A Mark In Time
Mark Knopfler Discussion => Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum => Topic started by: dmg on October 20, 2009, 01:44:25 PM
-
From a post in another thread someone mentioned that the current band is perhaps the best MK has ever had and I immediately thought that may be true collectively, but since 1978 he has been on the road with lots of great players. Who would be the best band from the lot of them? Now we aren't talking guest players here like EC or EJ, only ones who have been part of the regular band. Also for different tours there have been different players e.g. Paul Franklin on pedal steel for two tours only. Therefore I'll limit it to a basic band set up. It wasn't until I'd written it down that I realised I had chosen basically the BIA tour line up thereby completely contradicting my initial statement!
Guitar/Vocals - Mark Knopfler
Bass - John Illsley
Guitar - Richard Bennett
Drums - Terry Williams
Keyboards - Guy Fletcher
Piano - Alan Clark
-
That
-
I'd probably choose the current band but with Pick Withers instead of Danny. Sorry, Danny's a lovely bloke but Pick and Jeff Porcaro are the best drummers MK has worked with IMO. I'm currently listening to Helsinki 2001 and Chad's drumming is brilliant also. Don't mean to be tough on Danny, but you can't really expect him to be as good as one of the best session drummers in the world when he only took up the drums a couple of years ago.
-
I'd probably choose the current band but with Pick Withers instead of Danny. Sorry, Danny's a lovely bloke but Pick and Jeff Porcaro are the best drummers MK has worked with IMO. I'm currently listening to Helsinki 2001 and Chad's drumming is brilliant also. Don't mean to be tough on Danny, but you can't really expect him to be as good as one of the best session drummers in the world when he only took up the drums a couple of years ago.
Junkie Doll from Helsinki '01 rings a bell as the best ever IMO.
-
Ha, just listened to it seconds ago!
-
Guitar/Vocals - Mark Knopfler
Bass - John Illsley
Guitar - Jack Sonni or Robbie McIntosh
Drums - Manu Katch
-
Mark Knopfler ;D
Glenn Worf (bass)
Richard Bennett (2nd guitar)
Omar Hakim (drums)
Alan Clark (keyboards)
Matt Rollings (piano)
John McCusker (Everything else)
Tina Turner (Backing Vocals)
-
Mark Knopfler
Guy Fletcher
Richard Bennett
Glenn Worf
Matt Rollins
Danny Cummins
John McCusker
Me
;D ;D
-
Mark Knopfler
Guy Fletcher
Richard Bennett
Glenn Worf
Matt Rollins
Danny Cummins
John McCusker
Me
;D ;D
So you're not keen on the current line up then! ;)
-
Rollergirl - ditto for me too! ;D
-
Mark Knopfler
Guy Fletcher
Richard Bennett
Glenn Worf
Matt Rollins
Danny Cummins
John McCusker
Me
;D ;D
Are you a genius? able to play with the band yet?? wooo send me an autograph please !
Btw, I love the band as it is nowaday ! I loved them before and before and i'll love then after !
MK is good to pick the good ones !
-
As far as I am concerned Danny is the most complete/versatile drummer in the business and I would pay to see him perform with any band.
He is such a joy to watch, a gentleman and puts everything into his performances.
-
He is such a joy to watch, a gentleman and puts everything into his performances.
I put everything into playing football, but Kaka I am not. He is indeed a gentleman and certainly a competent drummer but technically, he's not close to Chad. Not by a long shot.
-
Are you a genius? able to play with the band yet?? wooo send me an autograph please !
Btw, I love the band as it is nowaday ! I loved them before and before and i'll love then after !
MK is good to pick the good ones !
Well, I know all the chords to Wild West End and Tickets to Heaven, (mind you, it's strictly rythm...) do you think they'll give me the job? Actually, I was mostly thinking (silent) backing vocals for me. Hidden backstage.
-
and i love his way of speaking, pronouncing every single word, in his loveable oxford english.
actually he sounds VERY much like a certain mr. D. Gilmour. check the gdansk or remember that night dvd for reference
-
He is such a joy to watch, a gentleman and puts everything into his performances.
I put everything into playing football, but Kaka I am not. He is indeed a gentleman and certainly a competent drummer but technically, he's not close to Chad. Not by a long shot.
Is that so? You may be right, but I tend to favour Danny too for some reason. Not sure why, I guess I just prefer his sound. But Withers is the best drummer I've ever heard. That early incarnation of DS was tight, tight, tight...
My lineup:
MK
Withers
Worf
Fletcher
Clark
Second guitar... I don't know. In my opinion, Mark has never played with the 'perfect' second guitar player. RB is good but the overall sound is too acoustic these days and Richard is a bit too 'western' in his solo approach.
-
I think people tend to be emotive rather than objective when discussing this subject, simply because Danny, is such a lovely, cuddly bloke who we all love.
You're probably right, I think RB is the best sideman he's had but really the best second guitarist for MK is... MK! Nothing's really as good as those early albums where he's playing all parts (except DK mixed away down in the background).
-
I think people tend to be emotive rather than objective when discussing this subject, (...)
Well, of course we are being emotive, what is more moving that music? It's what it's all about, emotion! You can't say Danny is a worse or better drummer than Pick, you can say however that you prefer Pick's style. You can't say KTGC was a bad album (as I have read a few times) but you can say you don't like it. Everything is down to individual taste and what the music does to you, personnally.
(you CAN say however, that I am a worse guitar player than you or MK, but you can't say that MK is a better guitarist than, I don't know, Eric Clapton (or Phil Collins :o ;D ;) arf arf arf). It's all a matter of taste.
Thank you for reading. This message was brought to you by the AMIT association of pedantic bores
-
I can say that in my opinion Chad is a better drummer than Danny. Just my opinion, but you can also start to gather facts to back it up. For example, Chad is an in demand session drummer, having also played with Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne etc etc. Who else has Danny played drums for? Not much chance of Neil Young poaching Danny.
Of course Danny is renowned as a world class percussionist, but it's a very diferent discipline. As I said earlier, you couldn't really expect Danny to be as proficient on the drums when he only started playing a few years ago and Chad has been a top session drummer for decades.
-
Danny is such a lovely chap, though, and he shared my chips at the Inglenook! ;D
-
Whether or not someone is good at doing something is a fact - like it or not. We can also have our own opinions, of course regarding who we like better. We don't have to like the best person at their job but like someone else because of their style instead. Personally, I am not a professional drummer or critic so I don't feel in a position to say who is the best drummer but I chose luvvly, luvvly, luvvly, the Welsh contingent - in goals Mr. Terry Williams!
-
The fact is that you prefer Chad to Danny, fair enough. Do you know for a fact that Neil Young (or whoever) has not asked him to play drums for him? I don't.
-
For example, Chad is an in demand session drummer, having also played with Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne etc etc. Who else has Danny played drums for? Not much chance of Neil Young poaching Danny.
Did Danny not play drums on a George Michael tour?
