This is strictly the opinion of one, but I get asked this question enough that I thought why not go on record? So who do I feel are the best keyboard/piano players in the biz today?  Notice my emphasis on today vs. even possibly considering “all time best“?   That would be way too difficult to tackle - even narrowing this to “modern day”, I have both a male and female nomination not because of gender or polar opposite hair style (at least in these videos), but because of genre.

My personal picks: Jordan Rudess and Hiromi.  Of course, there are plenty other equally worthy artists- these are merely my personal favs.

Jordan is arguably the reigning king of progressive/rock keyboards and occupies the post with fellow virtuosos in Dream Theater.  A less known factoid is that he’s classically trained, and perfected his craft at this little school in New York called Juilliard.  Believe me, he can switch to a Chopin Etude in a blink!

Hiromi Uehara, a rising star in international jazz circles, is simply beyond description. A graduate of Berklee School of Music (Boston MA), she’s also been mentored by the likes of Ahmad Jamal and Chick Corea. I’ve been very fortunate to meet both Jordan and Hiromi- they are both remarkable and refreshingly humble individuals, but the best part?  I asked them each to name some of their favorites: in so doing, each credited one another!  So if I’m wrong, at least I’m in good company!

Lots of material on YouTube on each, these are the ones I picked…

Well this one took a while longer than expected, but many thanks to my musical colleagues at StudioPros.com and NewYorkBrass.com for their contributions!  I hope you agree that this one really comes to life with the “live recorded” tracks.

Having now remixed a few of my other tunes, I’m contemplating getting these re-mastered before beginning a new one.  That said, I have a pretty good riff coming off my fingers at the moment, so who knows maybe it’s time to roll into another project straight away.  No travel plans in November so you never know, I might be able to hammer out another one before year end…

So word has it that the mighty Zepp is set to tour again!  One small problem, or at the very least some assured controversy: minus iconic frontman Robert Plant.

I spent some time yesterday reading a few blog posts, but focused mostly on the voluminous fan commentary.   The overwhelming consensus was NEGATIVE, but for different reasons.  Many accused Jimmy Page of “selling out” whilst others accused Robert Plant of being “callous”…  as if rejoining was obligatory?  Amazing…  Many aficionados argued that Led Zeppelin died with John Bonham (1980), or that Robert Plant was no longer capable of delivering the demanding vocal range.   Of course, many pointed out the less than stellar prior Zeppelin reunions, even calling into question Plant’s performance at the 2007 London 02 tribute concert for Atlantic Records Chairman Ahmet Ertegün.

First, I must acknowledge that experiencing Led Zeppelin “live” was way up there on my bucket list because I was too young to see them in their prime.  When the London 02 concert was announced, I knew I was going to attend, regardless of cost - and I did! I figured the likelihood of an immediate follow-up tour was fairly low, and that a lot could happen during ensuing years including looming senior citizen status for a few of the gents.  Today, my decision to attend continues to appear more like an investment than an expenditure!

By all accounts, the London 02 show was a brilliant performance, but I can tell you first hand that it was an even more powerful experience.   As for Robert Plant singing out of key… rubbish.   Not only is pitch correctable with technology - employed by nearly all live artists - but the acoustics in that size of auditorium makes it indiscernible to human ears.

Live performance creates a unique experience - it is a real-time interaction between the band and its audience.  For Zeppelin, the persona and presence of Robert Plant is an immutable part of the equation - the song remains the same, but the experience does not.   Fact is everyone is entitled to their opinion on this, but speaking for myself, I had the same reaction with the Paul Rodgers/Queen team-up…  Sure, they played Queen’s music, but it wasn’t Queen without Freddie.  And it’s not just limited to rock bands: talk to anyone who experienced The Phantom of the Opera with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman.

For whatever reason, it appears Robert Plant will not be a part of a Led Zeppelin reunion tour, and I would encourage people to give him some benefit of doubt on this one.  Perhaps he shares the opinion of world renowned marketing guru, Seth Godin: “Be Exceptional or Quit“…  Whatever his reason, I not only admire his resolve, but also respect it.

That said, I really really hope the London O2 show eventually gets pressed into a DVD!  It was an amazing EXPERIENCE, and oh yeah, the music was pretty f*cking good too!