We rank our Favourite 5 Progressive Rock Keyboard Players

[@worldline7147]

IMO, Keith Emerson is the prog rock keyboard player (and composer) GOAT. Clearly in a class by himself.

[@PointyTailofSatan]

I've been a classical organist for 40 years, and I can tell you that both artistically, and technically, Emerson was the Secretariat of rock keyboards. I mean, it's not even close. His ability to transcribe classical works to prog rock was genius. Robert Moog adored him. The jazz great Oscar Peterson loved his music.

[@stargate1555]

Keith Emerson on the keyboard is technologically a musical savant. No argument there. Interestingly, the incredibly talented Rachel Flowers almost does Keith Emerson better than Keith Emerson. Regarding the other progressive rock keyboardists, that's a subjective topic. I enjoy the style and complexity of Tony Banks melodies immensely, yet I would never compare him to Keith. [ the apples to oranges thingy ] I admire the musical style of Rick Wakeman because of his mastery of keyboard chord change techniques. As far as progressive "hard rock" keyboardists.......Jon Lord is the man. As a child, I joined my church choir, not because I could sing, but because I wanted to be closer to the mesmerizing church organ pipes behind the choir loft. That was when my dream was completely fulfilled. 60 years later I have 5 keyboards (Yamaha synthesizer, Mellotron M4000D, Roland piano, Steinway piano, and a Wurlitzer organ and I rock out every day. Of course I'm familiar with Robert Moog and Walter/Wendy Carlos for making his equipment famous. I'm going to look into Oscar Peterson.........haven't heard of him....until your post. Thanks for your posting your comment.

[@Mike__G]

Emerson was the Franz Liszt of rock.

[@theyak7912]

Nice comparison Mike!

[@stargate1555]

Holy moly. What a gift to keyboards Oscar Peterson displays. Thanks again for the heads up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnTVo41ng9N2q68

[@icdgyixify99]

@@stargate1555 Oscar was the greatest jazz pianist ever. You can find youtube footage of him with Joe Pass on guitar.

[@josealbinogoncalvesfilho7722]

Kerry Minear...Gentle Giant ❤

[@gj8683]

Kerry is definitely in my top 5 as an all-around great player and inventive composer and arranger. He just doesn't get the attention that the others have had due to publicity. Not everyone can handle Gentle Giant music as easily as Yes or ELP.

[@brianfergus839]

Absolutely! You beat me to it 👍

[@timwinter7518]

His composing skills were amazing.

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

He could play the keys. The cello. The vibes. His solos on Funny Ways were electrifying in performance. He could sing-he was the band’s softer voice. But his keyboard playing…almost unimaginably good!

[@PointyTailofSatan]

Oddly, one keyboardist who rarely gets mentioned in lists of great rock keyboardists is Rod Argent. No less than Rick Wakeman considered Rod's solo in the extended version of Hold Your Head Up as one of the great rock solos of all time. The only problem with Rod's group was they tended to stick to short "radio friendly" songs, which limited the time Rod has to solo.

[@joerg6908]

Truer words were never spoken.👍

[@kratino]

That song is perfect, and the keys are perfect. Just reading the name of the song gives me goosebumps.

[@edljnehan2811]

​@@kratinohi pumpkin. And here I thought I was the only one that gave you Goosebumps. Hahaha

[@marklockey4434]

Keith Emerson once stated that Rod Argent was his favourite rock keyboard player.

[@riftwytch]

Emerson is at the top of my list, with Wakeman a close second. I had heard Lucky Man for quite a while on the radio, but didn't know who did it. Then my cousin brought Brain Salad Surgery over, and it was an epiphany. I was also impressed (I was probably about 13 at the time) that Emerson used the same model of Hammond I have. Jon Lord was also one of my favorites and influences.

