Day 9 – Signed Drum Head
Pa rum pum pum pum,
We’re giving away a signed drum head today!
As you might know, the drums were the first instrument Mona ever learned, and she’s been recording our drum tracks ever since we started making music. So, we thought that giving away a drum head that has been used in previous recordings might be a fun present for some of you. Enter today’s Giveaway for a chance to win in!
Yesterday, we have also sent off the majority of Christmas cards to you guys. As promised, every MLT Club Member will receive a signed card in the mail this year, and we have spent the majority of yesterday getting them ready while listening to some (Christmas) music.
If you have recently placed an order in our online shop, then it is likely that your card will be included in the parcel for that order but if not, a letter should land in your letter box soon. 🙂
Day 9 – Signed Drum Head (1 winner)
The drumhead we are going to give away today has been used on many recordings in the past! We’ll sign and dedicate it to the winner!
How to enter:
Comment: Who is your favourite musician and why?
Prize:
Signed Drum Head (1 winner)
I played my drum for him,
Pa rum pum pum pum,
I played my best for him,
Pa rum pum pum pum …
Mona & Lisa
They played their drum for me and they gave me the drumhead! What a treat!
I framed it and hung it above my studio doors!
I am sooo happy with it, I had to share!
Wow Tomas, that is just awesome looking. You have earned the “groovy award”!!! Congrats. Thanks for sharing that.
That is so cool Tomas!!! Congratulations !!!
Thanks Jung and James! I’m very happy with it!
That looks amazing! We’re really happy it went to you 🙂
Congrats to the winners ????
I hate that I missed out on a chance to win this, but it’s been a rough week. I hope I can get back into the swing of things soon. Seems lots of folks feel like me. ❤ Whoever won it, Congratulations! You are very lucky. Stay Groovy ????❤‼️
I’m not sure when the 24 hours is up down here, but my favourite musician of all time would be Paul McCartney.
I would have to say my favorite drummer is Kenny Aronoff. I could listen to a good drum solo all day
There are so many great musicians out there including Mona & Lisa of course. In particular I think Rick Wakeman in his wizard cloaks is a great keyboard player -playing two, three or more at the same time!
That’s a hard one to say. My favorite drummer is Carl Palmer from ELP. My favorite female Singer of all time is Karen Carpenter. Favorite bassist is John Entwistle. Hard to pick a lead guitarist or male singer. Too many to choose from.
It’s hard to separate the musician from the music. So I steered away from choosing a musician just because I like the music. I went another direction and tried to think of someone that brought music to many in the most entertaining way. I came up with a classically trained pianist who was able to translate that music type to people that might otherwise not be interested. Victor Borge. Honorable mention to Roy Clark for somewhat similar reasons.
I could name a long list of good musicians like Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Jeff Lynn, George Harrison etc., but the most impressing musical artist for me is Paul McCartney!
The Everly Brothers – I learned how to play the guitar from watching and listening to them, they were lovely honest people and I love there music.
This is a difficult question because I have so many favourites. Like many other commenters, I admire the wide ranging musical talent of Paul McCartney. I also enjoy performances by Bill Nelson and Steve Hackett. I listen to a lot of MLT, so you two are definitely among my favourites, and I love the way your guitars sing in your hands! ????
The late Chris Squire of Yes.
I’m going to go with Chet Atkins. Chet Atkins (CGP) has had such a huge influence on guitar playing with his style of picking and his voracious appetite for taking on all kinds of styles and genres of music from country, pop, and rock and roll and giving them his special touch for arrangements. He had a keen eye for finding other talented musicians and helped mentor many of their careers. If you want to have a good musical time just listen to Chet playing with Jerry Reed, Tommy Emmanuel, Mark Knopfler, Roy Clark, Glen Campbell and a large number of others. His guitar style is so inventive you’d think that there were 3 guitarists playing at the same time. He’s my favorite individual musician that was a solo artist. As a member of a band I’d have to go with Paul McCartney who’s amazing ability to create melodies and bass lines that others can only dream of being able to do even a few times. Paul’s got hundreds of memorable melodies that are easily recognizable. That along with his ability to play a multitude of instruments adds to his gift for music and song writing.
Wow Richard, this is seriously awesome.
There are so many potential musicians I could name here, I have to say Jeff Lynne inspires me the most. He’s a brilliant singer, song writer and guitarist, but also a respectable keyboard player and occasionally drummer. Where he really shines for me though is is studio production skills. He really took the Beatles use of combining orchestra and rock up a couple notches the the Electric Light Orchestra. Then went on to create legendary albums with George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison (individually and as a Traveling Wilbury), and Paul McCartney, created two new Beatles tracks for Anthology, and recently made a major comeback with two world tours in his 70s. He’s definitely up there with the best overall musicians, even if most people don’t recognize his name.
I would have to say my favorite all-around musician has to be Paul McCartney. I appreciate the talents of John Lennon and George (and even Ringo) but for all around musicianship Paul takes the cake. Especially after watching the “Get Back” 8-hour series that Peter Jackson just released and watching Paul literally pull the song “Get Back” out of the air made me appreciate his gift more and more. He came in with no song, sat down and just started chugging chords on the bass and formed the song as George and Ringo just sat there watching him (John had not come in yet. He was sleeping late…LOL).
I know there are lots of great musicians out there—Pat Metheny and Rick Beato come to mind, mostly because I saw Rick interviewing Pat just this morning, and I’m also very impressed with the depth and precision of the MonaLisa Twins. Then there’s Clem Burke, the ferocious drummer on “Dreaming” and other Blondie hits—many musicians who are just dazzling but the one who never leaves my narrow net … is Paul McCartney. He’s really good at multiple instruments, technically and creatively and emotionally, so he remains my go-to guy.
