That Straightdope thread was a good one, gh, I enjoyed it a lot. Lot's of good nominees, though kind of heavy on soloing rather than music making, but that's to be expected when guitarists or non-musicians list guitarists. Players known for their taste and economy, musicality (coming up with signature song parts), subtlety, and beautiful tone (George Harrison's on "Nowhere Man" is just fantastic) get short-changed; guys like James Burton and Vince Gill. But it was great to see Ry Cooder, David Lindley, and Richard Thompson mentioned, though Albert Lee was nowhere to be found, fer cryin' out loud! At least John Jorgenson (The Hellecasters, The Desert Rose Band---with Chris Hillman of The Byrds and Bluegrass great Herb Pedersen) was. It's interesting how Rock players (primarily 70's focused) are much more into Blues influenced players than Country one's.
It's fascinating to hear players of one instrument talk about players of another, like pro bass player's on their favorite drummers. They often look at it from a whole different perspective and point of view, and it reveals how the best players of one instrument appreciate and value different aspects of the playing of other instruments than do the player's of that instrument. If you follow me!
