If we're speaking rock, it's hard to argue against Frank Zappa.

Garth Hudson.

Jerry Garcia.

Pretty much this, I'd honestly describe Zappa as a less serious Stravinsky.

This reminds me of the conversation we had about Bob Dylan and Frank Zappa.

I came across some info on their relationship. I thought you'd be interested since you're such a big Zappa fan and you despise Dylan.

To quote Zappa:

"Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues was a monster record. I heard that thing and I was jumping all over the car. And then when I heard the one after that, "Like a Rolling Stone", I wanted to quit the music business because I felt if this wins and does what it's supposed to do, I don't need to do anything. It sold, but nobody really responded to it the way that they should have."

In 1982, Bob Dylan needed a producer for his new album. On December 22, 1982, Dylan appeared, unannounced, on Zappa's doorsteps. Zappa said: "I get a lot of weird calls, and someone suddenly called up saying, 'This is Bob Dylan. I want to play you my new songs'." Zappa went on to say that he had never met Dylan before, but could see someone (via a video screen) in the cold, with an open shirt, and no coat. Dylan played eleven new songs on the piano, humming the lyrics. "I thought they were good songs. He seemed like a nice guy. Didn't look like it would be too hard to work with him", said Zappa.

The teaming of Zappa and Dylan never happened though, for one reason or another. Mark Knopfler ended up producing the album.

Devin towsend = god
 

Devin Townsend...

Just listen to the variety of styles he does, and his incredible vocal range, and you'll agree.

Neil Peart... not only does he play the drums like none other, but he writes amazing and inspiring lyrics.

Charles Mingus - my new found jazz love

Jack white? "One of the best" Best what? Isn't he the guy that plays the same riff over and over? THE most over rated guitarist I can think of.Best alternative guitarist? How about Tom Morello? Haven't heard noise like that come out of a guitar since Jeff Beck. Of course, as always, this is all just taste and opinion, so don't let me piss ya off!

How about a slightly more serious looking Einstein?

Phil Keaggy definitely kicks. If I'm not mistaken, Hendrix himself was in awe of a young Phil Keaggy. Quite the resume,ha?

I retract my previous nominee... didn't realize this was the classic rock section, but everyone should still check him out.

Jack is a riffing king. Simple riffs is just The White Stripes style. "Seven Nation Army" is such a simple song, but I think it's genius. That bass line is so simple but so sweet, kinda "Dazed and Confused"-esque. Great lyrics. Just emits a great eerie feeling. A nice little solo.

Jack has a very unique tone and style. He's come up with some of the best pounding riffs I've ever heard. He's got a little Neil Young in his soloing style.

Paul McCartney-will go down like the proverbial lead balloon, but best bass player I have ever heard.
Plus great vocalist (Witness "Oh Darling", "Let it be", "Hey Jude" "All My Loving", "Paperback Writer ", "Penny Lane" "Eleanor Rigby" and "Here,There and Everywhere".)
Did I forget to mention that he also single-handedly wrote all of the above?
Well, anyway......

McCartney didn't single-handedly write all of Eleanor Rigby, but I get your point.

The Jesus/Abraham/Muhammad/Vishnu/Buddha/Ra/Odin/Zeus/Jupiter/Mormon Jesus of prog... Robert Fripp.

His talent lies not only in how good of a songwriter he was and his technical ability. But he also knew when to step back and let his band mates take the lead. Considering the quality of King Crimson's work in spite of all the line-up changes and him being the only constant, he gain a ton of credit just with one of his musical pursuits alone. Between the work with Brian Eno, Andy Summers, The Talking Heads, David Bowie and even Microsoft (perhaps the only redeeming feature of Vista was he designed the soundscapes and noises) and Frippertronics, the man is a genius in my book and has my vote.

Not bad for a guy who looks like your math teacher...

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/mus...ergarden/6.jpg

J Mascis should be in the discussion.

Dude creates entire albums all on his own.


http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/...s_and_BOB1.jpg

Lol Its hard to tick me off. :) but The White Stripes are very minimalistic. And Sunshine of Your Love was a pretty simple riff played over and over. Try this:
The Raconteurs Live Bonnaroo 2008 Blue Veins Jack White solo - YouTube

The begininning is a little messed up but its better in a bit.