A few of my favorite things...

The black and white world of children.
One of the things that's so great about children is the way they view the world in such specific compartments. My daughter recently asked me: "Dad, who is your favorite singer?" My initial response was something to the effect of liking different singers in different musical styles and circumstances. "Yeah, but who is your favorite singer?" Hmmmm.

I'd still argue that I like a lot of different people at different times -- mood, current musical interest, circumstance -- but for it got me thinking "Yeah, but who are your favorite musicians?" Backed into a corner (or taking the black and white viewpoint of a child) I guess I'd list the following:

My favorite bass player is Tony Levin. While capable of virtuoso playing, he is a model of economy and well chosen notes. Another fave is Percy Jones, a fretless hired gun who's worked on some of my favorite discs -- he's like Jaco Pastorious beamed from Saturn. I also like Peter Trewavas quite a bit -- he's very melodic and reminds me Paul McCartney by way of Chris Squire.

My favorite guitar player is either Ron Jarzombek or Paul Gilbert. Both are technically amazing players -- Jarzombek has a sense of humor and a cut-and-paste aesthetic that reminds me of a metal Raymond Scott; Gilbert has a love of the hooky pop tune that pervades his metal excursions. This actually could be any number of folks depending on the day: Adrian Belew , Buckethead , Fredrik Thordendal....

My favorite synthesizer/keyboardist is Richard Barbieri who is an alchemist of atmosphere and texture. For sheer technical prowess and fun, you can't beat Jordan Rudess .

Drummer of choice is the always stunning Gavin Harrison. He plays in the spaces between the spaces. I'm also quite fond of Tomas Haake and Mike Portnoy.

The most gifted and adventurous singer of our generation is Mike Patton. He treads not only where others dare not go but places no one knows even exist.

Neal Morse is my favorite composer. No one can write a melody that makes the heart soar like Morse. Although Steven Wilson runs a close second here.

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