-
I think it was percussion. :)
-
I could possibly manage the tambourine! ::)
-
Even though I love Danny's drumming, my favourite DS/MK drummer is Terry Williams. :)
-
I am assuming Chad is Chilli Pepper Chad? (Correct me if I am wrong).
But just because someone is in 'demand' for session work doesn't mean that someone who doesn't do session work is not as good.
Perhaps Chad needs the money and Danny doesn't :)
Danny hasn't been playing as long as Chad? I have been watching and impressed by a young guitarist who plays in a local covers band where I live. He is 19 and in my opinion he could fit in an play lead/rhythm guitar with any of the top rock bands in the world (quite a bold statement I know). When I asked his mother how many hours he must have spent in his bedroom (jokingly) while all his mates were out having a ball and for how long has he been playing, her reply was that the first time he picked up a guitar was 5 years ago and that he doesn't even practice that often.
Yes, the above is an example (a very true one though) but it also goes to show that just because someone has been playing longer than someone else, also doesn't make them better.
It is purely about opinions and I would rather watch someone I liked as a person than someone who is 'rated' the best at his trade.
After all - would we all still go and watch MK given the chance when he is into his 70s and not the best in the world anymore due to the various medical complaints that wil hit us all someday? I think we would.
-
After all - would we all still go and watch MK given the chance when he is into his 70s and not the best in the world anymore due to the various medical complaints that wil hit us all someday? I think we would.
Most probably.
Chad is Chad Cromwell.
I could possibly manage the tambourine! ::)
;D LOL (although it's probably more difficult than it looks!)
-
just because someone has been playing longer than someone else, also doesn't make them better.
So true too! I have been playing golf for 7 years and I still suck as much as I did 6 months after I started!
-
The fact is that you prefer Chad to Danny, fair enough. Do you know for a fact that Neil Young (or whoever) has not asked him to play drums for him? I don't.
Um, no, the "fact" is that I think that Chad is technically a better drummer than Danny. And as I said, I'm not aware of Danny playing drums for anybody else, except Guy and Guy's blues band.
It is purely about opinions and I would rather watch someone I liked as a person than someone who is 'rated' the best at his trade.
After all - would we all still go and watch MK given the chance when he is into his 70s and not the best in the world anymore due to the various medical complaints that wil hit us all someday? I think we would.
Not sure I agree with this rationale - my plumber is a lovely bloke, but I wouldn't hire him to change the brake discs on my car.
On your second point, of course, I saw Les Paul put on a great show when he was 90, and I've seen Willie Nelson a couple of times in his 70s, two of the best gigs I've ever seen.
I'm not sure why people are getting so wound up about this. All I did was state my OPINION that Chad is a better drummer than Danny. Is Danny good enough to be MK's drummer? Absolutely, otherwise he wouldn't be there. Anyone ever heard him make even a single mistake? Me neither. Is he as "good" as Chad? in my opinion, no. The way things are going you would think I insulted somebody's mother or something. ::)
Somebody sent me this PM recently
I may not be around here much longer. As always when you criticize MK's music (or touring) of getting boring you'll have a flock of agitated fans attacking furiously for one not believing in the true religion
It's the same thing over and over.
To be honest, I thought they were being melodramatic at the time, but now I see what they mean. :-\
-
not wanting to prove any point
wiki says:
he London-based percussionist has recorded with such rock notables as the late John Martyn, Dire Straits, Tina Turner, George Michael, Les McKeown, Penguin Caf
-
Hey Dusty, nobody is getting upset or feeling insulted. Well, I am not, I was just being pedantic that's all. I don't like it when people say so and so is bad instead of I don't like him/her/it.
When my 5 year old says "it's not good" about my lovingly prepared meal, I tell him the same thing.
Keep smiling! :)
-
I've certainly never said anybody's bad...
Well, maybe Phil Collins.
-
;D
-
Don't want to start up an old argument, but for me the dream team would have to play a dream gig. ie a good old fashioned rock concert. In which case the dream team would be the Alchemy band plus Guy Fletcher, cos I don't think you'd get Mark to do anything nowadays that didn't involve Guy!
But for a solo years style gig, my dream team would be: MK, Guy, Richard Bennett, Glenn Worf, Chad Cromwell and Alan Clark.
Wouldn't have a clue whether Chad is technically the best drummer. I just prefer his style.
No doubt there are guitarists who are technically better than MK, but it ain't just about technique, it's about what a musician can do with it that counts.
-
a bit like size...
-
No doubt there are guitarists who are technically better than MK, but it ain't just about technique, it's about what a musician can do with it that counts.
Yes, I agree, but to refine my argument I don't just think Chad is technically a better player than Danny, I think his parts are more interesting and inventive. But if you were to ask me for my favourite Chad performance I would probably say You Don't Know Your Born. Very simple and basic but absolutely perfect for the song.
Danny has played on the last two albums and the drum parts have all been fine, but I can't really think of one song where I say "Wow, that's a great drum part." Contrast with, say, Pick's work on the first album where he has a lot of great parts. No coincidence that he was also asked to play on Dylan album IMO.
-
Listening to a drum player comments during one of the 2005 gig, Danny can be defined as a "not academic drum player" ie he is not playing in a proper way that a teacher would ask. But a large majority of us are not druummer and could not tell the difference anyway.
A music band is also about feeling and relationship, remember what happened to terry during the recording of BIA.
-
Well, I know all the chords to Wild West End and Tickets to Heaven, (mind you, it's strictly rythm...) do you think they'll give me the job? Actually, I was mostly thinking (silent) backing vocals for me. Hidden backstage.
Forget the backing vocals !But You could be hire for their ironing? Many shirts !! lol
-
Well, I know all the chords to Wild West End and Tickets to Heaven, (mind you, it's strictly rythm...) do you think they'll give me the job? Actually, I was mostly thinking (silent) backing vocals for me. Hidden backstage.
Forget the backing vocals !But You could be hire for their ironing? Many shirts !! lol
Nope! crap at that too!
I have many hidden talents! (very well hidden!)
-
Here's my stab,
Guitar/Vocals - MK
Bass - John Illsley
Guitar - Richie Bennett
Drums - Chad
Keyboards - Guy
Piano/keyboards - Alan Clark
Sax - Chris White
Everything else - John McCusker.
& they'd play a 2 hour set, go for a 5 minute break,play another 2 hour set,take another 10 min break,play another 2 hours .......zzzzzzzzzzzzz f**k that alarm,it always goes off just when its getting interesting!!!!!!!!!
-
MK
Richard
Glenn
Guy
Matt
Manu Katche
John Mackie or Mike Henderson
-
MK
Richard
Glenn
Danny
Steve Nathan (Hammond)
Guy (synth & 2nd Hammond)
Jim Cox (piano)
M
-
In all fairness, wasn't it MK that brought Pick along for Dylan?
Anyway. I for one think that Danny plays more interesting things than Chad, even though the drums are more in the back on Mark's albums these days. I think that's the way Mark wants it.