[@gozieboy3899]

Amazing how many of us old fahts, now in our late 60s, had the same epiphany when we first fired up BSS -- from all over the world. Me just a farm boy from Oklahoma. I think Keith was on to something big...! 😂

[@KrystofDreamJourney]

The exact same here. Emerson, Wakeman, Jobson, Banks, Wright... I would also add (into any prog-rock discussions) a phenomenal group Kansas for various instruments categories, songwriting. For me, Kansas is in the same room with Yes, Jethro Tull, ELP, U.K., Genesis... perhaps a little bit different stylistics, but similar virtuosity, attention to detail, impeccable arrangements, interesting time signatures all over, wonderful compositions, dynamics and great live performances. Great overall group.

[@emdotambient]

I have to big up Peter Bardens from Camel. He's rarely mentioned, but his ability to integrate, augment, and double up with Andy Latimer's guitar work was flawless. He was not a flashy showman, though he was superbly talented. He had a great melodic sensibility and always seemed to do the right thing in the right amount, whether on organ, piano, Minimoog, or string ensemble. His synth solos were always beautiful. And--being a bit unconventional here--I'd put David Greenfield of The Stranglers way up there as well. I know most people would classify The Stranglers as punk, but they were such an outsider group, often being excluded from both punk and prog, and they did have a heavy dose of prog influence, using odd time signatures and, indeed, including a keyboardist at all. As prog writer Ben Myers once wrote, "The Stranglers’ first two albums featured tricky time signatures, a four-part musical suite, and songs that clocked in at more than seven minutes long." And Greenfield's keyboard style is often compared to Ray Manzarek who probably should be seen as the progenitor of prog keyboard playing.

[@chassetterfield9559]

Interesting that you twice reviewed Keith Emerson, and yet not once even mentioned The Nice, where he first developed his theme of mashing 'classical' music with a rock band.

[@theyak7912]

Hi Chas, I’m in the process of preparing two videos on Emerson. The first will definitely contain commentary on The Nice and Emerson’s role in that band. Cheers, Tom

[@edljnehan2811]

​@@theyak7912I've seen it it's really an awesome video. Waiting for part 2.

[@theyak7912]

@@edljnehan2811 Thank you. I’m still working on the script for Part 2, and am looking forward to make a start on recording it soon

[@edljnehan2811]

@@theyak7912 thanks part 1 blew me away. I left a very favorable comment in the comments section of that video.

[@theyak7912]

Hello again, I've just uploaded Part 2. Thank you again!

[@4absentfriends]

Prog bands with great keyboardist : PFM, Camel, Refugee, Gentle Giant & Transatlantic to name a handful. Rick Wakeman is the best (IMHO).

[@marciopainhas5828]

Great show! Congrats! I've been a prog-rock fan for almost 50 years... My picks: 1- Rick Wakeman (the GOAT) 2- Keith Emerson 3- Rick Wright 4- Tony Banks 5- John Lord Honorable mention: Martin Orford (IQ), Dave Greenfield (Stranglers), Kerry Minnear (Gentle Giant), Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Dave Greenslade (Greenslade), Tony Kaye (Yes), Don Airey (Deep Purple), Rick Davies (Supertramp). Greetings from Brazil!

[@VeganChefRon]

Thank you for including the most underrated prog group, IQ. Criminally underappreciated. 2 of my top 10 albums of all time as a prog fan since '72: Dark Matter & Road of Bones, both true masterpieces.

[@rubinkatz9850]

Emerson and Wakeman - great number 1s

[@martinhayward4466]

Jethro Tull's John Evan's work on TAAB and Passion Play is exceptional.

[@gateroozeink5061]

I rarely hear his name when discussing best keyboardists, but you are absolutely correct!

[@Dolores5000]

Agreed

[@icdgyixify99]

I bet that nobody mentions Dave Greenslade. He was one of the best and probably the only vibraphone player.

[@williamsoltes1658]

Great choices! Emerson's innovative and mind blowing works will be taught in universities 200 years from now, much like Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart are taught today. Like many, I will always remember the utter SHOCK of hearing Emerson play for the first time (Tarkus). He was a true game changer. Thank you guys. Once again, all great choices.