Whoopsy…forgot to add I grew up with an array of music tastes, my late Mom loved a variety of music ranging from Bigvand stuff ( like Glenn Gould as Jung mentioned ), to Country stuff like Patsy Cline , Beatles , Elvis, Bobby Vinton, Tom Jones, Connie Francis, etc, while my late Dad was more of a Bluegrass /country kinda music man, my oldest bro loves his country/southern rock, my 2nd oldest bro favors mostly blues as in Stevie Ray Vaughn, Mark Knopfler, Jim Croce, Jimi Hendrix, etc ,
I would have to answer guitarist Mark Knopfler as my favorite musician. I became an instant fan of his with Dire Straits in the 70’s and 80’s. I still love watching YouTube videos of his 80’s live performances of Sultans of Swing. Mark’s later music after Dire Straits mellowed a bit, but then I guess my tastes mellowed a bit as well. Some of my favorite works of his on YouTube now are from his 2006 tour with Emmylou Harris.
First off: AWESOME prize! Secondly: Nice to see the magic tea is back, but too bad the magic candle is still broken, but the magic clap is even better! Thirdly: Your reaction to the new doorbell chime is endearingly adorable! We all know you as highly intelligent, well-grounded, mature adults, but your “doorbell dance” reminds us that a bit of you both never grew up. That’s a huge part of your charm!
Now for favorite musician. Obviously, you two, and my daily play list confirms that! Also obvious would be any or all of the Beatles, but I’ll avoid that this time. For writing, Paul Simon, for performance, Billy Joel, particularly when harmonizing with his bandmates or other singers. All-time fave, especially in my youth: C.W. McCall of “Convoy” fame. Odd choice, I know, but I grew up singing along with him. He defined quirky long before our favorite twins came along to redefine quirky! Many fun and also some deeply touching songs. 35 second long “Roy” is hilarious, and I dare anyone not to tear up during “Roses for Mama”.
Favorite musician. This is a very difficult question for me. There are way too many great ones to choose from. For me the greatest all-around player and singer is Paul McCartney. His bass playing is impeccable, a man that had an amazing voice, and the most prolific song writer of all time. BUT. I’m also a Moody Blue’s fan and Justin Hayward was the whole package too. Beautiful guitar playing and what a writer! What a voice! Neil Diamond’s hits are so melodic and varied, intense and touching. BUT. John Denver was an amazing talent. He himself claimed his music wasn’t the best, and that he wasn’t the greatest guitar player, but when you look at the numbers he put up in the early 70’s, he’s pretty hard to beat. I love the purity of his music. Hold my hand behind my back and it’s McCartney, but there are two young ladies named Wagner with beautiful voices, fabulous harmony, and unbelievable musicality. Who else plays lead and rhythm guitar, bass, drums, flute, accordion, harmonica, the occasional back of a chair. Pretty hard to beat. Who did I listen to the most back in the day? McCartney (with and without The Beatles); who do I listen to now? Mona & Lisa.
Too many to pick just one because there are so many different music genres and original playing styles.
Congrats. I think you just won yesterday’s give away.
My favorite until a little over a year ago was Paul McCartney, now it’s Mona and Lisa
I have always been a HUGE fan of Keith Moon…I don’t think any explanation is need for this choice and I’m sure you will agree ????
My favorite musicians are Mona and Lisa Wagner (no, I am not just pandering you here). But, since you asked for my favorite musician (singular), I will choose Tommy Emmanuel. And, since I know he is one of your all time favorites too, I won’t have to explain why!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLIZZ9lIlwg&t=1883s
Yes Tom! Great interview.
John Lennon. Flawed, brilliant, kind, cruel, generous, idealistic, cynical, blunt, and always changing. He wasn’t a great technical guitarist (and had a wild rhythm sense), which he freely admitted, but you could hear all of those aspects of his personality in his rhythm and lead work–from “Norwegian Wood” to “Dear Prudence” and “All My Loving” to the “Get Back” solo(s), his playing style fit the songs perfectly.
Glen Campbell. Most people probably only know him as a singer who also played the guitar, but he was one of the most outstanding guitarists of his era: a studio guitarist with the famous “Wrecking Crew,” multi-instrumentalist (guitar, of course, but also banjo and BAGPIPES!), essentially a member of the Beach Boys, and who knows what all. Terrific singing voice, and one of the most respected and liked musicians ever. Did you know he and Alice Cooper were best friends? — they played golf together almost every day! (That’s a picture for you, Alice Cooper playing golf!) I didn’t know Glen Campbell personally by any means, but I saw him perform and he’s the one who inspired me to start with the 12-string guitar — and I’ve played Ovations almost exclusively now for fifty years.
It’s enviable that you’ve experienced a concert with Glen Campbell.
His daughter Ashley Campbell follows well in her father’s footsteps, both in terms of singing and banjo playing.
I love the version of “Gentle On My Mind” with her and Carl Jackson.
I’m going to have to follow up on this. Thank you!
This is a tough question to answer. There are so many great musicians! My favorite and most admired is Brian May. He had so many innovations in his career. He is a genius with his guitar. That’s my opinion and I am sticking with it… Merry Christmas!
These days, you, Mona and Lisa, in my mind, are the very best musicians. Your voices harmonize wonderfully well, and you master the musical instruments to perfection.
Finding you on YouTube was like finding a Goldmine full of great music. Your taste in music is pretty much identical to mine, so I feel SO HAPPY these days. Thank you so much – for so much good music.