Live, however, is a different matter. Compare the studio version of Sonny Liston with the live version with Danny; the difference in intensity is staggering, and Danny's part is awesome. The same goes for BLT; it sounds great on record but it's much more interesting live with the intro etc. I would also say that Danny brings an extra dimension to Why Aye Man. There's simply an extra spark.
That being said, Danny's drumming on Cannibals was clearly inferior to the version on GH.
-
It is purely about opinions and I would rather watch someone I liked as a person than someone who is 'rated' the best at his trade.
After all - would we all still go and watch MK given the chance when he is into his 70s and not the best in the world anymore due to the various medical complaints that wil hit us all someday? I think we would.
[/quote]
Not sure I agree with this rationale - my plumber is a lovely bloke, but I wouldn't hire him to change the brake discs on my car.
[/quote]
Am not sure exactly what this has to do with going to see an ageing guitarist. I didn't mention MK suddenly taking up percussion or another instrument.
-
In all fairness, wasn't it MK that brought Pick along for Dylan?
Anyway. I for one think that Danny plays more interesting things than Chad, even though the drums are more in the back on Mark's albums these days. I think that's the way Mark wants it.
Live, however, is a different matter. Compare the studio version of Sonny Liston with the live version with Danny; the difference in intensity is staggering, and Danny's part is awesome. The same goes for BLT; it sounds great on record but it's much more interesting live with the intro etc. I would also say that Danny brings an extra dimension to Why Aye Man. There's simply an extra spark.
That being said, Danny's drumming on Cannibals was clearly inferior to the version on GH.
Danny's influence on Telegraph Road and Speedway At Nazareth knock me for six every time I hear them. And I know What It Is is probably not the hardest rhythm to play but he sort of makes it his own. I just couldn't imagine anyone else pulling them off like he does.
-
Am not sure exactly what this has to do with going to see an ageing guitarist. I didn't mention MK suddenly taking up percussion or another instrument.
It was referring to your comment that you would prefer to watch someone you liked as a person instead of somebody who was considered to be good at what they do.
-
In all fairness, wasn't it MK that brought Pick along for Dylan?
Anyway. I for one think that Danny plays more interesting things than Chad, even though the drums are more in the back on Mark's albums these days. I think that's the way Mark wants it.
Live, however, is a different matter. Compare the studio version of Sonny Liston with the live version with Danny; the difference in intensity is staggering, and Danny's part is awesome. The same goes for BLT; it sounds great on record but it's much more interesting live with the intro etc. I would also say that Danny brings an extra dimension to Why Aye Man. There's simply an extra spark.
That being said, Danny's drumming on Cannibals was clearly inferior to the version on GH.
Excellent post. I was hoping that somebody would come up with a sensible and reasoned argument as to why they prefer Danny, using examples, instead of just saying "He's lovely/cuddly/hits the drums harder/sweats more." and you have. Bravo.
On Dylan, I'm fairly sure MK didn't have that kind of clout in those days. Even on Infidels MK wanted to bring in Billy Gibbons but Dylan vetoed him to get Mick Taylor instead.
-
Excellent examples Tallgren. The songs you name were my less favorites on the albums, but live I keep listening to the songs and love them much more.
-
In all fairness, wasn't it MK that brought Pick along for Dylan?
Anyway. I for one think that Danny plays more interesting things than Chad, even though the drums are more in the back on Mark's albums these days. I think that's the way Mark wants it.
Live, however, is a different matter. Compare the studio version of Sonny Liston with the live version with Danny; the difference in intensity is staggering, and Danny's part is awesome. The same goes for BLT; it sounds great on record but it's much more interesting live with the intro etc. I would also say that Danny brings an extra dimension to Why Aye Man. There's simply an extra spark.
That being said, Danny's drumming on Cannibals was clearly inferior to the version on GH.
To be fair, I think the whole idea was to have a different arrangement and calm it down a bit; MK changed to his Tele from a LP for a less powerful sound and that's why the drums were different sounding too.
-
IMHO Chad used to overdo things a bit. Watching the Night In London Video from 1996 I noticed Chad was slaving away on his drums like he's in a metal band ;D Danny's playing is more subtle, he gives the songs more air to breathe even though he doesn't play too academically. I also like Danny's drum sound better - I think Chad sounded a bit harsh.
My dream team:
2nd guitar: Tim Renwick
Bass: Donald "Duck" Dunn
Drums: Jim Keltner or Gregg Bissonette or Phil Collins ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Piano: Neil Drinkwater
Synth: GF
Fiddle etc.: John McCusker
-
When I heard Danny play "Song for Sonny Liston" live in Edinburgh 2005 for the first time, it was breathtaking and was the most memorable song of that tour, because of Danny's drumming! It certainly elevated the studio version to something amazing! :)
Regarding Chad, I love his drums on the Vaison '96 version of "Water of Love". :)
-
IMHO Chad used to overdo things a bit. Watching the Night In London Video from 1996 I noticed Chad was slaving away on his drums like he's in a metal band ;D Danny's playing is more subtle, he gives the songs more air to breathe even though he doesn't play too academically. I also like Danny's drum sound better - I think Chad sounded a bit harsh.
My dream team:
2nd guitar: Tim Renwick
Bass: Donald "Duck" Dunn
Drums: Jim Keltner or Gregg Bissonette or Phil Collins ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Piano: Neil Drinkwater
Synth: GF
Fiddle etc.: John McCusker
Great dream team! Nice thinking outside the box.
Tim Renwick plays on this, one of my favoutite tracks ever (wearing a Bayern Munic shirt!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epDJ69L2xFE
-
Simon, you are one of the few lucky fans who saw Pick play. Didn't he give you a deep impression on his playing? Personally, I love his playing most.
Wishes
Allen
-
Allen - that is quite a question.
I saw Pick play with DS on 2 occasions but at that time I was totally guitar orientated and MK was the best thing since sliced bread as far as i was concerned. And I was young!
That was DS at their most raw, no backing, no keyboards/piano/synths etc. The sound was amazing and refreshing at that particular time in music history.
Regardless of this I was transfixed with MK and therefore not able to comment on something that happened 30 years ago and at the time was secondary to the main man.
Back on the subject of Dream Teams however, sometimes, putting the best of their trade all together doesn't always produce the desired result. For example, put the 11 'best ' football (soccer) players in the world together in a team and they will not necessarily be the best team in the world. Players need to gel with each other and get on and read each others minds and be team players and not selfish. On the stage the same thing could happen and it is one of the reasons why I consider MKs current line up as being the best ever - with the absence of Alan Clarke of course (would love to see him back in some guise - even just sat in the front row, feet up being the Mr Cool he is) - although going back to my previous statement - would he and Guy gel together these days? Food for thought!
-
you mean they would not fit musically or personally?
-
I cant say I'm aware of Tim Renwick but he don't half look like James May or vice versa in that video.
