08-23-2016, 09:16 PM
(08-23-2016, 04:01 PM)sundance7490 Wrote:(08-23-2016, 02:11 PM)danfromnj Wrote: Joel does indeed have a particularly exaggerated style of showmanship when he performs that I can do without. He certainly is a fine guitarist though - and a real nice guy - I'm just not a fan of all of the hammy poses.
I can't lie to you guys, I feel like so many on the East got hammy after Mark Wood and Alex Skolnick and even Bob Kinkel left the group. Those three could just stand there and get cheers. David Z, Joel, Roddy Chong and Chris really overdo it. Mee Eun and Derek Weiland are pretty laid back though. And Billy Hudson was a great return to that laid back kind of style and really seemed to care about just making the music sound good instead of all the showmanship. He almost felt like he didn't fit in only because he didn't go over the top on stage. He really reminded me a lot of Alex.
Like I have said, it's all personal preference. Some like a lot more "flair" and "showmanship". Some don't and that's cool too. As for Joel, he is a great guitar player to boot. Me? I grew up in the 80's going to arena rock shows, hair flipping, etc. So to me it is all part of the show. Now, the catch is, can you be a great guitar player and not have your craft compromised by all of the rock star poses and histrionics. Joel does that better than no other. Plus like Dan said, he's a super nice guy (as are most TSO members!)
Personally I think all of the guitar players are special East and West. I could sit there all day listening to Al Pitrelli's mind melting solos without all of the flair. I truly miss Alex and his style of playing. Chris's playing goes without saying. Then there is Angus, to me the most underrated hero of all of TSO. An amazing player and to me the perfect balance of playing and showmanship around. The guy really doesn't get enough credit.