[@theyak7912]

Hey William, yes, without doubt Emerson was incredible. Thank you for dropping by

[@edljnehan2811]

Well put my friend. Yes it will he is the bach Beethoven and Mozart of our era. That's something Rick Wakeman could never aspire to. And that's the difference between the two. Actually vanleer of focus could also be put in that description.

[@claudio130]

I’m going to mix things a little outside of pure prog rock to include a couple of brilliant keyboardists that I think should be included: 1. Keith Emerson, 2. Rick Wakeman (although they could be interchangeable), 3. Jon Lord, 4. Chick Corea, 5. Tony Banks. Honorable mentions Hugh Banton, Mark Kelly, Richard Barbieri, Richard Wright

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

#1 without any doubt is Keith Emerson. What he composed, how he played, his pioneering use of synths, playing 2 different things at the same time is incredible. He's not one of the best - he is THE BEST. #2 Rick Wakeman. I find his solo work better than his work in Yes, but his work in Yes is excellent. #3 Jurgen Fritz - Triumvirat. Excellent musician, good composer #4 Tony Banks - Good player, writes good material, interesting chord progressions and sequences #5 Kerry Minnear - Gentle Giant, good player, has mastery of contrapuntal, harmonies, voicing Also want to mention: John Tout - Renaissance. Classically trained, added wonderful color to their music. Like ELP, the keyboards provided the main melody lines during the instrumental sections Now, must mention one of my favorite keyboardists - Jon Lord. Obviously known as being a founding member of Deep Purple. His stamp is very noticeable on the Mark 1 version which can be considered prog. But, he showed that one can merge classical and rock with works such as the Concerto for Group and Orchestra, Gemini Suite, Sarabande. Later on in his life, he wrote orchestral works. I would place him at #2, but this is about prog and some would chafe that he is known for hard rock. But, imo, he is the best Hammond player because he employed the legato technique which many players do not. Back in the 70s, it was generally accepted that the top3 were Emerson, Lord and Wakeman. It was these 3 and then everyone else. These 3 gents are my top 3. Good choice of Jobson.

[@guidosarducci209]

Respectfully, there's no way you could legitimately keep Keith Emerson out of the #1 slot. He plays rings around all the others, and his compositions were genre-bending and complex.

[@Truthasvictim]

Kerry Minnear of Gentle Giant has to be mentioned too I think.

[@brianfergus839]

Absolutely! You beat me to it 👍

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

I saw Minnear live twice. He might be the most talented musician I’ve ever seen.

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

Yes!!

[@rosskendall3310]

Oh, totally agree. But, I guess they can't mention all the greats in one video. Two of my favorites are Vincent Crane and the keyboardist from the group, Ekseption. I consider both Steve Walsh and Kerry Livgren as exceptional keyboardists, too.

[@simonjones8111]

Great choices, and glad to see Richard Wright getting in. I would put Kerry Minnear in somewhere- perhaps a joint 4th?

[@eduardoOlima]

Hello hard times to do this 5 choices only, but I'll include John Tout of Renaissance. He seems tô bem totally underrated. Most of time only playing a piano he was incredible

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

You are absolutely correct. I saw them warm up for Steve Hackett. The guy is a classical virtuoso, and most people don't know it.

[@RichusRkr]

Renaisssance is/was an AMAZING band. I just discovered them 50 years late

[@chadbennett7873]

John Tout was basically an orchestra on stage. Incredibly talents and passionate in his playing, his right hand was most frequently on the piano and his left on whatever he would use for the orchestral sounds, synths primarily. I was deeply hurt when of heard of his passing.

