Originally Posted by
SFRanger
When I was in High School, I was in a band playing Rock/Blues. I secretly listened to Classical, Country, and Jazz players. I noticed that I loved listening to players that played songs as if they were the vocalist and accompaniment regardless of genre. In essence , I preferred a complete song with a strong recognizable, even memorable melody. I suppose that came from the tendency to when performing as a soloist for people, it always entailed a song rather than just improvisation over chord progressions. Non-guitarists enjoy songs with a strong melody much more than improvisation. (my opinion of course - and, it's what I enjoy most).
So, Tony Mottola was one of the best for me if not the best. I still listen to him frequently and have even decided to learn quite a few of his arrangements. He wasn't a fingerstyle player I noticed from video and when I saw this, I am amazed at how well he used a pick, even with Latin songs where 16th - 32nd notes were played like in Flamenco.
Amazing musician and gleaned respect from the best in the industry (Frank Sinatra in particular). He is hardly ever mentioned in polls and articles rating top guitar players and face it, the majority of the people that make those lists could never do what he did in the industry and he could if he wanted, fit right in with those that primarily improvised in the Jazz scene.
His recordings are easy to list to and enjoy - impeccable musicianship. I love his playing! Also, he seems like he was a great person.
Herb Ellis Aria Pro 2 . Made in Japan 1982
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