There are many threads on different musical styles, picking techniques, favorite instruments, etc. Ultimately, music gets down to feeling and expression. I've heard many wonderful musicians who really shine in a solo setting, or in a band where they can take break-neck leads, and I love to hear them. But, there are very few musicians who can accompany another musician as a second instrument, immersing themselves in the singer's style and feeling, enriching it. I've seen so many flashy guitarists who, when accompanying a singer are constantly trying to draw attention to themselves, shooting off fancy runs and grinning with pride at the audience. The rare talent is a musician who can fill out someone else's song without drawing attention to themselves. To my taste, the greatest living musician who has the generosity and feeling to make someone ELSE sound great is Ed Trickett. Ed can make ANYONE sound better than they really are, because he listens to, and gets in to their music and fills in the spaces with music that complements and enriches the singer. I had the real honor of having him add some instrumental tracks on one of my albums, and on every song, he built upon what I was doing and made it richer. That's probably why he is such a great interpreter of songs, too. He gets at the heart of the song and makes it his.

Another truly fine accompanyist is Bill Shute. Like Ed, he is modest about his role, and doesn't try to make someone else's song a showcase for his talents. He can make someone else's song sing. That is a great gift.

There are surely others I haven't heard.. especially across the sea. Howzabout giving credit and recognition to those who are able to immerse themselves in someone else's music without drawing attention to themselves. I started this thread out of respect for Dick Rosmini... another thread that was recently posted.

Jerry