Jazz/fusion violinist Didier Lockwood has done wonderful things with this instrument. Check him out on his "Storyboard" or "Phoenix 90" releases. The guy can really play a violin, acoustic or electric.

And while I'm at it, how about the EWI (electronic wind instrument). Master players like Steve Tavaglione, Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Jeff Kashiwa and Brandon Fields have made wonderful use of this instrument.

Phil,

Good tip on the EWI players. Have only heard Jeff Kashiwa play it - unique sound. You mentioned Brandon Fields. I loved his playing when he was with the Ripps but was disappointed in his self titled release from '95. What release did he play the EWI on? Have often thought of trying him again but haven't heard anything about him for awhile.

Also, thanks for the tip on the violinist. How would you say Lockwood compares to the old Jean-Luc Ponty stuff? Another man who could "really play a violin".

Thanks for chiping in. There's alot more "other" or different instrument players out there than I thought. GREAT!

Steve

I've always enjoyed the EWI (electronic wind instrument) sound that is used by musicians in small group settings. Guys like Steve Tavaglione, Michael Brecker and Bob Mintzer are considered the masters. Other great players are Jeff Kashiwa and and Brandon Fields.

While I'm at it I should also mention the acoustic and electric violin as a jazz instrument. All I had to do was hear a guy by the name of Didier Lockwood play both on releases like "Phoenix 90" (a fusion effort) and "Storyboard" (a straight-ahead release) to appreciate the violin.

Steve . . .

Sorry for the extra post. I submitted my responses from home (I'm at work now) and for some reason they did not post. Not sure why.

On Brandon Fields, I have his release "The Traveler" and on it he actually plays a Yamaha WX7. It's apparently a variation on the EWI or EVI and is sometimes called a WX7 saxophone.

Another instrument I love is the guitar synth ala Pat Metheny. He's been using it for much of his career with the PMG and keeps improving in its use. You hear it on Metheny group classics like "Third Wind" (The Road to You); "To the End of the World" and "Red Sky" (both on We Live Here), as well as many others. Saw Pat and the PMG in concert last year in what was the greatest music/jazz experience I've ever experienced. He used the guitar synth liberally that evening.