Throughout my life I have had several “musical heroes”. To give just one example, then I think, that one of the most talented guitarists is Mark knopfler. Below here, is a music video with Mark knopfler, starting 160 seconds inside the video, by one of his unique guitar solos. I think that, if anyone, he especially manages to get a guitar to sing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ffIJ7ZO4U&t=160s
This feels like a trick question, so Im going to cheat on the answer!! Strictly as a musician playing an instrument… Stevie Ray Vaughn. As an all around talent it has to be Paul McCartney since he was an awesome bass player, but very talented on 6 string guitars, keyboards, and his song writing ability is magical. In my opinion the Beatles could have survived even the loss of John Lennon but I don’t think they could have functioned at such a high level without Sir Paul. Moving along to my modern pick, of course I have to name you, Mona and Lisa. After all, all of us in the club are somewhat obsessed with your talent as musicians on different instruments, singing amazingly, and you have written some really very very good songs and working on more. Ok, so I cheated and actually named 4 counting the two of you. (Honorable mention, Sophie Lloyd guitarist from England, and Orianthi Penny Panagaris from Australia, also a guiartist, and lastly, after seeing him in person just before the pandemic, the great Joe Bonamassa!)
I’m going with Taylor Swift. I can relate to a lot of her early songs and some of her latest ones, too. But, MonaLisa Twins were my favorite in 2021. I’ve never heard of you until earlier in the year when I YouTubed I’ll follow the sun. You have a great version and I was hooked! ????
My favorite all-time musician is Roy Clark. He was so good he could add comedy to his playing without missing a note. (And he lived in Tulsa OK America. Up the trunpike from where I live, Oklahoma City). I like some YouTube musicians – Justin Johnson master at slide guitar blues. Gabriella Quevedo plays rock music with a classical twist. I like someone you guys know – Amy Slattery, she’s amazing in that she does it all in her productions. And finally, but really my top is the two Austrian twins. I think they’re called Mona and Lisa Wagner (pronounced Vanger). Lol. Stay groovy. Peace be.
My favorite is Paul McCartney. He’s a great singer, songwriter, and his songs are classics that have proved the test of time! They are still popular today and will be playing many years to come!
So many of the acclaimed rock guitarists play the amplifier more than the guitar, I have to stick with the older ones like Chet Atkins or Roy Clark. But honestly what most attracted me to your music was the pure guitar playing just like the Beatles of early years.
“On the ninth day of Advent, we got from MLT: one vintage drum head, three Christmas greetings, two stylish hoodies, two straps and pick sets, twooooo CD paaaaacks… three memberships, eight posters, two felted lambs, and three hand-signed Christmas CD’s.”
If “favorite” means the person whose music elicits the strongest positive reaction in me, that would have to be Paul McCartney. I don’t have the expertise to judge whether he is one of the most technically proficient musicians, but ultimately it’s how he infuses his sunny personality into his music that sells the product for me. And in that regard, the only thing that’s keeping him ahead of MLT is volume.
That’s great, David. I just read this to my wife and realized I can’t read it without singing. Raised the roof with twooooo CD paaaacks
JP
Thanks, JP. I wasn’t planning on doing this, but seeing the phrase “two felted lambs” triggered something in my head.
I intend to stop on day 12, like the original song. No one wants to sing 24 verses!
Yep. Had me singing that one.
Hmmm, it’s impossible to pick just one. Based purely on musicianship, Paul McCartney would be very close to the top for me. He’s a fantastic multi-instrumentalist, but I’m mostly impressed by some of his melodic bass parts — it’s almost like he’s creating a song within a song. His bass is just astounding in songs like Rain and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. I tend to like a lot of guitarists — I’ve always admired Pete Townshend, Lindsey Buckingham and Mark Knopfler for their guitar playing. Also my friend Rusty Young from Poco, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year — Rusty was a genius on the pedal steel, dobro and lap steel. Definitely Ringo as a drummer, and also Keith Moon, he was a force of nature that could barely be contained.
David Gilmour. No one bends the strings like him. Pink Floyd has always been my go to group. Until now that is. Which MLT song do you wanna hear?!
Another favorite is Steely Dan. Like MLT now, they were more of a studio band. Donald Fagan and Walter Becker wrote all the music and hand-picked top musicians to record their songs. Donald was an accomplished keyboard player, while Walter played bass and guitar. In an interview with drummer Jerry Marotta, Jerry said it was a common occurrence to show up at the studio and there would be a different group of musicians each day to record the same song each day. They were both perfectionists and we’re able to take their time to get the right sound. Their songs are very story-like with clever phrasing throughout. Add guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, piano, horn section, backing vocals. I am assuming everyone knows them. If not, I recommend you check them out on an MLT break.
They didn’t tour much in the seventies, because they were not satisfied with their live sound. As technology improved live sound, they did tour in the 2000’s. We saw them once. It was awesome. Check out their album “The Royal Scam” from 1976. A bunch of songs feature guitarist Larry Carlton. Check out the opening track “Kid Charlamagne”. Everything about it is awesome.
JP
David Gilmour is awesome JP! Love “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”! David sometimes uses a Gretsch Duo Jet like Lisa.
I like too many to choose just one. Paul McCartney and David Gilmour to James Taylor, Lisa and Mark Knopfler, all great guitarist, dedicated musicians. Drummers include Ringo, Keith Moon and one who doesn’t get enough credit, who has a natural rhythm and an all around nice person, a real Rocker, Mona!
