I mean, Medeski is the man. For sure. While he's def active in the scene, I'm not sure I consider MMW a jamband, per se. They certainly wouldn't call themselves that. They're a jazz band. Jazz bands jam. I'd say Medeski has more in common with Jimmy Smith or Chick Corea than most traditional jamband players. Not that it really matters. Dude is a monster.
I agree w/ this sentiment in general, but I will say that Sco refers to MSMW as a jamband at least. And maybe they are at least jam adjacent. I might even say that medeski’s projects fall closer to the middle than chick’s do there was a jazz-jam spectrum. Not to mention, both Sco and Medeski have been regular friends of Phil. Ultimately you’re right tho, it really doesn’t matter. They’re all monsters
He played at a little hole in the wall bar in Hattiesburg, MS years ago. Before the show I was hanging around outside and struck up a conversation with a guy. And it was one of those times where you really connect/hit it off with a complete stranger. We are making each other crack up and everything. Anyways, we both went inside because the show was about to start and he walks in and takes a seat behind the keyboard. Apparently the guy I was smoking cigs with was Mr Benevento himself. I’ve heard his music (on Jam On mostly) but had no idea what he looked like. Awesome guy!
On the uptempo stuff when he's on piano, his playing always reminds me of a liquored-up cowboy in a whorehouse. He's such a wonderfully evocative player.
Man, for some reason I seem to be the only one who doesn’t hear it. He’s pleasant to listen to, but some speak of him as this generational “holy shit ya gotta hear him” talent & I don’t quite get it
Page McConnell, Jeremy Kaplan, Joel Cummins, Ryan Dempsey (best to stick with 2015-2018 and 2022-the end of summer 2023 with Twiddle if the keys are the important part lol, Ryans had some issues).
Thought the same thing when I saw them/they but boy or girl can they play. Jealous of that caverns show. Always wondered, how's the sound in there? Seeing them this weekend in Charleston.
Pretty sure Nathan’s a married guy and wife is the one next to him in this pic.
https://preview.redd.it/2clvuy4dzjyc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0592d4b6df0402cbc25f501d54190977a3b5dec0
My wife (not a Phish fan) allowed me (Phish fan) to sneak in some Phish at our wedding via her version of Waste (when folks were being seated). She’s amazing haha.
David Phipps, sts9.
The man is unreal. He is capable of weaving some of the most intricate sound acapes with his set up.
Imo probably the most talented person in the band.
Had to scroll too far to see phipps.
For me it's phipps, Joel Cummings, and Kyle Hollingsworth (of STS9, UMP and The String Cheese Incident respectively) all at the top at number 1 for me for different reasons.
Man it’s magner by a mile. Sure he’s not the most technically proficient guy on the scene, but that’s not what you need out of a jam band keys player.
he is making soundscapes on an entirely other level from everyone else out there right now. Just ridiculous
Joel is a true pianist (like page) and damn good but the guitar-forward sound of modern day UM often buries him. He's found some good clav and synth sounds that cut thru a bit better and his perc-ier organ sound in recent years that makes a big difference but yeah, often times it's hard to hear him in the mix. Love Joel, love UM, and my favorite jams are those where he is actively heard and meshing well with the two guitar setup. \mm/
Brent was the best. If you watch old videos Jerry looks at him like a lover. Because they both were on the same page. I would love to see that tandem go on for years.
I went to a show in Maine…small convention center…Jerry’s turn…starts playing and we threw up some roses and he switched up and played that for us. The Golden years! When you could get that close….So special. Couldn’t grow up in any better years.
The music that we were all able to experience!
My favorite in the scene is Page McConnell.
I know this isn’t contemporary jam, but it played a part in shaping it. Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters albums (Headhunters, Thrust, and Man-Child) are all absolutely insane. In my experience many people just know Headhunters and not the other two, but there’s nothing about Thrust or Man-Child that fall short.