[@topcat43truffles15]

Thank You for bringing up John Tout. I rank him right up there with Kieth and Rick. His orchestral arrangements with Renaissance were awesome. He never got the recognition because Annie and Jon got all the attention. But John gave them the rug to stand on, letting them shine. I have a photo buried somewhere of John and Me from after one of Renaissances performances in NYC…. Treasured memories of seeing Kieth, Rick and John in their prime….warm the heart. 👍🏻❤️🍻😎

[@eduardoOlima]

@@topcat43truffles15 this is great, JT seems to be a very discrete person, Lucky you!😀. I keep on thinking why never a solo album. Great Band, great musicians

[@frankschwenck7574]

RIP Keith Emerson you are the greatest

[@MegaCraptacular]

Jurgen Fritz from Triumvirat not mentioned? Fight me!

[@edljnehan2811]

Hans Jurgen Fritz is always on my top 10. He absolutely idolized Keith Emerson. I guess that's obvious

[@escommentss]

Imagine Emerson playing mellotrons?!? I wish he would have in the early days but his later works with ELP definitely had their symphonic moments, from Works including Pirates and the absolutely sublime Piano Concerto No. 1, Black Moon's Romeo and Juliet along with Changing States! And we must not forget his work with Greg Lake and Cozy Powell! Some symphonic masterpieces on that album from the Score to Holst's Mars, The Bringer of Wars! Even Brain Salad Surgery, even though he didn't emulate symphonic instruments on that album, the arrangements for Piano, Synths, and Hammond Organ where still done in a symphonic way! I believe Emerson's uniqueness, compositional skills coupled with his astounding technique put him levels above any of his contemporaries with Jobson and Maraz a close second IMO. I mean, he composed a Fugue (Endless Enigma) comparable to something Bach would have written for goodness sakes! I do love Mr. Wakeman and Mr. Banks as well!

[@SRV2013]

Keith Emerson played the Mellotron with the Nice, and attempted to use the Mellotron in order to perform Abaddon's Bolero. A few bootlegs of this failed attempt exist.

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

If you listen to the orchestral version of Ginastera's Toccata and then ELP's, it is amazing how very very close those 3 duplicated what an entire orchestra did. Astonishing.

[@escommentss]

@@SRV2013 I have seen those videos of Abaddon's Bolero. On Trilogy, I'm pretty sure he's stacking monophonic moog tracks to create the orchestration. He used the Mellotron to try and preform it live which I understand was hit or miss. My point is he didn't actually write parts for Mellotron in any of his compositions the way that some of his contemporaries, such as Rick Wakeman and Tony Banks. That's what I would have loved to hear!

[@TakeABox1ThatRocks]

Did you ever see the Abaddon's Bolero Video from 1973. Keith was not using the mellotron, but surprisingly Greg did. 😮 I never new Greg was playing keys at ELP times.

[@edljnehan2811]

​@@TakeABox1ThatRocksI was going to mention that you beat me to it

[@presentmomentmusic2023]

Eddie Jobson also played with Frank Zappa and Roxy Music. Definitely an uber-talented musician and composer. Emerson far and away gets my vote for #1. His compositions, playing, showmanship, and Moog Modular put him head and shoulders above the rest...the Jimi Hendrix of Electronic Keyboards.

[@chadbennett7873]

I love that Martin Orford was included. So frequently overlooked because many people have not heard IQ or Jadis. He was remarkable playing for John Wetton's solo tours. There are so many good ones, but I would include Tuomas Holopainen, Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, Martin Orford and Mark Kelly in my list, in no particular order. They'll all incredible. Not a fan of Banks, because his ego eats the stage and basically broke up the Gabriel era Genesis. Technically, he's good, he's just a power freak. Also love Jim Johnston of Comedy of Errors. Eddie Jobson is amazing, plus adds violin to any band for which he plays. Loved him in Jethro Tull. Clive Nolan is also amazing, love everything he does. And of course, Jordan Rudess, who is a true wizard. It's hard to argue against any of these guys, and it's always a matter of taste. Some people have it and others don't. Calm down, I'm just kidding. But it is a matter of taste, what songs you like and what styles you appreciate the most. It's like any type of art ... you like it or you don't, and some you like better than others. Cheers!