I have two favorite musicians: my son Jordan and my daughter Taylor. They both worked very hard to earn college degrees in music. Jordan studied music performance for guitar, and Taylor did the same for upright (double) bass. Although both later decided that being professional musicians is not for them, they both remain passionate about music. In fact, Taylor is now teaching herself to play cello. I love them very much, not only as my children of course, but also for whatever journey their lives take them.
So many great musicians (like present company) to pick from! I guess I will go with Louis Armstrong. Few people take a single instrument to the absolute highest level, much less 2 like Armstrong (Trumpet and Voice). I think the number one thing I like about his music is that it is joyous.
Among too many to mention, I’d have to say John Sebastian. Loved the Spoonful during my elementary school years but, his solo folk music, beginning with his appearance at Woodstock including my favorite song, “ How Have You Been “ and so many others ( Darling Be Home Soon & I Had a Dream ), he was just a great folk musician and singer. I saw him @ Carnegie Hall & in Central Park in high school and just saw him with Roger McGuinn in Tarrytown, NY a few years ago. My wife and I love the fact that you girls are playing with him, as do our 3 daughters and six grandkids. Happy Advent and Christmas.
I like Marty Robbins because I love listening to his ballads. He paints movies in my mind.I also like his guitar playing.
Mona Wagner. Yeah, I know that’s a faux pas on this site, but, after over a year of watching and listening to MLT videos, I really have to admit that she has a slight edge over Lisa as my favorite twin. And you did ask for one. Give me two picks and I go with Mona AND Lisa Wagner.
I’ve always had a strong likeness for Elvis.
Why? Because he is Elvis. But Then there’s George ,John and Stevie Ray.
Personally I think this is an impossible question to answer.
I know how this sounds but I’ve always admired Paul McCartney. I think he’s teh best all around musician on the face of the planet. He plays multiple instruments, sings, rights, produces… You name it! Being a guitarist myself I really think Brad Paisley is with out parallel. That said The Mona Lisa twins are just simply amazing, I love the harmonies and could watch Lisa play guitar all day.
Paul McCartney, his music stands the test of time ! Listening to him talk to the audience at a concert, he is very down to earth ! You young ladies are becoming one of my favorites, and I only discovered you a short time ago ! Dick Clark
s American Bandstand of the 60s is very important to me. I watch a lot of those you tube videos. Mona and Lisa you have brought that music back !! Thank You !!Pa rum pum pum pum … as the video ends, up comes a picture of Ringo flashing his trademark Peace sign, does he want the drumhead?? Is he campaigning for my vote?? He’s certainly a contender.
To explain what makes my favorite musician, I have to describe what music and musicianship means to me. Music is not metronome tempo, in-tune notes, or scholarly theory. Music for me is the feeling, the “vibe”, the “groove” that elicits emotion, love, unexplainable connection. Hence, a musician is someone who can conjure that signature across the universe. There’s no recipe for it, no formula to be resolved, just a full and total surrender.
Usually, The Beatles are not seen as the underdogs, but that’s what made them great. For five long years they were a struggling band before they were able to get a proper record made. And then the challenges began. The notion that they had to strive to improve themselves every step of the way is a clue of what it takes. Ringo, never thought of himself as the best, but I do think he is.
Denny certainly has a case with Buddy Rich, but it’s the ride (no pun intended) that takes me places I want to go, which determines for me, personally, who I like best or gravitate towards. The Beatles have always been that rainbow bridge to Asgard for me.
All four, John, Paul, George AND Ringo, were incredibly hard working and took nothing for granted, but it’s more than that. There is a connection to the soul, that Bifröst that elevates us to something more than the mundane. The four of them, rank at the top of my list, together with Mona and Lisa, because of the perfect fit of that definition, fully and totally. Everybody else, Bowie, Elton, Freddy, Brian Wilson, Tommy Emanuel, The Stones, S&G, all are fantastic, but don’t quite conjure up the connection like The Beatles and MLT.
If I’m forced to choose one, Paul would edge the others out mostly for the sheer longevity and consistency.
I love the magic tricks! “We’re back to yesterday”, that’s a cool time travel experience!
My favourite musician is King Crimson’s guitarist Robert Fripp. I love his style of playing. I also love his contributions to other’s work, such as Bowie’s Heroes, and Scary Monsters. He writes licks no one else would.
I just watched this video with my boyfriend (who is a drummer) and he said right away: Ringo, because he always plays the song.
Just in case my name will be drawn, I’ll pass the drum head along 🙂
For me, this circles back to the question about our music collections. There’s a reason there are 31 + Jethro Tull CD in my music collection. Ian Anderson.
“In the underpass, the blind man stands.
With cold flute hands.
Symphony match-seller, breath out of time
you can call me on another line.“
Apart from Mona and Lisa of course it has to be Paul McCartney
Oh wow, this is difficult because, as others have said, I like such a variety of music and my “favorite” on any particular day depends on my mood and what I’m listening to. Having said that, one of my long-time favorites is Jerry Douglas. He is simply amazing on a resonator guitar. Another amazing musician is Justin Johnson… I’m guessing you figured out by now that I really enjoy listening to good guitar playing.
My favorite musician is John Ford Coley because he continues to tour and do concerts even though his heyday with England Dan was in the 1970’s. He is also an excellent person with an amazing sense of humor.
That’s a really hard question to answer because I like a broad variety of styles of music, and how do you compare, say, Johann Sebastian Bach and Weird Al Yankovic? And I’d give you different answers on different days. But today, restricting myself to popular musicians of the last several decades, I’ll name Rick Wakeman. Partly because he’s a keyboard player and for no particularly good reason, keyboard musicianship tends to make a bigger impression on me than for many other instruments. He was the best keyboard player Yes had, and on my first encounter with his “Six Wives of Henry VIII” I was blown away with his virtuosity and breadth.