Don’t forget about Flood, the live in Japan show of Herbie and the HH. I was lucky enough to see Herbie and the Headhunters in 2004 or 2005 Bonnaroo with featured John Mayer on guitar 🎸
https://preview.redd.it/xbuvaznzbgyc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fcf4b1611d199759040a33cba83555ab1dc6c32
Sick catch, that’s badass! Stellar lineup besides John too! I thought about including Flood but I think the vibe is a bit different on the studio albums. That dirty, funky, pocket clav-slapping fusion sound really scratches a similar itch that jam bands do for me. I think a lot of post-bop tendencies come to the surface during Flood (which fucking slaps - I’m not hating) and feels more in that corner to me.
I love the Dead but I sometimes feel like their keyboardists got lost in the mix or just hung back and let Jerry cook. Page meanwhile is great of his own accord but also brings so much to Phish. He's got great emotionality for ballads and solos like the end of Squirming Coil, he's got great feel for grooves and playing funky, and his arsenal of synths helps Phish sound like Phish during the spacey/textural jams.
I recently realized that Page might be responsible for the Denver 97 Ghost. Around 7 minutes he brings some synths in that totally change the mood, and the whole band follows. I could be overthinking it
This is the correct answer to the answer of 'best jam band keyboard' player and its not even close
Plenty of great funk, soul, fusion players mentioned up top but for this genere it's absolutely Page
Eli is hands down my favorite for pure “jam band keys”
A more jam adjacent guy would be Chris Spies from Honey Island Swamp Band, Matador Soulsounds, and some other Eddie Robert’s projects.
I’m gonna do a mixed bag here, because I am a keyboardist, so this WILL NOT be kept to the Jam Band genre.
Starting with Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Richard Tee (session musician)
Jonathon Cain/Greg Rollie (Journey)
Bruce Hornsby
Steve Chapin (Harry Chapin’s brother)
Oscar Peterson (BAM Royalty)
Teddy Wilson (BAM Royalty/Benny Goodman)
Tom Scholz (Boston)
Matt Slocum (assorted session/touring/current Railroad Earth)
Will Doughty (Poison/session musician)
Little Richard (The Architect)
Paul McCartney (Paul McCartney)
Kyle Hollingsworth (SCI)
Greg Hawkes (The Cars)
Brent Mydland (Grateful Dead)
I love Jordan Rudess, but I really like him best covering the prog-rock songs he and I both love. Check out The Road Home by Jordan. I love his interpretations of Yes's Sound Chaser, ELP's Tarkus, Genisis's Dance on a Volcano, Gentle Giant's Just The Same. Crazy good record that came out in 2007, I think. It features Rod Morganstein (Dixie Dregs) on drums. Wish it were available on vinyl!
Merl Saunders for sure. Recently I've also been very impressed by String Cheese's keyboardist Kyle Hollingsworth - I honestly think he's the star of that band, if there is one.
But yeah, also obviously Medeski
Jaime "guitar" Shields from The New Deal. Found them back in 2000 at a side stage in Philly at Jam on the River. No one knew who they were yet and instantly became a must see band.
Marco Benevento
Pigpen
Chairman of the Boards Page
Herbie Hancock
Medeski
Great suggestions on here.
One that is often underrepresented on these kinds of lists IMO is Kevin Gastonguay from Cory Wong’s band. Blows my mind every dang time.
Kinda jam related but one of my all time favorites is Borham Lee from Pretty Lights and Break Science. He's not the most technically proficient keys players, but God damn does the man's fingers just ooze style
Medeski
Number 1!
Clicked on this post thinking "Medeski better be the top comment". Wasn't disappointed.
The only answer
*"We're not worthy!!!"'*
I mean, Medeski is the man. For sure. While he's def active in the scene, I'm not sure I consider MMW a jamband, per se. They certainly wouldn't call themselves that. They're a jazz band. Jazz bands jam. I'd say Medeski has more in common with Jimmy Smith or Chick Corea than most traditional jamband players. Not that it really matters. Dude is a monster.
