BOC: HW: Combo gtr/vcl/songwriters

[K Henderson]

Hi Folks...

I was just considering that out of the zillions of guitarists that also sing
and are primary songwriters, there just aren't very many that I consider to
be really strong in all three categories.  There are lots of them that are
adequate singers such that I can still be a huge fan of their music, but the
ones with great voices are a real rare commodity.  And perhaps that's why
both Hawkwind and BOC have been among my very favorites for so many years.
Some people I've played Hawkwind to have said they don't like Dave Brock's
voice, but I think his voice is excellent.  Esp. for the type of music HW
does.  And with BOC, I guess you could argue that they have two guys who fit
the bill.  I suppose I would say that while EB is a really good singer, he
wasn't born the most attractive voice, but I do really like the sound of
Buck's voice.

So anyway, staring for 10 minutes or so at my phalanx of CDs from all
different styles and eras, I could only come up with this short list of
those who I would rate really highly on all these categories...guitar,
voice, songwriting.

Roye Albrighton (Nektar, Snowball, Nektar, Quantum Jump, Grand Alliance, solo)
Tommy Bolin (Zephyr, Billy Cobham, Deep Purple, solo)
Frank Bornemann (Eloy) - probably just me...heavy German accents I actually like
John Critchley (13 Engines, a great classic rock-style band from Toronto)
Roky Erickson (13 Flr. Elev., the Aliens)- not sure which gtr parts he plays
tho'
Jeff Martin (Tea Party, another great classic rock-style band from Toronto)
Steve Mills (?) (Tubilah Dog, Jerry's old band)
Roger Taylor (Smile, Queen, solo, The Cross, solo) - GREAT rhythm guitarist!
Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree, No-Man, IEM, Bass Communion)

That's it!  I'm sure there are more I haven't thought of, but these guys are
obviously rare!  More common is those like Gary Moore and Uli Roth who can't
get it through their heads that they *can't* sing.  :)

Keith H. (FAA)