Ask me tomorrow and maybe I’ll name Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe, a multi instrumentalist (mostly guitar, but also mandolin and banjo) with a truly ferocious singing voice. I saw Larkin Poe in Syracuse last summer and her encore performance of “Come On In My Kitchen” was just breathtaking. (There’s a video of that performance on YouTube; look it up if you haven’t seen them.) Or maybe someone else…
I would have to say that over the years they have changed but right now I would have to say the Mona Lisa Twins, not because I am not trying to blow up your heads, but you truly are great Musicians and song writers. You take each song on covers and make them your own. Still A Friend of Mind is my favorite of your originals even though you didn’t play. From the past it would have to be Lennon/McCartney, they have always been my go-to number one musician’s and song writer’s. Stay Groovy!!!
I have 2 trumpet players that got me to play it all, Clasical, Jazz, and Rock.
First one is Doc Severnson( plz excuse my spelling) of course everyone knows him from the tonight show band. I got to see him live in Syracuse New York when I was in high school. We traveled 80 miles. The first half was totally legit playing. So good. Then the last half he brought in a rhythm section to augment the orchestra and played the album I had which was so cool. He got me thinking to be an all around player and read everything. The Last was a group and a player that was lost to us too soon. At 15 I had tickets to go see Bill Chase. My mother was to drive me, she loved jazz so I figured she would like a jazz rock fusion band. It snowed that night and my mother wasn’t comfortable to drive. She said she would take me next time. That year most of Chase went down in a airplane and they were lost to us. I had Highly Combustible React to 2 songs they played. He was a powerful high note player and all the players were top shelf. Sorry so long. I really have been enjoying this back and forth. Please stay safe everyone. Peace. God Speed. Stay Groovy! ❤????
Hah, two of us mentioning concerts in Syracuse within 19 seconds of each other, apparently!
Yeah, small world in away. I live now in Spokane, WA promissory to my wife when I married in 1979. I went to a small town High School and studied at the Catskill Concervatory when it first started in Oneonta. Then college in Syracuse. I’m a bit old. Nice to get a message. All new to me. Have a Merry Merry.
To answer the question, at the moment and for some time my favorite musician is Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin because of his consistently excellent, unique and (in my own estimation) superior electric lead guitar work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0HRnbDBJHE
Note: Django Reinhart is also known as the “Three Fingered Lightning” because of an accident that happened in youth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ308aOOX04
I grew up with the Beatles, so my favorite musician would be Paul. It’s amazing how many different melodies he has come up with. I never get tired of watching you two on your videos. Especially the Cavern Club. And Mona playing drums on “ain’t no sunshine” at 13. Do you get writers cramps signing everything? Is it selfish to hope you continue for a long time and don’t disappear? So impressed by the whole family.
George Harrison by far!!. Then probably you guys
Three fingers. I can’t believe we do anything the same as the Brits,
But we use three fingers. The German way seems strange.
I never saw the movie I.B. Did a Brit really speak German like a German?
Cheers
Stephen Stills is very underrated on guitar and very proficient on base and piano.
There is also my homey in Davis, ca. Dave Nachmanoff.
https://www.youtube.com/c/davenach/featured
Well this is very difficult to say, Elton John is up there for me, his team with Bernie has been steller to me and his music stands the time now and beyond. His piano playing is awesome to me as well. John Lennon and Paul Mc Cartney will be in that fold too. But for the women, Carole King. She has teamed up and wrote some great songs from the 60’s. But in 2017 that took a turn when I was on U Tube and saw these two ladies playing Revolution and The Last Time and I never looked back, You both are in the same category of talent and song writing. Mona and Lisa you both have no idea how your music has shaped my life and for me to know that yes this music is still alive and your originals speak for them selves and as I mentioned before, Count on Me is a classic gem.
BILL AND MADDIE ISENBERG
Well, if I don’t pick either of you… (You are both my favorite ™), then I pick-
George Harrison.
His guitar style never fails to sooth my soul, even on my worst days.
And when he picks up a ukulele? How can you help but smile!
(check out between the devil and the deep blue sea)
This one is a toss up between Mike Campbell from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Brian May from Queen. I could listen to both of them play guitar all day long.
Guten abend an alle.
Gor blimey Guv’nor you’ve really got me thinking here. There are numerous musicians that I love and admire but via a very convoluted route my favourite is, drum roll (sorry couldn’t resist the gag!) Jim Bray. Who the hell is he I envisage many of you thinking.
Well here goes. A few years after my dad died (1966) I found his record collection. I asked my mother if it was alright for me to play it all, just in case it upset her, but she was delighted that I wanted to know more about him. The first record that I put on the turntable was an ep of 4 numbers recorded at a live concert by Chris Barber’s Jazz Band at a 1954 concert they gave at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The first track was Ice Cream and I was hooked (it is available on YouTube and I’m listening to it as I write).
I’m the sort of person that when I get into anything I want to know everything I can about it. The band members were listed on the record cover and 5 of them (Chris Barber, Monty Sunshine, Pat Halcox, Lonnie Donegan and Ron Bowden) were fairly easy to find things about (even for a 9 or 10 year old) but one, the bass player Jim Bray, was elusive in those pre internet days. All I could find out was that he left the band in 1955.