I don't have a dream team but I would love to see MK play a one off with a young band made up of some of todays newer musicians a bit like the odd collaborations they try and do at the brit awards. It can get a bit boring seeing EC, Sting, Collins etc. I do appreciate he hasn't done anything like that since the Montserrat concert but he was planning to do the Albert Hall gig with EC in 2003. I am sure there are musicians out there that would jump at the chance to play with him like The Kooks who I know are fans of Dire Straits. If you read there playlist on itunes they have Down to The Waterline in it because its " a shit hot groove that is so chilled".
Sadly I think MK will stick to his usual live collaborators of contemporaries and childhood heroes.
Talking of itunes, if you search on Money For Nothing there are about 50 different versions of it. I never knew there were so many.
-
you mean they would not fit musically or personally?
Who knows? :)
-
Allen - that is quite a question.
I saw Pick play with DS on 2 occasions but at that time I was totally guitar orientated and MK was the best thing since sliced bread as far as i was concerned. And I was young!
That was DS at their most raw, no backing, no keyboards/piano/synths etc. The sound was amazing and refreshing at that particular time in music history.
Regardless of this I was transfixed with MK and therefore not able to comment on something that happened 30 years ago and at the time was secondary to the main man.
Back on the subject of Dream Teams however, sometimes, putting the best of their trade all together doesn't always produce the desired result. For example, put the 11 'best ' football (soccer) players in the world together in a team and they will not necessarily be the best team in the world. Players need to gel with each other and get on and read each others minds and be team players and not selfish. On the stage the same thing could happen and it is one of the reasons why I consider MKs current line up as being the best ever - with the absence of Alan Clarke of course (would love to see him back in some guise - even just sat in the front row, feet up being the Mr Cool he is) - although going back to my previous statement - would he and Guy gel together these days? Food for thought!
Fair do's, I can only assume that the band "gelled" better together with Chad in it then, because it sounded better to me.
-
Somebody sent me this PM recently
I may not be around here much longer. As always when you criticize MK's music (or touring) of getting boring you'll have a flock of agitated fans attacking furiously for one not believing in the true religion
It's the same thing over and over.
To be honest, I thought they were being melodramatic at the time, but now I see what they mean. :-\
Please!!! That's because music is passion and religion, and we are the believers (fundamentalists, really). So when someone criticizes (any aspect of) MK's music (or Phil Collins', even ;)), someone's feelings will always get hurt. And i can't say that the othodox behave worse than the criticizers. I think both sides tend to be quite impolite, caracterizing eachother etc.
Well: Here is my go:
Pick is the best drummer MK's played with, Terry's the worst (but great fun and loud), Chad is better than Danny, but Guy likes Danny better (as a person and also as a player I believe), Jeff Porcaro was great, Money For Nothing is best with MK alone and Richie on cowbell, Glenn has never managed to play Money For Nothing or Brothers In Arms properly, Mel Collins is the best sax play MK has had on tour, but of course Michael Brecker is the best he has played with, Guy's music is a bit boring, and his playing too, JMcC is great!!! Matty is fantastic. DS stopped existing in 1982 and will of course never reunite, the ATTR tour was boring, the original pensa suhr sounds crap live (even on You and your friend) and MK will never play it anymore because of its slim neck and I guess also because of its BMG pu's, Mk's music will become slower and slower... if I want to listen to rock, I will put on Making Movies or som other band than DS or MK. And I really don't want to hurt anyone, these are just my opinions. I love you all (I really mean it!)
-
Well: Here is my go:
Pick is the best drummer MK's played with, Terry's the worst (but great fun and loud), Chad is better than Danny, but Guy likes Danny better (as a person and also as a player I believe), Jeff Porcaro was great, Money For Nothing is best with MK alone and Richie on cowbell, Glenn has never managed to play Money For Nothing or Brothers In Arms properly, Mel Collins is the best sax play MK has had on tour, but of course Michael Brecker is the best he has played with, Guy's music is a bit boring, and his playing too, JMcC is great!!! Matty is fantastic. DS stopped existing in 1982 and will of course never reunite, the ATTR tour was boring, the original pensa suhr sounds crap live (even on You and your friend) and MK will never play it anymore because of its slim neck and I guess also because of its BMG pu's, Mk's music will become slower and slower... if I want to listen to rock, I will put on Making Movies or som other band than DS or MK. And I really don't want to hurt anyone, these are just my opinions. I love you all (I really mean it!)
[/quote]
Some controversial stuff there to get us all going! Well wasn't the original Pensa-Suhr black as played on the EC tour in 1987? The flame maple MK II one you refer to had EMG pu's, not BMG ones. Guy will never criticise Danny as he is a current band member and a friend, no matter what his opinion was anyway!
While we're being controversial, IMO MK's biggest mistake was changing to a finer gauge guitar string; his guitars no longer have that lovely thick creamy sound but a slightly tinny sound. This is especially noticeable on something like Speedway and Wild Theme is no longer playable properly; it just sounds terrible to me.
-
He, he, EMG's. The black came before the first carved flame maple, yes, but it's not an MK II (we've discussed this many times before), it's a Pensa Suhr custom strat shaped carved bodey blah, blah, blah. I think later production models are called MK I. And he's had at least one Pensa before the black one, namly the So Far Away one that controlled the synclavier.
I thought MK changed to heavyer strings, not to lighter ones, from 9's to 10's on the guitars for fingerpicking, but changed back to 9's on the sig strats right before the last tour. But I think he still uses 10's on his LPs and even heavier strings for the ones he plays with a pick (the jurassic strat, the sigs with trems etc). I know some fans that miss the time he played 8s (some believe that he played 8s on the first or first two records. Personally I think the reason that MK's tone has changed is due to the change of amps, from Comets to Reinhards.
-
He, he, EMG's. The black came before the first carved flame maple, yes, but it's not an MK II (we've discussed this many times before), it's a Pensa Suhr custom strat shaped carved bodey blah, blah, blah. I think later production models are called MK I. And he's had at least one Pensa before the black one, namly the So Far Away one that controlled the synclavier.
I thought MK changed to heavyer strings, not to lighter ones, from 9's to 10's on the guitars for fingerpicking, but changed back to 9's on the sig strats right before the last tour. But I think he still uses 10's on his LPs and even heavier strings for the ones he plays with a pick (the jurassic strat, the sigs with trems etc). I know some fans that miss the time he played 8s (some believe that he played 8s on the first or first two records. Personally I think the reason that MK's tone has changed is due to the change of amps, from Comets to Reinhards.
I'm sure I read on Guy's site that at the beginning of the KtGC tour MK changed to 9's (from 10's) on all his guitars. Doesn't he change amps a lot though, I mean on every tour so... I was aware of the change to Reinhardts but just dismissed this as it sounds more like a string thing if you know what I mean.
By the way how come MK and Guy are always praising the sound of older guitars (the older the better) yet MK uses his horribly artificial sounding Sig Strat extensively these days when he has beautiful older Strats he could use that sounded far better in the past. He uses it in the studio too so it's not just for fear of damage or theft. Hypocritical?