[@theyak7912]

Hi Chad, I've just uploaded a video on Jobson if interested. Tom

[@TheLastOilMan]

Great commentary guys , all greats in their own right

[@theyak7912]

Thank you Mike!

[@domofswitch]

Guys this was Fabulous! You are Great together & your perceptions Thrilling! My pick is Tony. His orchestral albums required listening. Keep up The Great work!

[@theyak7912]

Hi Joe, thank you so much!

[@rhayadergenesis]

Saw IQ live recently, love them. They're as great as ever. But Orford's absence is definitely noticable. Neil Durant is a great replacement and he really knows how to create atmospheres fitting to their sound. Just had some big shoes to step into! Great video guys, look forward to seeing more!

[@buckminster1579]

Gotta shout out Eddie Jobson's brilliant keyboard playing for Metamorphosis by Curved Air. I believe he was only 17 when he played in that song

[@alaska_uk1303]

16 actually.

[@johnmorris8799]

Saw him play that live with them in Bray (Ireland) in 74 or 75 I think, he had not long taken over from Darryl Way 😊

[@domofswitch]

@@johnmorris8799 Eddie is The Most. Lucky You for that!

[@theyak7912]

Hi guys, thank you for commenting here. I’ve just uploaded a video on Jobson if interested. Tom

[@FundamentalsUK]

Great call. Martin Orford, a great composer and player, met him a few times, when he was playing with IQ and John Wetton 👍🏻

[@QHarefield]

Thank you both for that. Great fun! I am delighted to see Rick Wright in there, even though he was not virtuosic. There is more to good music than virtuosity (as you both realise). Thanks again.

[@theyak7912]

Hi 'Q' you make a great point here. The ranking we gave was for our 'favourite' keyboard players not based on virtuosity alone. These were our Top 5 picks on the day of filming, and it was hard to limit the number to just 5 each. Our rankings might be slightly different today but I still love Wright's sound and melodic style. Cheers, Tom

[@runedahl1477]

I would have added Jordan Rudess of dream theater to the list.😊

[@danielethier2015]

Without a doubt!!

[@davidjones5547]

I wholeheartedly concur.

[@SlamMasterPickleball]

The "Yamaha CS80" you pictured was actually the Yamaha CS60 model. Very entertaining guys. My list Keith Emerson Rick Wakeman Eddie Jobson Gordon G.G. Gebert (ANGEL) ;-)

[@theyak7912]

Hi Slam, yes you are correct. I inserted the wrong image. Well done!

[@TechGently]

I caught that too I bought my CS80 for only $99. Granted it was the VST version lol. Yamaha was also nice enough to feature some CS80 sounds in their Yamaha MODX hardware synth of which I'm delighted to own as well.

[@theyak7912]

Hi Slam, I've just uploaded a video on Jobson if interested, which also has a short segment on the CS80. Tom

[@edljnehan2811]

I need to give Brian Auger an honorable mention. Keith Emerson loved his playing.

[@MrKennyanders]

Tony Banks is my guy but, as a kid I wore out "Journey to the Center of the Earth" by Rick Wakeman.

[@williamsporing1500]

Wakeman, Emerson, lord, banks, argent…..Rudess, Wright…..

[@MaxHoukes]

Rachel Flowers

[@dragonsifunc]

All of these comments an no one mentions the incomparable Steve Walsh?

[@birage9885]

I think the keyboard player for Gentle Giant is superb, and under-appreciated. Kerry Minear, not only on keyboards, but like the rest of his band, excellent on other instruments as well.

[@awaken77]

Kerry Minnear is great, I love his harmonies and choice of sounds, he also plays cello in acoustic compositions

[@smitlag]

70s-80s 1) Kerry Minear overall musicianship, counterpoint, independence of hands, multi instrumentalist 2) Eddie Jobson-incredible chops, sounds, ability to stand toe to toe with jazz virtuosos 3) Tony Banks- totally unique writing style, unusual but amazing chord progressions, great soundscapes 4) Ton Scherpenzeel- absolute best melody writer, great soundscapes 5) Keith Emerson- great independence between hands, great showmanship, early pioneer of using the Moog, 6) Rick Wakeman- beautiful piano style, great showman, probably inspired more keyboardist than anyone

[@edljnehan2811]

Number 6 copied off of number 5 and is nowhere near as good. Number five should be number one. Now add vanleer from Focus and overall you have a pretty good list.