My search lay dormant for many many years until I was travelling to a football match with a group of friends about 12 years ago. One, Robin Stieber, had known my dad via the Bournemouth Railway Club and we chit chatted about him and Robin suddenly mentioned the name Jim Bray, I cannot remember why. My jaw dropped and Robin was hit with a barrage of questions. Apparently Jim had left to join the Humphrey Lyttleton band. Suddenly my dormant search was rekindled. An internet search revealed the website of the Chris Barber band and there on it was a picture of Jim. He looked exactly as I envisaged him (in 1954), a biggish guy, balding young and with a big smile. Why hadn’t I done this earlier! Apart from this there wasn’t much else about him apart from that he appeared to have given up fulltime playing and become a teacher.
When I got into YouTube about 10 years ago I found a reunion concert of the surviving members of the band held in 1994. Was Jim there, baited breath, oh yes there he was albeit in the background. I now could see him playing as well…mission complete! Apparently whilst he was an accomplished player (he also played tuba and banjo) he was considered a bit limited by some players, Ken Colyer in particular but who cares. not me.
You have also reminded me (thank you) that I need to call Robin. He is now well into his 80s and is virtually blind and has trouble walking. Some of us call him from time to time to keep him ‘in the loop’.
As for a musician that many of you will know then it has to be Judith Durham of the Seekers. Her voice sends shivers down my spine. But thinking about your question has made me realise my love of really good female voices. One of the first groups I discovered on YouTube (again no idea why) was a Canadian high school acapela group called the Four Quarters. Sadly they don’t sing much together anymore as they went to university and followed non musical careers, although one is a music teacher. Sadly, virtually all their YouTube stuff has been deleted apart from their version of Pachelbel’s Canon. There are songs by individual members left up. And now, of course, there is you two. The way that you suddenly break into harmonised song whilst filming these advent intros I find awe inspiring but, no doubt, is just natural to you.
Buddy Rich is my favorite musician. He was the best at his craft and still puts a smile on my face everytime I hear him drum. I was lucky enough to see him live, front row center. He did a 10 minute solo on hi-hat only and had everyone on their feet!
Richard Jean Herard is my favorite muscian. He was the drummer, songwriter, and producer of my favorite band. I like how he makes his songs interesting. He doesn’t stick to only writing love songs like his contemporary has been doing for the past 7 years.
It’s a hard choice when there have been so many outstanding musicians over the years. Of course I could choose the twins cover of While my Guitar Gently Weeps as I find it very emotional as well as having a great video. However like many members of the club I would choose Mike Oldfield (for overall ability to play almost anything), David Gilmour for amazing guitar work and maybe even Midge Ure for the sound of the new romantics in the early 80’s. Another I admire is Roger Hodgson from Supertramp with his piano playing. And of course Paul McCartney can play many instruments too, including drums. Other piano players I love are Elton John, Billy Joel, Tori Amos and Kate Bush.
My favorite musician is Paul McCartney. There is something about his writing style that catches my attention. It’s hard to explain.
First of all the Heide Braids always make my heart beat faster❤️. Second Mona and Lisa, do you like carp? I never had it that I liked it but maybe there is a better recipe for it, if so please pass it on.
There are so many musicians I admire, but I think the one I am most impressed with is Stevie Ray Vaughan. His virtuosity is off the charts. I am not a major fan of Texas boogie woogie but I do love listening to him. And his backstory which you covered in a recent WOTT is inspiring too.
Recently I found this red headed twin who plays amazing lead guitar. She is coming up the list fast, especially when she sports Heide Braids????. That is real Double Trouble.
Wow. It is hard to pick just one. The MonaLisa Twins are certainly one. Another is Brian Setzer. The late Victor Borge comes to mind, also. When not goofing around, he really was a great pianist. The Beatles are included, too, as are Three Dog Night and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Without question, my favorite musicians and band are the MonaLisa Twins. The many qualities for which I truly admire are but not limited to:
***Amazing harmonies throughout your songs.
***Never shy away from a difficult instrument(al) challenge
***Original music is beautifully arranged
***Cover songs pay a real tribute to the original artist(s) while making the cover uniquely MLT
***Ability to play multiple instruments and play them well.
***Your Duo sessions bring such pure delight from your wonderful harmony and instruments played to perfection
***Your work ethic is second to none! The entire MLT Team are examples of hard work, teamwork and are yes, inspirational!
***”Thanks For The Memories”
Amen to this!
I have to say you Mona on the drums and Lisa playing her guitar the way she does absolutely amazing but I have to say Suzi Quatro is a fantastic bass player she started at the age you girls did and she is still going strong at the age of 71.
That is easy: Mona and Lisa!!! Your versatility and technical skill is amazing, but even better is the deep, intuitive musical understanding you reveal in your performances. An example: I marvel every time I listen to one of your covers because without exception, I’ve enjoyed everyone of them better than the original – and that is coming from someone who previously detested covers! Each time, I try to fathom the reason, but the only way that I can express it is to say that at some very deep level, you understand the original composers intention, and you know how to pair musical elements and performance techniques with that intention to bring out the very best in the music. I didn’t say that very well but I hope that you know what I mean anyway! And your original compositions are exquisite.
Hello, Mona and Lisa! First I have to say, chai tea is my favorite. Today’s question is much harder. I have many favorites. My present favorite is, of course, Mona and Lisa Wagner. From the past, my favorite singer is Linda Ronstadt. How cruel the disease that has taken her voice away. My favorite musician from the past, because I am mainly a guitar player, is Eric Clapton. Though I do not agree with his politics or viewpoints, he was the best player back in the day when I started playing guitar. But Mona and Lisa are my forever favorites! And Lisa, I recognize in your guitar playing something that only a few guitar players do. When you play a note and then zoom it up or down the neck, which I think is so cool. And Eric Clapton is one who did that as well.