-
wow, some very true points there, and some others def. up for discussion
-
Pick is the best drummer MK's played with, Terry's the worst (but great fun and loud), Chad is better than Danny, but Guy likes Danny better (as a person and also as a player I believe), Jeff Porcaro was great, Money For Nothing is best with MK alone and Richie on cowbell, Glenn has never managed to play Money For Nothing or Brothers In Arms properly, Mel Collins is the best sax play MK has had on tour, but of course Michael Brecker is the best he has played with, Guy's music is a bit boring, and his playing too, JMcC is great!!! Matty is fantastic. DS stopped existing in 1982 and will of course never reunite, the ATTR tour was boring, the original pensa suhr sounds crap live (even on You and your friend) and MK will never play it anymore because of its slim neck and I guess also because of its BMG pu's, Mk's music will become slower and slower... if I want to listen to rock, I will put on Making Movies or som other band than DS or MK. And I really don't want to hurt anyone, these are just my opinions. I love you all (I really mean it!)
Interesting stuff you said, I think that you could say that DS stopped existing after 1978 as a band or even never existed, it was just a support band for MK, he just needed people to play other instruments. That;s it.
But I agree with some other parts (like ATTR tour was boring, also if I want to listen to rock &roll...that's why I don't much care for the K2GC or other solo stuff, I haven't even heard the latest album yet..)
Also agree with Mel Collins, because I just can't stand Two young lovers being played by CH.White (that's a skipper for me) or drums played by some else than TW on this song (and the ending solo by Ph. Palmer, terrrrrrible). I also don't like Sultans with Sax, why
why why.
As for the drummers, maybe Pick was technically the best, but that's it for me. He was ok in the early stages (78-79), but when DS evolved to more rock&rollish sound, he wasn't the man to do it. I think that Terry took the songs onto another level. They were full of energy, he enabled to develop the full dynamic potential of the songs, it was the best DS sound and era for me.
Chad is maybe technically better than DC, I think I prefer his sound. Both sound very good, but there's this one thing that makes the difference for me - Speedway, and these particular snare hits in the ending solo. DC almost doesn't hit the snare at all, I really miss it there.
As for the second guitarist, definitely not Ph. Palmer, maybe RB, but he just gives me this too laid-back impression. Jack Sonni or Hal Lindes would be my choices.
I would prefer A. Clark to G. Fletcher anytime, but if there are supposed to be 2 keyboard players, then it should be them.
What really got me hooked on DS was this "rock&roll" Alchemy sound, that was MK (and the others) at his best imho. So here's my dream team:
MK
JI
Terry Williams
Alan Clark
Hal Lindes (Jack sonni?)
Mel Collins
Guy Fletcher
-
Hey, now we finally get some different opinions here! Nice!
I agree with most of what your saying, bobo. When it comes to DS as a band, the reason I'm saying that they stopped existing as a band in 81, is that I think (I don't know for sure, of course) that Pick and John influenced heavily on the sound of first two or maybe three records. The rhythm section was very distinct thanks to the base playing and the drumming. And they really were a band in the early years, more or less living together at first, rehearsing and touring a lot like a proper band. When the Making Movies tour ended, or maybe already during or before that tour, DS stopped beeing a band. From then on it was more MK solo with different session musicians. And no real DS sound exept for MK's unique guitar playning, of course. I think MK's current band is much more like a band than DS was on the tree last DS records and tours, since they doesn't change the lineup that much anymore and therefore they've got a certain sound again.
I really love MK's solo work, but since he doesn't make rock music anymore, I have to listen to other peoples music to be satisfied in that departement. But I always have listened to other music, so it's no problem that he doesn't make rock music anymore.
-
Yes you're right, the same people create the same kind of feel, especially when there always were different band members after communique. I was looking at it from a different point of view - democratic/creative imput point...
But I always have listened to other music, so it's no problem that he doesn't make rock music anymore.
Well it's not a problem, but at the same it kinda is. But what can I one about it? I sometimes wonder how would it all looked like if MK continued to make albums in Love over Gold ablum style...
-
I am fiercely loyal to those I am fond of, and I will be loyal to Danny until I die. I love his energy, his obvious enjoyment of what he is doing, and on many renditions of Speedway, it's him I am watching...not the Man.
-
Hmm, I'm glad he doesn't make albums only in the style of LOG... It is a nice album, but listening to LOG, TR and PI too long, I might fall asleep. :-\ It sounds way too flat. ::) (and please, no I'm not looking for trouble here!!! ;D )
Concerning the guitars, I think he (and guy) can choose the best gear on the planet. Vintage stuff is cool, but when you don't get the "new" sound out if it, it's pretty useless. To be honest, I don't think it's all about an "old" sound, it's about "a" sound, which can be old or new.
-
Hmm, I'm glad he doesn't make albums only in the style of LOG... It is a nice album, but listening to LOG, TR and PI too long, I might fall asleep. :-\ It sounds way too flat. ::) (and please, no I'm not looking for trouble here!!! ;D )
Concerning the guitars, I think he (and guy) can choose the best gear on the planet. Vintage stuff is cool, but when you don't get the "new" sound out if it, it's pretty useless. To be honest, I don't think it's all about an "old" sound, it's about "a" sound, which can be old or new.
I understand what you're saying about the guitars there, but the fact is that MK has actually, in some cases changed to playing his sig model from an older one whilst on tour on the old songs. One could take STP as an example - he used to use a lovely white Strat from the 60's for that on the STP tour but now he uses his sig model with that modern electronic sound. Yuck! :o
-
Hmm, I'm glad he doesn't make albums only in the style of LOG... It is a nice album, but listening to LOG, TR and PI too long, I might fall asleep. :-\ It sounds way too flat. ::) (and please, no I'm not looking for trouble here!!! ;D )
That's what I like about LoG, not 12 4-minute tracks, but long "fully developped" songs, the whole album with slight touch of art rock.
-
Hmm, I'm glad he doesn't make albums only in the style of LOG... It is a nice album, but listening to LOG, TR and PI too long, I might fall asleep. :-\ It sounds way too flat. ::) (and please, no I'm not looking for trouble here!!! ;D )
That's what I like about LoG, not 12 4-minute tracks, but long "fully developped" songs, the whole album with slight touch of art rock.
I kind of fall between both stools here in that I like an album to have perhaps one or two longer tracks and the rest made up of shorter ones. To have them all long allows no development for live performances and all short is just all words and no intrumentation - you're just getting "into it" when it's finishing. That's why I love STP and MM so much; we have Speedway and TOL to satisfy our needs for "developed songs" and guitar solos then the rest wasn't so bad either!
-
Interesting point. The thing I liked about DS was the awesome concert versions of the songs.
But on the other hand, after listening to concerts some of the songs sound like they were made in a hurry and kinda cut at the end. Hill Farmer's Blues or News could be an example of that.
