Your 70s Prog All-Star Band

MY LONG TERM BAND

Ian Anderson
Steve Hackett
John Wetton
Michael Giles
Tony Banks
Ian McDonald
David Palmer

I specifically avoided the most notoriously dominant/demanding figures of progressive universe, such as Roger Waters, Frank Zappa, Robert Fripp or Ginger Baker (:D). I'd like my band to actually work towards a greater goal and avoid the clash of personalities - as much as I could. There is a place for, let's say, two intense personalities to exchange ideas and create some tension... but a band consisting of 5-7 devilishly talented and conceited blokes wouldn't last a year.

So, my leader is Ian Anderson - for his wit, charisma, strong leadership, no-nonsense approach and actual talent. His group WILL release at least eight albums during that timespan and I bet half of them are guaranteed classics. His acoustic guitar tapestries in the background and lively flute fills are welcome, too. David Palmer is included - most needed to smooth out (or write) orchestral arrangements and serve as additional pianist on stage... he also had a good chemistry with Ian. They form songwriting backbone.

Steve Hackett and Tony Banks serve multiple purposes here. They are truly gifted composers, hopefully they will form a second songwriting nucleus in this mixture, relieving Ian from this burden a bit. I know for certain that stuff they create will be unbelievably melodic, emotional, lush and progressive in that old-fashioned Genesis way... I suppose their "fairy tales" Edwardian stuff will mix nicely with jubilant, folkish Anderson style. Steve Hackett is a peaceful man on top of it, should be "safe" addition. Tony Banks will have some creative differences with Ian, but he put up with Gabriel's quirks for years so they'll work it out.

I trust John Wetton and Michael Giles to form a reliable and impressive rhythm section. Wetton brings very strong, tectonic basslines, knack for improvisation and backing vocals, if needed - all with a laid-back personality, they say. I mean that was the common opinion, no? We need those glue guys in every team, I believe. Michael Giles had such a rare talent on drums, always knew what should be played at what time EXACTLY. I always find his performances engaging and thought-out. Remember his studio work on In the Wake of Poseidon? He wasn't even a member at this point, but laid down so much effort. Love the guy, wish he recorded more.

The last pick - my joker card - is Ian McDonald of King Crimson fame. Tell me all you want, I believe he came up with a half of ITCOTK's good stuff. Played clarinets, saxophones, organs, the Mellotron... In this band he's free to do whatever he does best, we already have keyboards and flute covered. Hopefully he's able to put more kinetic energy and a bit of KC darkness here. Should be a good fit next to Michael Giles.

I think this band is, in the same time, greatly talented and well-organized, everyone has a niche to fill and all talents could be used. Everyone is credited when it comes to royalties ^^

That would be the already assembled Bruford band
in 1979. Bruford, Holdsworth, Stewart and Berlin.

For fun maybe... Jon Anderson (v), Ray Schulman (b), Tony Banks (k), Frank Zappa (g), and Steve Gadd (d).

thief wrote: Blacksword wrote: For a one recording and toruing project.. Vocals - Greg Lake Vocals - Kate Bush Guitar - Dave Gilmour Bass - Geddy Lee Keys - Tony Banks Sax - Dave Jackson Violin - Daryl Way Drums - Gavin Harrison Love this team. Geddy and Gilmour are so likeable, Lake brings emotional side, Bush - another dimension. Darryl Way is a terrific under the radar pick. Minor complaint - Gavin Harrison was 17 in 1980 which is the "end date" of this project... But I bet he already had good chops. JD, you came up with a fantastic list of talent as well, but there are 9 musicians - the limit is 7. :)

Damn, yes you're right! I bet Harisson was good at 17 though, but in line with the rules, I'll swap him with Phil Collins, and begrudgingly drop Way (I can live without violin) that still leaves 8 I guess...

Francesco Di Giacomo, Annie Haslam, Stella Vander - Vocals
Chick Corea - Keyboards
Steve Hackett - Guitar
Ray Schulman - Bass, Violin
Ruth Underwood - Vibes, Persussion
Carl Palmer - Drums, Percussion
Roger Dean - Cover Art



Edited by Tapfret - November 13 2019 at 06:07

Robert Fripp

Tapfret wrote: Francesco Di Giacomo, Annie Haslam, Stella Vander - Vocals Chick Corea - Keyboards Steve Hackett - Guitar Ray Schulman - Bass, Violin Ruth Underwood - Vibes, Persussion Carl Palmer - Drums, Percussion Roger Dean - Cover Art

Vocals: Francesco Di Giacomo

OK, I built this one with the idea of some weird collaborations in mind, not not necessarily my favorite players. 

• Robert Fripp – electric and acoustic guitars, Mellotron, Hohner pianet, devices
• John Wetton – bass, vocals, piano 
• Bill Bruford – drums, timbales, cowbell, wood block
• David Cross – violin, viola, Mellotron, Hohner pianet, flute 
• Jamie Muir – percussion, drums, "allsorts" (assorted found items and sundry instruments)

Edited by tamijo_II - November 13 2019 at 08:26