You
re definitely one of my favourite bands, but if i have to name a number one, it would have to be John Lennon, far from a perfect guy i know, but someone who meant a lot to me growing up, loving his personal songs and his views on things were important to me. Im one of those wholl always remember where i was, when i was told hed been killed.I think for me it would have to be Jools Holland. So versatile, he can play any style and brings the piano alive in ways no one else can. Amazing musician.
Tom Petty – because his music was influenced bei the great sound of the 60s. He played with great musicians such as George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan.
Sorry for my bad English on Day 8. My translator was ill????. I wanted to say:
Froschschenkel: Rings um meine Heimatstadt kein Frosch mehr seine Schenkel hat…. (Bitte nicht so ernst nehmen????)
For me, it’s always been the whole production and I’ve never been very big on instrumentals without voices. My favorites in the past have always been because of their voices, and the blending of Mona and Lisa’s beautiful voices made them my favorite to listen to, hands down.
But the question was “Who is your favorite musician and why?” My favorite musician is Lisa – she makes her guitars sing. One of my favorite videos is the 2013 “Johnny B. Goode” live video – you were that good eight years ago. Mona would be a close second – she seems to be able to play almost anything and play it well. Perhaps this talent was inherited from Papa Rudi; he plays a fine piano along with a lot of other instruments. And Michaela also played well in the first live band album – what a talented family!
I think sometimes Mona and Lisa don’t give themselves enough credit for just how good they really are.
People as talented as they are can’t give themselves real credit as it would stop the creativity. Such people always have to be not fully satisfied, but not overly self critical, to drive them to the next level and the next project.
We think that they are great but they know that they are good and are striving to be great.
I’ve spent ages deliberating on this but then I realised that the answer is simple. There are many musicians I am a big fan of, mainly because of them being in bands I’m a big fan of, Queen, Rush, Dire Straits etc. and obviously MLT.
I am into Reina del Cid, Josh Turner and Toni Lindgren and several of their band, plus Mary Spender, and sponsor them all on Patreon, which suggests that I must like them too. None of them are technically the greatest guitarists, vocalists or whatever, or have even written the best songs ever, but you have not asked that.
Surely the answer has to be who I listen to most, and that’s you ladies & Reina.
It has to be Paul McCartney – the first music I can remember hearing was The Beatles, With The Beatles, in 1964 and from there he has been a constant in my musical life. Just bought his The Lyrics books.
There are a lot of favourite musicians for me.The MonaLisa Twins are certainly between them!! When I look at You playing and singing it looks as if its a piece of cake. But I know that that is not the case. I have tried several times to play an instrument but stopped just as quickly. Besides the twins i really like Melody Gardot, Dobet Gnahore and Morgan James.
My favorite band has to be Mona Lisa Twins. Their voices are heavenly, their harmonies angelic. They both can play fantastically, Mona especially on drums and Lisa especially on guitar. Plus they’re amazing young ladies. They’ve been my favorites for years.
Favorite musician is Paul McCartney. Not to spoil Get Back documentary but watching him play and seeing how magic music just pops from his head is incredible – so gifted.
As a guitarist who played lead back in the day, I loved all the guitar solos on the Steely Dan albums. I played more like Elliot Randall in Reelin’ In The Years. The best though was probably Larry Carlton who played the solo on Kid Charlemagne. A true natural on the fretboard.
Avril Ramona Lavigne has been a singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor I’ve been following since her debut with Complicated a sort of skate punk rock tune which was quite different from what was on the market in 2002. She’s a brilliant guitarist and I have a couple of her concerts on dvd. She was a bit under the water after she was diagnosed with lyme disease in 2014. She is her own and decide what she wants to record not the record company. Attached a picture of Avril
Hello Leif,
I also really like her music. I discovered Avril Lavigne some years before and now have three albums by her. She expresses very big emotions with her music and her voice. She stands out pleasantly from the musical monotony that has been produced in recent years.
I’ve found a couple of things on the net like interviews if you’re interested. Send a pm on twitter to Leif Mortensen@hoergren
Hello Ladies,
What a cool and Thoughtful gift!
The signed Drum Head would be center piece on someone’s wall. Perhaps they could incorporate a special border around the drum head to hang on The wall.
A very special gift indeed!
As far as a favorite musician, its hard to choose when they are twins. Can’t show any favoritism. Ones first instrument is a guitar and the others first instrument are the drums.
(You might know them.)
They complement each other so well, and their angelic harmonies are breathtaking. Their original song writing in the style of 60s backbeat shows how you can be successful in today’s market. I think the best thing about them is they have done it their own way without any of the big name labels or demands that so many have on them in today’s entertainment music market.
Genius by anyone’s view.
You probably have figured out that its the MonaLisa Twins.
If I was made to pick someone outside of yourselves it most likely would be Terry Kath from Chicago. Gone much too soon, but the mark and influence he had and still has on musicians is incredible. Listen to 25 or 6 to 4 sometime and listen for the 3 time measures that change during the song. Terry was fixing to leave Chicago and start another group at the time of his death. His legacy and influence will not be forgotten.
Thanks ladies for a genuine and wide ranging subject.
Rick.
Hi Mona and Lisa:
Wow what a contrast from the yucky “Old Feet” tea to todays wonderful Chai tea, one of my favourites. Love the Chai Teas they serve at the East Indian restaurants.