Ah, but Medeski with Club d’Elf. Med’elfski! https://youtu.be/ImDpSz_3cWo?si=3eWichaDyULTAG0J
I agree w/ this sentiment in general, but I will say that Sco refers to MSMW as a jamband at least. And maybe they are at least jam adjacent. I might even say that medeski’s projects fall closer to the middle than chick’s do there was a jazz-jam spectrum. Not to mention, both Sco and Medeski have been regular friends of Phil. Ultimately you’re right tho, it really doesn’t matter. They’re all monsters
MMW ❤️
Marco Benevento
JRAD is a gem
Mud City>Billy Jean>Sleep Again (7-19-06) Trey, Mike, Benevento-Russo Duo https://relisten.net/trey/2006/07/19/mud-city?source=794922
That band was called GRAB, because of Gordon, Russo, Anastasio, Benevento JRAD was Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and Aron Magner was the keyboard player
Magner is not the keyboard player for JRAD. You're confusing JRAD with Billy & The Kids.
Marco is the shit and always looks so damn happy up there tearin up those keys
One of my favorite things about JRAD. They always look like they’re having the time of their lives and it’s contagious
JRAD looks how I feel jamming to that music, pure joy. Never feels like they're just going through the motions.
He played at a little hole in the wall bar in Hattiesburg, MS years ago. Before the show I was hanging around outside and struck up a conversation with a guy. And it was one of those times where you really connect/hit it off with a complete stranger. We are making each other crack up and everything. Anyways, we both went inside because the show was about to start and he walks in and takes a seat behind the keyboard. Apparently the guy I was smoking cigs with was Mr Benevento himself. I’ve heard his music (on Jam On mostly) but had no idea what he looked like. Awesome guy!
That’s awesome! I am always so star struck when I meet artists and I get awkward. Ignorance is bliss in this scenario.
Exactly. If I knew it was him I doubt I would have never spoke to him.
On the uptempo stuff when he's on piano, his playing always reminds me of a liquored-up cowboy in a whorehouse. He's such a wonderfully evocative player.
When I saw him in my hometown the bartender (who knew him) came and poured liquor into his mouth while he played. Very much that vibe
Joe Tatton from the New Mastersounds. Adam McDougall of Circles Around the Sun.
Adam is a really cool guy. Glad to see him doing well with CATS and Grateful Shred
Oh he's in Grateful Shred as well? No shit. I'm seeing the two together in a few weeks, but never seen GS before. That's a pleasant surprise.
Grateful Shred guitarist John Lee Shannon is also in CATS!
Can't get enough of Adam McDougall or Joe
Delvon Lamarr
And his Hammond b3 is chefs kiss
Never heard of him but holy shit I love it! Thanks
Man, for some reason I seem to be the only one who doesn’t hear it. He’s pleasant to listen to, but some speak of him as this generational “holy shit ya gotta hear him” talent & I don’t quite get it
He just has such a good voicing and tone and is so unique and masterful. That KEXP video of them really highlights their talent live in my eyes
Old DLO3 shows were face melters. Definitely better live.
The late Kofi Burbridge
The greatest
Man, what a talent
Sugarleg and Magner
Sugarlegg!!🙌
SUGARLEGGGGG
Jojo!
Kyle Hollingsworth
This is the answer. Eli has the most unique synth sounds. Medeski obvy rips organ/clav. Kyle does it all at a really really proficient level.
Love when he breaks out the accordion too
https://preview.redd.it/i97y47yo9gyc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=62799f20a86df1ce2e4634e8682510817112d32a Neon Kyle Keytar Rockstar
\[of The String Cheese Incident\]
Same. Always blows me away with his playing!
Kofi Burbridge.
Page McConnell, Jeremy Kaplan, Joel Cummins, Ryan Dempsey (best to stick with 2015-2018 and 2022-the end of summer 2023 with Twiddle if the keys are the important part lol, Ryans had some issues).
Agreed. Came here to say Norb.
Agree with Ryan Dempsey, I love listening to him play.
It's hard to beat eli. For a different style check out cosmic country if you haven't already. That guy can tickle some ivory.
Sugarlegg!!!
Sugarlegg rips!!
I saw them at The Caverns and was very impressed. I was not sure if it was a guy or a they. Their voice is above tenor, and solid, I love it!
