Does a particular musician’s songwriting and artistry speak to you above all others?


I’ve enjoyed all forms of music over the 60+ years of music being the one constant in my life. My music tastes have certainly evolved over time.  I’ll cover that in another thread some day. Currently i find myself listening to jazz > 95% of the time. There is one particular artist who really speaks to me and i thoroughly enjoy each of the >270 songs he has written, arranged, recorded, and produced. Every other artist falls far short for me.
Guitarist Chris Standring lays down unique grooves in each song that can inspire (in me) toe tapping, soulful reflection, sensuality, air guitar picking, and other effects depending on the song. 
This is a personal connection I’ve developed with Standring’s music. I’ve had the opportunity to hear him play in an intimate diinner music house in Nashville the past 2 years. My wife loves his music also, which is the cherry on top!

Does anyone else have a musician who speaks to them?

ezstreams

There are too many good musicians to list; but, what I listen for is either an instantly identifiable style or tone. Examples would run the gamut from JJ Cale to Jaco Pastorius.

Picking a great lyricist is much easier. Below are a few that I think can turn a great and/or memorable - quotable phrase:

Billy Bragg

Leonard Cohen

Lloyd Cole

Elvis Costello

Ray Davies

Bob Dylan

Paddy McAloon (Prefab Sprout)

Joni Mitchell

Morrissey

Richard Thompson

Paul Westerberg

 

@knotscott

The Atkins/ Knopfler album is wonderful.

@markmuse 

Try Silver Eagle on Tracker album. This album has many strong stories/lyrics.

@rvpiano

Yes to James Taylor also

Kristeen Young is my undisputed numero uno - 11 self-released albums since 1997, over 120 songs, and every single one of them is among the best I've ever heard; music I needed to hear but didn't know existed until 2018 when I read about her in a David Bowie discography (David duetted with her on a song from 2003).... She's on all the streaming platforms, but physical media, not so much.... 

David Bowie deserves more respect IMHO.  LVB for all his shorter "songs".  

Putting "I Just Called to Say I Love You" (makes me want to hurl) aside, I have to go with Stevie Wonder. If there is a Mt. Rushmore of individual acts, I think two spots are already taken by Elton and Stevie. The rest are debatable.