Those drum covers, used in your music I think will be very special. Will have a very lucky winner tomorrow.
My favourite musician, well there can only be Mona and Lisa Wagner! The Duo Sessions really highlighted for me your powerful musicianship skills. It’s not about the blazing speed that so many well know youtube musicians can do, amazing the audience. It’s with the feeling, emotion, and passion you both play with. I’ve seen many covers of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”, and some very good ones, but your Duo Session cover, no one can hold a candle to yours. Your playing sends shivers, and then when you both start singing and harmonizing! You leave everyone else in the dust. Absolutely breathtaking! ???? ???? ???? ???? ????
You remind me of another musician I really like, and that is Glenn Gould (a Canadian pianist). He is the Gold Standard when it comes to modern Bach keyboard performances. I’ve listened to many Bach pieces played by great famous pianists, but when Glenn Gould does Bach, it’s special like none other. Glenn’s genius is his natural ability to interpret what Bach tried to convey in his music. Very much like how your covers are so special and so many of us feel are better than the originals. Glenn Gould’s playing is different, and like none other. It’s amazing the keyboard music as written on paper is the same, but all the nuances in his playing, the way he lets off the keys, the tempo, the delay, how long he holds a note, how he applies the dampers, the way he moves between the notes etc, etc make up for a unique and special experience I find no other pianist can do as well as he can, especially with Bach that he seems to have a special connection with.
Here is just a sampling of Glenn Gould doing Bach
https://youtu.be/Yp_NnnvrZO8
BTW, I notice I count starting with my left pinky, and the move onto my right hand starting with my right pinky. I don’t know if that is a North American thing or I’m just weird! ????
Very beautiful piece of music Jung. Have I ever mentioned that I should study Bach and Beethoven in more detail? 🙂 I never know where to start. There are now so many CDs of Bach and Beethoven available, countless musicians who have played and interpreted them. Difficult. I don’t know how to find my way around.
Hi Jurgen. I know it can be daunting as Bach and Beethoven have such a huge repertoire of works.
For Bach, I recommend Glenn Gould playing The Well Tempered Clavier Book 1. All of Bach’s Piano Concertos are great too.
For Beethoven, check out his Piano Concerto No 5, all 3 movements. This got me into classical. And then there are his solo 32 Piano Sonatas. Piano Sonatas No 14 (Moonlight), No 8, 17, 23, 26 are a great place to start. Some great Beethoven pianists I like are Alfred Brendel, Murray Perahia, Claudio Arrau, Wilhelm Kempff, Ashkanazy, Arthur Rubinstein etc..
Bachs Well Tempered Clavier Books 1 and 2, and Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas together are considered the old testament and new testament of piano.
Hope that helps a little in deciding where to start. ???? Thanks for asking.
Thanks. Then I know where to start looking.
My favorite musicians are the MonaLisa twins. You are so down to earth and funny, not to mention fab musicians!
I think the most talented musician I ever saw was Neil Peart from Rush. I worked on the music video for “Time Stand Still” back in 1987 and was absolutely blown away by his drumming. He was a true gentleman as well and gave me a set of his drumsticks to give to a friend who was a Rush fanatic.
Apart from yourselves MLT my favourite and very underrated musician and song writer would have to be George Harrison. Great guitarist who wrote some great songs.
PS Thank you to Philip and Michael for the lovely comments on yesterday’s posts.
Well, besides you all…, I will have to say a tie between Alan Frew /Sam Reid from Glass Tiger, Alan’s songwriting and his vocals are magic for me while Sam Reid does his magic on puano/keyboards and years ago had produced a nature series of CDs called “Sanctuary ” that blended his piano/keyboards with nature sounds… Of course, I have those CDs, you may want to Google Sam Reid / Sanctuary series CDs for more info, etc … I do like alot of different musicians, but really, for today’s time besides you all Glass Tiger stand out for me but I do enjoy many from years past who are no longer Earthly with us, that for me, were gifted in their musicianship craft … ????
John Entwistle is my pick, His instrumental approach used pentatonic lead lines and a treble rich sound. He was the backbone of The Who, Voted best bass player of all time by Rolling Stone readers poll in 2011. he also learned to play trumpet ,french horn and piano
Difficult to answer, present company excepted.
And difficult to chose just one. So here are a few
Hank Marvin grew up listening to him and Shadows and it was he that got me wanting to play Guitar.
Mike Oldfield multi talented instrumentalist. Played all instruments on Tubular Bells recording.
Eric Clapton. Do you really want to know why?
Phil Collins again I think thats obvious.
Arielle if you haven’t heard of her you should check her out. A great guitarist among other things. And she has a lot in common with you and your love of the Beatles and that era.
Tony Banks (of Genesis). An amazing keyboardist and composer
My favourite musician? Quite simply, the beatle as such: 8 hands, 4 voices, 3 guitars and a drum kit. No other musician manages to use that at the same time.
There are so many but to mention few Bruce Springsteen as a singer, guitarist and live performer. Steven Wilson is great too. From drummers I have to pick Bill Bruford and Mike Portnoy.
I love Joni Mitchell. Her album Blue was the first one I listened to from beginning to end when I was about twelve years old and it changed my life.
MLT are the best duo in the 21st Century. Amazing harmonies, originals and covers. Talented musicians. Most importantly, a ray of beauty and sunshine in this mad mad world.
As Phil Collins was my favourite singer he also has to be my favourite musician (ties in quite nicely with the drumhead giveaway too) The backbone of Genesis for many years and one of the worlds greats! (David Gilmour is a close 2nd in both categories to be fair) ????