1) Garth Hudson -If you filter out everything and just listen to his parts he is maybe the most creative player of all. he can create endless interesting parts. One of the very greatest solos of all time that I ever saw was garth at the Partamount in Oakland doing a concertina solo breakl. Just tore the house down effortlessly and left everyone breathless. All with his vacant look. Unforgettable. 2) Elton- The one piano player whose style I can listen to forever. 3)Liberace- No one could touch this man as a showman OR a player. except.... 4) Little Richard: Have you ever heard this mans rap between the songs ? The total ultimate performance package. he has this live tape out which is at the Apollo Thratre in New York and its probably the single highest energy performance I have ever heard. Ripped off shamelessly early in his career his explosive early shows were stuff of legends. From the Who School of over the top performeristics (maybe Pete was from the little richard school) BUT could also play amazingly. You cant ever stop Little Richard you can only hope to contain him. 5)Peter Gabriel: In the top five live performances I have ever seen. Unbelievable produciton and the quitessential synth artist. 6) Sylvester Stewart : Huge influence on all of music. Try to find someone who played like him before him. 7) Alfred Brendel : Amazing clarity dexterity and feeling for the most difficult classical piano compositions. 8) Christine McVee : Love her voice, love her songs, love her playing. Among the most underrated female artists first, pianistas second. 9) Joni on the piano. 10) Tie. David Lahm, wins by a neck over Michael Paz, Steve Polifka. One weekend in New Orleans.