[@smitlag]

@edljnehan2811 it wasn't necessary a who is better list as each guy brought a different dynamic to the table. I, however, still stand with Minear as number 1. As a total musician. He was another Royal Academy graduate. Here is a player with great chops on several instruments, timing that is second to no one as well as complete hand independence. His music was musicans music. I have seen classical composers that are particularly wowed with Gentle Giant's music. He just wasn't as showy as Emerson. I agree with you with regard to Wakeman. My problem with Keith was one. His technique was a bit sloppy. I have heard that he was self-taught largely. Had he been trained, however, by a good classical teacher, he may have gone on to be a concert pianist. But in truth, when you play standing arms stretched out from one keyboard to another, jump around on stage stabbing your organ, playing backward, you are not in proper position to execute good technique. I think he paid for that later in life with his hand problems. Keith brought a lot to the table in terms of ragtime, some jazzier elements, and an appreciation for more modern composers. He also did things you often hear in the classical piano technique. His use of his left hand and his complete hand independence is something many keyboard players don't develop. Most guys start out as piano players and are hamstrung by the usual role of the left hand as an accompaniment hand. If you really love Emerson, you'd enjoy the Cairo band of the 90s. Keyboardist named Mark Robertson. Great performer, but I have no idea what he is doing now. As for the Focus player Van Leer, I have never heard much of his work. I do own one or two Focus albums. Jan Akkerman is an incredible guitarist, and I followed his work to this day. Here is a man that plays it all from classical lute solos to fusion jazz, swing, bebop, blues, you name it. Focus was a rather short-lived band. It's ashamed they didn't get more well known here in the states. Kayak is another such great Dutch band. But due to a fear of flying, they are unknown outside of Europe.

[@edljnehan2811]

@@smitlag okay kayak are known in the US especially in the Midwest where I'm from. They got plenty of AirPlay in the 70s on aor progressive rock stations like KSHE in St Louis. Now onto Focus. Focus have been around since 1969 and are still playing in one form or another today. They only had one hit Hocus Pocus that really got any airplay here in the states outside of some tracks getting early 1970s airplay on those same underground progressive rock aor FM radio stations. Do yourself a favor as you do sound knowledgeable Google Focus Live & rare and you'll immediately be treated to all the early seventies Focus videos featuring of course the great Jan akkerman who next to Jeff Beck is my favorite guitarist. Now to mr. Emerson I really don't even know where to start so I guess I'll say he was even a favorite amongst well-known classical and jazz musicians. I spoke to a lady I knew who played with the st. Louis Symphony Orchestra and she even told me how in the classical world he was the only real rock musician that garnered any respect. Don't forget that his group the nice started progressive rock which means he started progressive rock. Don't forget his expertise on the module Moog synthesizer which is extremely hard to master and that also he introduced it to the masses in rock concerts for the first time. No one else has done that certainly not mr. Wakeman. His piano concerto off of The Works vol 1 album was even played on classical radio where it received praise from people such as Leonard Bernstein. Dance stretching hands between two organs routine you talk about is extremely hard to do and if you notice most keyboardist don't do it as it requires your brain to work in many different directions. No Keith Emerson was not classically trained it's pretty much accepted he is or was a savant. Pretty much a musical genius. Yes he was over-the-top in his Showmanship with the daggers and the flying piano routine but that was just part of what Rock audiences wanted back then to fill stadiums and arenas. No different than Pete Townshend smashing his guitar are Keith Moon destroying his drum kit or Jimi Hendrix lighting his guitar on fire. Emerson just took the same thing to the keyboards while also playing the instrument backwards, laying on his back and even facing away from the yard and his self and actually playing. No musical buffoonery involved here he was actually performing some pretty awesome keyboard work. You sound knowledgeable however I think you need to go back to school where Keith Emerson is involved. Why do you think he's called God on the keyboards? Why do you think all of these people worship Him and consider him the greatest? You read the comments see for yourself. I hope you're not stupid. Now one final note Google that Focus and watch the Great t. Vanleer. You won't be disappointed. I'm no kid I've been into this type of music since the 60s. So I repeat Google Focus Live & rare I believe the videos cover the years 1970 to 1976 in the studio and on the concert stage.