So there should be at least three 9 min tracks on each album and the rest could be anything else. :)
-
Well: Here is my go:
Pick is the best drummer MK's played with, Terry's the worst (but great fun and loud), Chad is better than Danny, but Guy likes Danny better (as a person and also as a player I believe), Jeff Porcaro was great, Money For Nothing is best with MK alone and Richie on cowbell, Glenn has never managed to play Money For Nothing or Brothers In Arms properly, Mel Collins is the best sax play MK has had on tour, but of course Michael Brecker is the best he has played with, Guy's music is a bit boring, and his playing too, JMcC is great!!! Matty is fantastic. DS stopped existing in 1982 and will of course never reunite, the ATTR tour was boring, the original pensa suhr sounds crap live (even on You and your friend) and MK will never play it anymore because of its slim neck and I guess also because of its BMG pu's, Mk's music will become slower and slower... if I want to listen to rock, I will put on Making Movies or som other band than DS or MK. And I really don't want to hurt anyone, these are just my opinions. I love you all (I really mean it!)
What a great post, even though I don't agree with all of it. Here's my take on each point:
Pick is the best drummer MK's played with, Probably 50-50 with Jeff Porcaro for me
Terry's the worst (but great fun and loud), No, Ed Bicknell would definitely be the worst
Chad is better than Danny, but Guy likes Danny better (as a person and also as a player I believe), Don't know about Guy, but agree that Chad is a better drummer than Danny
Jeff Porcaro was great, Agreed, RIP Jeff
Money For Nothing is best with MK alone and Richie on cowbell, Agreed, although even though the album version is my No1 all time favourite song of all time, I don't think it's EVER worked properly live
Glenn has never managed to play Money For Nothing or Brothers In Arms properly, Can't say I've ever noticed a problem, but I'll admit to not paying too much attention to Glenn's bass parts
Mel Collins is the best sax play MK has had on tour, but of course Michael Brecker is the best he has played with, Agree on Brecker (RIP), not so sure on Mel. To be honest I haven't paid too much attention to the sax playing either, but presumably Chris White composed the famous R&J solo and therefore deserves brownie points IMO
Guy's music is a bit boring, and his playing too, Don't know much about Guy's music, never got round to buying Inamorta. I guess his playing might be said to be a bit boring, but right or wrong he's a vital part of MK's "sound". In football terms, he's like the holding midfielder, unlikely to win many plaudits but vital to the team
JMcC is great!!! He is good, but I think people go over the top about him. I dunno, maybe it's because here in Scotland we have LOTS of top musicians who can play the fiddle/pipes etc really well. Seriously, you can go to a "celidh" here any night of the week and see amazing fiddle players, you'll see them busking in Edinburgh too
Matty is fantastic. Agreed, really nice bloke as well. Having my arse pressed up against Matty's keyboard and amp in the tiny Newcastle dressing room for the meet and greet is a memory I'll treasure forever, thanks again Waterline Man
DS stopped existing in 1982 and will of course never reunite, Agree on the second part, not so sure on the first. I wasn't a fan pre-82, but certainly since I've been a fan I've always seen DS as just being a vehicle for MK anyway
the ATTR tour was boring, Only thing that was boring was repeating too much of the 2005 tour, ie Bonaparte, Sonny Liston, So Far Away, Shangri La etc. The stuff from the new album and Emmylou's stuff sounded great
the original pensa suhr sounds crap live (even on You and your friend) and MK will never play it anymore because of its slim neck and I guess also because of its BMG pu's, Agreed, not TOO bad when played clean on Sultans and stuff, but no match for a real strat
Mk's music will become slower and slower... if I want to listen to rock, I will put on Making Movies or som other band than DS or MK. Dunno, it will probably plod along at mid-tempo... the important thing is that we keep getting new music. :)
-
The interesting thing about the LOG album is that it was partially already played live before being recorded. My prefered although certainly not the most successful is the closing one.
I still think that studio album would be much better if the artist toured them before going to studio. First, song would have time to evolve, second weaker ones would be dropped. Can you imagine how HFB would have sounded if it had been recorded that way?
And SFA would have ended acoustic callypso on the BIA album.
-
ithink the pensa sounds great especially on on the night "you ad your friend."
David Sanborn is the best sax player mark ever played with.
omar hakim can drum too
ec was and will always remain marks best sideman, and vice versa, coincidentally...
money live at the mandela gig was awesome...
-
ithink the pensa sounds great especially on on the night "you ad your friend."
David Sanborn is the best sax player mark ever played with.
omar hakim can drum too
ec was and will always remain marks best sideman, and vice versa, coincidentally...
money live at the mandela gig was awesome...
MK got a new Pensa in Milan (I think) on the SL tour that he used on TR and the final solo on R&J on the ATRR tour - that sounded great but has alas disappeared.
What about the legendary Branford Marsalis at Radio City in '85 on sax?
I think Omar Hakim was great too btw.
-
david sanborn, uniondale 1985.....top three performances ever in my book ( i mean the whole show, not just david...) and later mark played on his music night show, sometime in 88 or 89, gotit on tape somewhere, EC was there too, as was SRV and all the greats basically...
-
david sanborn, uniondale 1985.....top three performances ever in my book ( i mean the whole show, not just david...) and later mark played on his music night show, sometime in 88 or 89, gotit on tape somewhere, EC was there too, as was SRV and all the greats basically...
Sanborn collaborates with EC quite a lot; they do the soundtracks to the Lethal Weapon series of films and he was a guest at the Crossroads DVD he launched too in '99.
I agree about Uniondale '85 - great show, although the bootleg runs a little slow I think.
-
MK got a new Pensa in Milan (I think) on the SL tour that he used on TR and the final solo on R&J on the ATRR tour - that sounded great but has alas disappeared.
I don't know if it is the same Pensa but 2008 featured one on TR (at least during the european leg).
-
MK got a new Pensa in Milan (I think) on the SL tour that he used on TR and the final solo on R&J on the ATRR tour - that sounded great but has alas disappeared.
I don't know if it is the same Pensa but 2008 featured one on TR (at least during the european leg).
No, that's an older one with the rosewood head. He's had that since GH tour. Probably most famous for Sultans and TR also on the STP tour.
-
Terry's the worst (but great fun and loud), No, Ed Bicknell would definitely be the worst
He, he, you're right, Matt, i forgot about Ed :)
-
david sanborn, uniondale 1985.....top three performances ever in my book ( i mean the whole show, not just david...) and later mark played on his music night show, sometime in 88 or 89, gotit on tape somewhere, EC was there too, as was SRV and all the greats basically...
Sanborn collaborates with EC quite a lot; they do the soundtracks to the Lethal Weapon series of films and he was a guest at the Crossroads DVD he launched too in '99.