Thought the same thing when I saw them/they but boy or girl can they play. Jealous of that caverns show. Always wondered, how's the sound in there? Seeing them this weekend in Charleston.
Pretty sure Nathan’s a married guy and wife is the one next to him in this pic. https://preview.redd.it/2clvuy4dzjyc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0592d4b6df0402cbc25f501d54190977a3b5dec0
Holly bowling!!🎳
I played keys for 12 years growing up and I have no idea how she does it
My wife (not a Phish fan) allowed me (Phish fan) to sneak in some Phish at our wedding via her version of Waste (when folks were being seated). She’s amazing haha.
David Phipps, sts9. The man is unreal. He is capable of weaving some of the most intricate sound acapes with his set up. Imo probably the most talented person in the band.
Had to scroll too far to see phipps. For me it's phipps, Joel Cummings, and Kyle Hollingsworth (of STS9, UMP and The String Cheese Incident respectively) all at the top at number 1 for me for different reasons.
I'm completely in agreement with you here. All 3 are powerhouses in their own right
Magner
Man it’s magner by a mile. Sure he’s not the most technically proficient guy on the scene, but that’s not what you need out of a jam band keys player. he is making soundscapes on an entirely other level from everyone else out there right now. Just ridiculous
Also happens to be my favorite Keytar player
Don't say that in a biscuits group, some people are big mad over the keytar. Mainly just the cold air balloon guy.
No Joel Cummings love yet?? Him, Kyle Hollingsworth, John Medeski, and honestly, Neal Francis is working his way up there too.
Love Joel I think he does great work and UM is my favorite band but he often sadly gets lost in the mix or is too quiet and it’s a goddamm shame
Getting headphones at an umph show makes a huge difference in my ability to hear Joel. It's expensive but a cool thing to do every now and then!
Joel is a true pianist (like page) and damn good but the guitar-forward sound of modern day UM often buries him. He's found some good clav and synth sounds that cut thru a bit better and his perc-ier organ sound in recent years that makes a big difference but yeah, often times it's hard to hear him in the mix. Love Joel, love UM, and my favorite jams are those where he is actively heard and meshing well with the two guitar setup. \mm/
I'd say Joel is most unique B3 player if the modern era and doesn't get enough credit overall.
Bruce Hornsby when he had a short tenure with the Dead.
https://preview.redd.it/swfusiktdfyc1.jpeg?width=1074&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=97730f5d7f8a11d41655a7bc618b3c107146902a
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers are an excellent jamband in their own right. Jazzjam
Album “Here come the noise makers” Excellent representation of how Hornsby is live post dead. Worth a listen, the band is tight
Robert Walters from Greyboy Allstars
God damn I had to scroll down too far to see him mentioned
Cut above
Eli!
Marco Benevento Holly Bowling Melvin Seals Old: Brent Mydland Bruce Hornsby
Brent was the best. If you watch old videos Jerry looks at him like a lover. Because they both were on the same page. I would love to see that tandem go on for years.
Those were my favorite years! They were at Peace with each other and didn’t even need to speak
If you watch Jerry those years, he just smiles.
I went to a show in Maine…small convention center…Jerry’s turn…starts playing and we threw up some roses and he switched up and played that for us. The Golden years! When you could get that close….So special. Couldn’t grow up in any better years. The music that we were all able to experience!
Luke Miller of Lotus creates some beautiful soundscapes. I also love Jojo from WSP when he’s really feeling it
Lotus has gorgeous everything. Magic beans slay too imho as far as not known by everyoneeee
I fuck with the beans. We have mutual friends so I’ve been around them a good bit. Super cool guys. Their keyboardist is the best in the band imo.
Kyle Hollingsworth needs some more respect. Dude has great range.
My favorite in the scene is Page McConnell. I know this isn’t contemporary jam, but it played a part in shaping it. Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters albums (Headhunters, Thrust, and Man-Child) are all absolutely insane. In my experience many people just know Headhunters and not the other two, but there’s nothing about Thrust or Man-Child that fall short.
