilis Conservatory in: The guy is more than just a genius, he has recahed perfection, try Darwin! by Banco del Mutuo Soccorso and you'll find. And second place for Patrick Moraz reached he highest degrees in Laussana Coonservatory in Piano and Music, the difference of style and skills can be noticed clearly in Relayer, but best if you got Live at QPR, his solo would make Wakeman feel embarrased in Yessongs. Wak3eman and Emerson can be much more popular and probably better composers, but in skills, they can't start with this guys. Some may believe I give too much value to formal education, maybe, but reaching excellence in a place where all the other students are absolutely talented, means a lot, and after listening them play, well there's no doubt on my mind. But again it's only an opinion. Iván
------------- 
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Posted By: rushfan6588
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 11:53
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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. |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 13:33
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Posted By: TheLamb
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 14:19
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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.... ------------- 
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Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 23:26
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And what about the great:
TERRY JONES I'd like to see those nancy-boys Wakeman, Emerson or Banks try playing an electic organ (unplugged, yet!) on the chilly, wild and windy Scottish moors, while naked but for a collar and tie!
And can either of those panty-waists play...
the MOUSE ORGAN? I DON'T FREAKIN' THINK SO! Credit where it's due folks -- credit where it's due! ------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: ken4musiq
Date Posted: March 30 2006 at 01:14
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. |
Posted By: ken4musiq
Date Posted: March 30 2006 at 01:20
Speaking as a wannabe pianist that is good to hear. |
Posted By: utas
Date Posted: March 30 2006 at 01:27
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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). |
Posted By: Eetu Pellonpaa
Date Posted: March 30 2006 at 01:34
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Keith Jarrett is also good! I like his improvised piano concertos lots.
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Posted By: BiGi
Date Posted: March 30 2006 at 02:23
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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!!! ------------- A flower? 
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