I agree about Uniondale '85 - great show, although the bootleg runs a little slow I think.
then fix it ;D
-
I have to admit...I remember listening to the Uniondale show for the first time a good 4-5 years ago, and I could never figure out what the big deal was or why it is so special. Just seems like another typical '85 show. In fact none of the shows from that tour, except 7/10/85, stand out. Just the same setlist over and over again...not much has changed. ;)
-
I have to admit...I remember listening to the Uniondale show for the first time a good 4-5 years ago, and I could never figure out what the big deal was or why it is so special. Just seems like another typical '85 show. In fact none of the shows from that tour, except 7/10/85, stand out. Just the same setlist over and over again...not much has changed. ;)
I haven't listened to it for maybe 2-3 years, but me neither, there are shows with much better sound. But I think that some of the shows do stand out, especially those from October/November. E.g. Ride across might be an example of that, it is almost uncomparable to versions from july that year me thinks.
-
MK got a new Pensa in Milan (I think) on the SL tour that he used on TR and the final solo on R&J on the ATRR tour - that sounded great but has alas disappeared.
I don't know if it is the same Pensa but 2008 featured one on TR (at least during the european leg).
No, that's an older one with the rosewood head. He's had that since GH tour. Probably most famous for Sultans and TR also on the STP tour.
Now Mark has 4 different Pensa guitars. The guitar used in the GH tour is 1993 Pensa Custom Koa. It has Strat style sound. This guitar is filmed in A Night in London. Perhaps Mark does not use it more as all his old Pensa-Suhr guitars.
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensamk1.jpg)
Second is 1996 Custom Flamed Maple, it was a prototype for MK2 Signature model. The guitar replaced his old Pensa-Suhr Flamed S/N 001. I remember that Mark used this guitar in STP tour
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensamk2.jpg)
Third is new MK2 Plus Flamed Maple, presented to Mark by Rudy in Milan in 2005 during SL tour.
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensamk2plus.jpg)
And latest MK80, but it was used by Richard Bennett only.
-
Surely more than 4 then, also THE Pensa, ie the OES/Mandela one, the Vic and Ray one etc.
-
Thanks very much ustas for that. Pictures do help so so much! Very interesting info too, I forgot about the first one thinking he used the '96 custom on the GH tour.
Hate to complicate things even more but did he change to his 1993 Pensa Custom Koa for Sultans and TR on the later part of the GH tour? It looks like he did but the video's aren't too clear from that era.
-
Surely more than 4 then, also THE Pensa, ie the OES/Mandela one, the Vic and Ray one etc.
These guitars were released under Pensa-Suhr trademark. Mark does not use more, because "necks are small for him now"
1. 1984 Pensa Suhr R-Custom first guitar built for Mark by Pensa Custom Shop
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensasuhrrcustomr.jpg)
2. 1984 Pensa-Suhr, Red, it is not confirmed, the first guitar built by John Suhr when he began to work for Pensa.
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensasuhrred.jpg)
3. 1985 Pensa-Suhr, White - It is assembled for Mark by John Suhr. Features Schecter body (made by Tom Anderson and painted in white by John), a Fender bridge. Mark's favorite guitar in 1985-1986
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensasuhrwhite.jpg)
4. 1986 Pensa-Suhr, Black - it is precursor of the 1987 Pensa-Suhr (Maple) model. Latest it was used on Vic & Ray and Water Of Love in 1996.
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensasuhrblack.jpg)
5. 1987 Pensa-Suhr, Maple - you know, legendary Pensa-Suhr MK1 s/n 001
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensasuhrmaple.jpg)
6. 1988 Pensa-Suhr, Koa not well known, was used on Land Of Dream and Neck & Neck album. I do not good picture, but there is video from late 80s
i0UavbmHziA
-
Ah, OK, didn't realise you were being pedantic on the Pensa/Pensa-Suhr thing. ;)
-
Ah, OK, didn't realise you were being pedantic on the Pensa/Pensa-Suhr thing. ;)
John Suhr left Pensa in 1991 or 1992 and all next Pensas were built without him. Of course Rudy Pensa removed "Suhr" from guitars' name.
-
Yes, Dusty knows that. He is just not as pedantic about it as you are ;)
I think the best looking and sounding Pensa / Pensa Suhr is the one that he recieved during the SL tour and used during the ATRR tour for the outro of Romeo And Juliet.
-
which one was used on the 1990 knebworth show?
-
which one was used on the 1990 knebworth show?
1987 Pensa-Suhr Flamed Maple (MK1 serial 001)
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensasuhrmaple.jpg)
-
Yes, Dusty knows that. He is just not as pedantic about it as you are ;)
I think the best looking and sounding Pensa / Pensa Suhr is the one that he recieved during the SL tour and used during the ATRR tour for the outro of Romeo And Juliet.
Pensa MK2 Plus Flamed Maple serial number 0260 ;D
-
which one was used on the 1990 knebworth show?
1987 Pensa-Suhr Flamed Maple (MK1 serial 001)
(http://www.mark-knopfler.info/guitars/pensasuhrmaple.jpg)
that's my favorite, together with the So far away one and then the black one..
-
Just to get the argument going again, GF just wrote:
Terry doesn't play anymore and didn't make the grade on OES.
Lots of frank talking from Guy these days!
-
Terry's work on BIA can be sum up to "MNF solo introduction" right?
What is really surprising is that he got the seat for the tour.
For OES it seems that several musicians declined Mark invitation to do the tour.
-
Terry's work on BIA can be sum up to "MNF solo introduction" right?
What is really surprising is that he got the seat for the tour.
For OES it seems that several musicians declined Mark invitation to do the tour.
Yes, right. I do not like his work on Alchemy, but he was not too bad in tour 85/86.
-
Just to get the argument going again, GF just wrote:
Terry doesn't play anymore and didn't make the grade on OES.
Lots of frank talking from Guy these days!
Makes one wonder if Danny would have made the grade playing drums because nowadays I think it's like an old pals act regarding who plays on the albums. Guy goes on and on about how brilliant the guys are that he plays with now - even if they are average players - but I think he should show more respect to those he used to play with. I just hope Terry didn't read that because it was most disrespectful.
-
Sometimes you play with someone and sometimes you play with someone else. Everyone's different. You could be friends with anyone but you have certain friends. You may loose friends over time and some friends are closer than others. It's not all about the talent of every musician, it's about the person him/herself too. :) Being musician isn't just having the grades, it's about the way you express yourself into the music. Some combinations just don't work out the way it should. It just happens. ;)
-
I liked Terry and to choose I would have kept him for the OES tour instead of... sorry I forget his name.
But Manu Katche or Jeff Porcaro would have been killer drumer on that tour.
-
chris whitten.
played with macca too, so can't have been complete bollocks. just unfitting for marks' music maybe yes.
-
Makes one wonder if Danny would have made the grade playing drums because nowadays I think it's like an old pals act regarding who plays on the albums.
Agree with you on this point. I don't think Danny is a better drummer than Terry, and MK is happy for Danny to drum on record these days. Seems MK is a lot less uptight about these things than he used to be. That said, the DS albums sold much more records than his solo works, so maybe he was RIGHT to replace drummers. ;)
-
chris whitten.
played with macca too, so can't have been complete bollocks. just unfitting for marks' music maybe yes.