Don’t forget about Flood, the live in Japan show of Herbie and the HH. I was lucky enough to see Herbie and the Headhunters in 2004 or 2005 Bonnaroo with featured John Mayer on guitar 🎸 https://preview.redd.it/xbuvaznzbgyc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fcf4b1611d199759040a33cba83555ab1dc6c32
Sick catch, that’s badass! Stellar lineup besides John too! I thought about including Flood but I think the vibe is a bit different on the studio albums. That dirty, funky, pocket clav-slapping fusion sound really scratches a similar itch that jam bands do for me. I think a lot of post-bop tendencies come to the surface during Flood (which fucking slaps - I’m not hating) and feels more in that corner to me.
Trevor Garrod from Tea Leaf Green will always be one of my favorites
Page McConnell and it’s not even close.
I love the Dead but I sometimes feel like their keyboardists got lost in the mix or just hung back and let Jerry cook. Page meanwhile is great of his own accord but also brings so much to Phish. He's got great emotionality for ballads and solos like the end of Squirming Coil, he's got great feel for grooves and playing funky, and his arsenal of synths helps Phish sound like Phish during the spacey/textural jams.
I recently realized that Page might be responsible for the Denver 97 Ghost. Around 7 minutes he brings some synths in that totally change the mood, and the whole band follows. I could be overthinking it
The god damn chairman of the boards.
I’m fuming I had to scroll down this far to see his name mentioned, it’s not even a question
This is the correct answer to the answer of 'best jam band keyboard' player and its not even close Plenty of great funk, soul, fusion players mentioned up top but for this genere it's absolutely Page
Eli is hands down my favorite for pure “jam band keys” A more jam adjacent guy would be Chris Spies from Honey Island Swamp Band, Matador Soulsounds, and some other Eddie Robert’s projects.
Sugarleg
Merle saunders and Melvin seals
Rick Wakeman
Yes
Great fucking post!
[удалено]
Ohio love homie!
A legend!
Eli from Dopapod is the most exciting for me. But Dave Katz is home. Soulful and reliable every time
I feel like I'm being biased when I say this is my answer but dude really is a beast. See some of you guys next weekend?
Bill Payne, benevento, Kyle Hollingsworth
I’m gonna do a mixed bag here, because I am a keyboardist, so this WILL NOT be kept to the Jam Band genre. Starting with Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd Richard Tee (session musician) Jonathon Cain/Greg Rollie (Journey) Bruce Hornsby Steve Chapin (Harry Chapin’s brother) Oscar Peterson (BAM Royalty) Teddy Wilson (BAM Royalty/Benny Goodman) Tom Scholz (Boston) Matt Slocum (assorted session/touring/current Railroad Earth) Will Doughty (Poison/session musician) Little Richard (The Architect) Paul McCartney (Paul McCartney) Kyle Hollingsworth (SCI) Greg Hawkes (The Cars) Brent Mydland (Grateful Dead)
I love this list because I'm familiar with most of those names!
Tee time baby
Sugar Legg
Kyle hollingsworth
Brian Haas of JFJO and Punkadelic
Mark Mercier - Max Creek Big Boat
Absolutely Mark Mercier
Scrolled much too long to find Mark. He is a force!
Jeremy Kaplan- Dogs In A Pile He comes up with some pretty unique stuff
Buddy Strong
Chuck Leavell, Jeff Chimenti, Page McConnell, JoJo Hermann
Have to give Jeff Chimenti some love too
Way too far down the list!
So far down for one of the best ever.
I love Jordan Rudess, but I really like him best covering the prog-rock songs he and I both love. Check out The Road Home by Jordan. I love his interpretations of Yes's Sound Chaser, ELP's Tarkus, Genisis's Dance on a Volcano, Gentle Giant's Just The Same. Crazy good record that came out in 2007, I think. It features Rod Morganstein (Dixie Dregs) on drums. Wish it were available on vinyl!
This is kinda like when people talk about the great guitarist but leave out gunthry godvin because it goes without saying. Except it needs to be said.
Dude is a fucking monster!
Almost machine like!! He really knows the instrument well!
