That's pretty big praise.
Especially given the wealth of great guitar players in the world.
I think of B.B. King, Les Paul, Keith Richard, Prince, Chet Atkins, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and, of course, Eric Clapton.
That's just to name a few.
There's no arguing that Knopfler's work is of a lesser tier.****
The creator of the legendary band Dire Straits is a marvelous finger-picker.
Witness:
But is that the best guitar solo of all time?
You decide.
**** I put four stars because this was a MAJOR error on my part. What I meant to say was "There's no arguing that Knopfler's work is NOT of a lesser tier."
That's an awkward way of saying that he's right up there with the best of 'em and that's what I meant.
If Mark Knopfler reads this blog (yeah, sure) he has my sincerest and most embarrassed apologies.
Meantime, some good answers in the comment section.
Keep 'em coming.
And yes I have heard of Leo Kottke.
**** I put four stars because this was a MAJOR error on my part. What I meant to say was "There's no arguing that Knopfler's work is NOT of a lesser tier."
That's an awkward way of saying that he's right up there with the best of 'em and that's what I meant.
If Mark Knopfler reads this blog (yeah, sure) he has my sincerest and most embarrassed apologies.
Meantime, some good answers in the comment section.
Keep 'em coming.
And yes I have heard of Leo Kottke.
Ever hear Leo Kottke? Although he describes his voice as the 'sound of geese farting', he can make his guitar sound like it's two people playing. I hear him first time in Portland playing at a coffee house, '69 I think.
ReplyDeletevery good, but far short of the best
ReplyDeleteRon Talley
Played Leo Kottke at our wedding reception in the country all day. Thanks for reminding me. But best guitar solo of all time? Has to be Jimi Hendrix playing the star spangled banner.
ReplyDeleteSo many different types of music, so many different styles, best of all time is always overkill in most arenas (except maybe Mohamad Ali) and always subject to arguments...Let's just say Pretty dang fragging great!!
ReplyDeletePretty good, but the best ever? I don't know. But it's hardly like I'm qualified to judge.
ReplyDeleteKnopfler is one of the best. Seems there are too many other great guitar leads and solos that are also great to label one the best.
ReplyDeleteLet's not forget Lindsey Buckingham!
ReplyDeleteI've always liked his guitar "voice." Dylan says of the assertion of Best, "I wouldn't go that far. But the original of him playing on Sultans of Swing arguably, is."
ReplyDeleteSuch a matter of taste. Christopher Parkening brought me to tears in concert once, though.
Kind of like Julian Bream myself :~)
ReplyDeleteYeah, Lucy, Yeah!.....and Mark Knopfler!
ReplyDeleteTop tier, yes. The best EVER? That's a stretch.
ReplyDelete