Thank
Did Mark borrowed him or did Paul had already found a replacement for him before. Never heard about him afterwards.
-
chris whitten.
played with macca too, so can't have been complete bollocks. just unfitting for marks' music maybe yes.
Yeah and the most funny thing is that Chris Whitten played on Flowers In The Dirt from Paul together with Chris White on Sax and Robbie McIntosh on Guitar. And one of the producers was Neil Dorfsman. This was all in 1989. And I believe they even did a tour with Paul back then. So a couple of years later they are playing another great tour with DS.
(http://www.maccafan.net/Gallery/Live8993/Band8990.jpg)
It is a very small world, the music business.
So we only need Paul McCartney on tour with Mark . ;D
-
I bet that professional musicians is a big circle in which everybody knows everybody. Probably Chris White knew MK was in search for a drummer after Jeff Porcaro refused, and he suggested Chris Whitten.
I guess the same case goes with Phil Palmer, Eric Clapton and Alan Clark both played and toured with him, and also John Illsley had Phil Palmer playing on his records, so when Vince Gill refused to be the guitar player during the OES tour, Phil Palmer was suggested by many people around MK, not only this but also he played in the record, so it was easiest.
And the same goes with all the american musicians that played with MK since 1996, everybody in GH was suggested by Chuck Ainlay and Paul Franklin, that know the Nashville music scene quite well, and since the 96ers team were formed, Mike Henderson came as he used to play with Glenn Worf, and Matt Rollings as he used to play with everybody else.
And the musicians that used to play with Mk in all promotions tours, think about it, almost 85% of them came from William Topley band, who are managed by Paul Crockford too, and the others, are musicians close to that band, to Guy, Danny or the own MK.
I like Guy & Danny presence with MK, because they are great musicians but also apart of being profesionals, they are old friends, so half of the band are old friends playing music together, and the other half just profesionals musicians that developed a friendly relationship with MK. I still like the idea of the friends who gather to play and start a band, more than the musician that is always surrounded by profesionals, very good, but with the same soul about the music.
-
Terry's work on BIA can be sum up to "MNF solo introduction" right?
What is really surprising is that he got the seat for the tour.
For OES it seems that several musicians declined Mark invitation to do the tour.
Yes, right. I do not like his work on Alchemy, but he was not too bad in tour 85/86.
Sorry, haven't been around for awhile, but Dusty you got it goin again.
Me personally, I think that his work on aLCHEMY was much much better than on BIA tour. And I am VERY glad that he got the seat for the BIA tour (Ride across is a reason enough for me).
Ah well, whatever Guy says, at least chris whitten got the job who really fit into DS music perfectly. I would have liked OES tour much more if Terry had been there.
-
IMO the only two really great musicians of DS was MK and Pick, and later on Alan C. John's bass playing really fitted the early DS songs, and IMO he contributet a lot to the early DS sound, but musically his skills were limited (yet he is my favourite DS/MK bass player). If I understand MK (and Guy right) the main reason for not reuniting DS is the varying quality of the musicians. It would require too much work and rehearsing. Todays lineup fits MK's music of today better that any DS lineup, and requires less preparation before recording or touring. I think this explains the need for all the different session musicians when MK's music started to evolve post Communique.
-
IMO the only two really great musicians of DS was MK and Pick, and later on Alan C. John's bass playing really fitted the early DS songs, and IMO he contributet a lot to the early DS sound, but musically his skills were limited (yet he is my favourite DS/MK bass player). If I understand MK (and Guy right) the main reason for not reuniting DS is the varying quality of the musicians. It would require too much work and rehearsing. Todays lineup fits MK's music of today better that any DS lineup, and requires less preparation before recording or touring. I think this explains the need for all the different session musicians when MK's music started to evolve post Communique.
Yeah, but they still put up a good rock&roll show, no matter who was in the lineup.
I don't think this would be a problem, everything is rehearsable when we're speaking of musicians that were in the DS lineup. I just think that the reunion is not going to happen for varying mixture of reasons.
-
IMO the only two really great musicians of DS was MK and Pick, and later on Alan C.
+1
-
IMO the only two really great musicians of DS was MK and Pick, and later on Alan C.
+1
+3
-
Yeah, but they still put up a good rock&roll show, no matter who was in the lineup.
I absolutely agree!
-
Roy Bittan, Jeff Porcaro, the Brecker that played the sax and Manu Katche were great musicians if you count them. ;)
-
Roy Bittan, Jeff Porcaro, the Brecker that played the sax and Manu Katche were great musicians if you count them. ;)
But they were in only for studio session and were not available on tour.
But Manu Katche would be great if Mark wanted him in his band.
-
what about Paul Franklin?? He also was on a tour with them.
-
Roy Bittan, Jeff Porcaro, the Brecker that played the sax and Manu Katche were great musicians if you count them. ;)
;)Yes, the best of the best. As I said: The varying quality of the DS musicians was probably one of the reason why MK hired so many high quality session musicians post Communique.
-
Of course Paul Franklin. He's teh best pedal steel player in the world.
And Eric Clapton was a member of DS for 3 gigs also. :)
-
The absolute dream team :
Mark Knopfler ;D
-
The absolute dream team :
Mark Knopfler
Dusty Valentino
Fixed that for you.
-
The absolute dream team :
Mark Knopfler
Dusty Valentino
Fixed that for you.
Or what about your brother Bobby Valentino aka Clark Gable!
-
bobby is da bomb
-
You know, one of the major downsides of the ho-haa surrounding John McCusker is the fact that my brother Bobby Valentino has been relegated to the sidelines. :(
-
For quite a long time I really thought he was your brother ;D
-
I look like Clark Gable too.
-
You know, one of the major downsides of the ho-haa surrounding John McCusker is the fact that my brother Bobby Valentino has been relegated to the sidelines. :(
What is the ho-haa surrounding John McCusker?
-
I look like Clark Gable too.
Whhhhhhaaaaatttt :o :o,have you not seen Dustys latest tv appearence,you can have a guess at which one he is :o :o :P :P???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrtQhkibZ8M
;D ;D ;D ;) ;)
-
You know, one of the major downsides of the ho-haa surrounding John McCusker is the fact that my brother Bobby Valentino has been relegated to the sidelines. :(
What is the ho-haa surrounding John McCusker?
Just everybody going on about how amazing he is all the time sice he started playing with MK, yes he's good, but maybe BV could have made a big impact too if he'd gone on a full tour and played on every track.
-
I was lucky to attend the 2002 shows with BV - a great player (BTW he is featured on the Tom petty & the HB Live album "Pack Up The Plantation" on "Stories we could tell").
The extended 2002 band with Matt instead of Geraint would be a killer backing for Mark.
-
Further to my earlier comments, I've been watching Hurlingham and Danny gets points for doing vocals while playing. :)