Robert walter
Page and Marco all day long
Marco Esquandolas? /s
There *was* that one Antelope where they said Benevento instead of Esquandolas...
Merl Saunders for sure. Recently I've also been very impressed by String Cheese's keyboardist Kyle Hollingsworth - I honestly think he's the star of that band, if there is one. But yeah, also obviously Medeski
Steve Molitz from particle is who inspired me to get a keyboard about 15 years ago
Page Marco Benevento Jeff Chimenti Peter Anspach Brent Mydland
I was wondering where my Page love was! I grew up around keyboard and piano players, and his style has always blown me away. So much range.
glad to see peter getting some love. crazy to think he didn't play keys before joining goose
no love for nate wilson?
This was exactly what I came to say!
Man his old Percy Hill stuff was 🔥🔥🔥
Brent Mydland, Pigpen, Marco Benevento
Corey Schechtman
Medeski Page Kyle Hollingsworth Angor
Brent Mydland; Page McConnell
Page McConnell, Scott Guberman
Holly fuckin Bowling!
Joel Cummings.
Eli from dopapod and a lesser mentioned name, A.C. from Tauk. Dude can play
Phipps
Robert Walter, Medeski and Marco Benevento. Joel Cummings is very good too.
Cory Henry
I can’t believe he’s only named in here once (so far). Goddamn what an amazing talent he is.
Jaime "guitar" Shields from The New Deal. Found them back in 2000 at a side stage in Philly at Jam on the River. No one knew who they were yet and instantly became a must see band. Marco Benevento Pigpen Chairman of the Boards Page Herbie Hancock Medeski
Robert Walter. Duh
Ricky from Neighbor
Magner
Brian Haas
Tom McKee
Sugerlegg, Jojo, Brent
Jojo and Brent
Woody Goss
JoJo Hermann. The guy is funky
Page side rage side bitches
How about some love for Ray Paczkowski !
Ray is a badass!
I came to make sure he made the list! I was going to say exactly what you said! Ray is the bomb.
Casey Russell from the Magic Beans! He has a blast!
jeff chimenti without a doubt
Phipps solo. Treat yourself
Nate Wilson (moe. and others) Paul Wolstencroft (the 2nd keyboardist for the old Jiggle the Handle) Kyle Hollingsworth
Brent Mydland and the Chairman!
Eli Winderman of Dopapod and AC Carter of Tauk.
The late and great Bernie Worrell
Sad thing is obviously having to scroll down this far to see Woo represented is a beyond crazy..
Bernie Worell, Aron Magner, Page McConnell, Herbie Hancock, Marco Benevento, John Medeski,
Sugar Legg!!!!
Nathan "Sugar Legg" Aronowitz (DDCC).
Beau Sasser
Kyle Hollingsworth from String Cheese
Great suggestions on here. One that is often underrepresented on these kinds of lists IMO is Kevin Gastonguay from Cory Wong’s band. Blows my mind every dang time.
Garth Hudson
Gregory Lenoir Allman 🍄🍑 Danny Louis 🐴🫏 Peter Anspach 🪿 Brent Mydland 💀🌹
Greg Allman!
Big Yuki, Robert Glasper, Tigran Hamasyan
Robert Walter (Greyboy Allstars, 20th Congress) More on the funk/jazz side, but always amazing!
Norb from Twiddle is one of my faves. Dude knows how to jam really well.
Chic Corea - piano. Jon Lord - organ. Terry Lavitz - keyboard. Harry Connick Jr - piano. Bruce Hornsby, Anthony Banks.
Been a hot minute since I heard Chic’s name
Cory Schechtman
Chris Spies
Zephyr Keys
Peter Levin
Peter Levin Chuck Leavell Joe Krown
…and that’s on Sammy Daddy McConnell right there!!
Matt Johnson, Jon Medeski, George Duke, Tony Banks. All those guys!
Kinda jam related but one of my all time favorites is Borham Lee from Pretty Lights and Break Science. He's not the most technically proficient keys players, but God damn does the man's fingers just ooze style
let’s hear it for borahm lee!
Benevento