Robert, you know me and you know I respect your opinion. I am just coming from a place where I hear us (older) guitar players stuck under a proverbial rock, constantly comparing modern players to guys from 30 and 40 years ago and wondering why they don't do the same styles...and it's because the don't want to, not because they can't. Critical difference, but I totally understand it. I didn't want to play my fathers' or grandfathers' music when I was in my 20's and 30's and these guys don't either. Does that make them any less a great player? Not in my book, and I hear true talent all around when I listen to new music. There are dozens of hard rock and metal players, let alone the progressives and those that defy category, that can play circles around our aged/dead hero's, doing things those guys never dreamed of. I get it if their music doesn't "move" you but to deny the talent and dismiss what they do as musical mediocrity is, in my mind, a kind of unwillingness to acknowledge that time has moved on and music has evolved beyond our comfort zones. The blistering rock solos of the '70's and '80's have given way to something altogether different but no less important, and I try to challenge my own comfort zone all the time. It helps me to appreciate music more and in the end makes me a better player. If all I do is play the styles that I played in the '80's and '90's then I am not evolving, and if I am not evolving the joy is lost.
Good points, as always. You are indeed wise and observant.
Ok, I really started thinking about this and I came up with something. Herman Li of Dragonforce really is an amazing guitarist. technically proficient. High energy. I'm not a huge fan of DF's music, but I acknowledge his fretboard prowess.
I suppose I am stuck in my bubble, perhaps by choice, or perhaps an unwillingness to evolve. I recall when I wrote my first 'Drop-D' piece - I really didn't know how to react to it, as it was so far from my zone, so to speak.
I suppose I find as much enjoyment hearing "Wicked Sensation" for, what is quite possibly, the 100,000th time, paerhaps even more so, than I do hearing the new stuff. Or, perhaps I haven't been looking in the right places.
I love Airbourne,for both their energy and tone, but they are, in some musical aspects, dated so to speak.
When I was in "The Travellers," up until November 2017 - I really disliked doing the old Neil Young/Buffalo Springfield/Yardbirds/Steve Winwood stuff. Although I stuck with it, I find more enjoyment from writing/recording my own material and playing 1980's covers.
I guess I have become that old man, set in his ways it seems...
Let me share something personal if I may. I was in an Eagle's tribute band once, for a short period, as a paid guitarist. I played Felder's "character" if you will - flannel shirts, suspenders, beard and all. I loved that job. I NEVER got tired of playing the same setlist over and over again, because I discovered something..those songs resonated with me as the songs of my youth, and my ability to perform them became effortless. and in that spirit, I could give a performance second only to Don Felder himself, in terms of energy and feel.
In summary - I was in heaven.
When I auditioned in May 2017 for the Arena Rock Cover Band, I NEVER had more fun than playing that audtion of all 80's/90's covers. It was just such a great and fun experience. Had I have not been obligated to the blues band at the time, i would have taken the job.
I do enjoy writing and recording my originals, but I disappoint myself often that what I write doesn't measure up to some of my guitar heroes....
Therapy???