[@edljnehan2811]

@@smitlag PS who the hell is Kerry minear? Hahaha

[@smitlag]

@edljnehan2811 please tell me you are not serious. Gentle Giant wrote probably some of the most intricate progressive music ever created back at that time. It definitely wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but there is no dispute over the talent of these guys. Every member of that band played several instruments. Kerry played keyboards, cello, guitar, pitched percussion, recorders, and occasionally sang as well.

[@thomasrichmond2413]

Maybe not the greatest, but deserving of mention are Dave Stewart from Egg & Bruford and Francis Monkman of Curved Air 801 live and Sky

[@deanevangelista6359]

Dave Stewart is quite innovative. He may be the first to use a fuzz and wah wah on a Hammond organ. Egg, Hatfield and the North, National Health, etc., Stewart is the king of the Canterbury keyboardists.

[@stephanevilleneuve9450]

🤘🏻👍🤩Of course, I'm not surprised that talented musicians such as Rick Wakeman, Tony Banks and Keith Emerson top the charts. I believe the value of your rankings is more of your choices that come with them. And choosing Clive Nolan, Martin Orford and especially Eddie Jobson shows that you have a taste for the virtuosos of their instruments, but above all for composers of great talent.

[@carlosespindola496]

Clive Nolan! Great choice. Riding the Tide is awesome.

[@rsqyoung]

Clive Nolan Brilliant.

[@adamjacksonmedia]

Before I watch this... Eddie Jobson is incredible... his work in Curved Air (the piano on Metamorphosis!! 😲)... UK... and Jethro Tull are spectacular. Speaking of Tull... John Evan and Dee (formerly Dave) Palmer are both remarkable. John Evans is the reason why Thick as a Brick is so incredible... And Dee Palmer made Songs From The Wood as masterpiece. Rick Wakeman is constantly playing in my car. Rick Wakeman part of my DNA. Don Airey also MUST be mentioned. Keith Emerson is magnificent. Geoff Downs played on Yes Drama... one of my favourite prog albums. Jordan Rudess is the next generation of progressive keyboard players. And we can't overlook Richard Wright. To narrow it down to 5 is impossible.

[@theyak7912]

Hi Adam, I absolutely love Jobson and both UK albums. Thanks for making your comment!

[@theyak7912]

Hi Adam, I've just uploaded a video on Jobson if interested. Tom

[@adamjacksonmedia]

@@theyak7912 1000% Thank you!!

[@theyak7912]

@@adamjacksonmedia You're welcome

[@zootallures6470]

Dave Stewart of Arzachel, Egg, Khan, Hatfield and the North, National Health, Bruford is the most underrated keyboard player of all times. _Hatfield and the North: Dreams Wide Awake_ is one of his finest moments.

[@michaelrandle8316]

No mention of Patrick Moraz? While I understand that he may only get mention here because of Relayer, however I have been exposed to his solo work, as well as his mid-80s collaboration with Bill Bruford. An amazing and unique talent this man is. What say you.

[@SurlySteve1]

I also got my going for the one program signed by the band in glasgow at the Albany hotel. I asked Jon for his Egyptian Ankh earring. Never got it lol.

[@Relayer6a]

Emerson at #3 is criminal. While it's hard to rate guys this good, he's got to be #1 objectively and possibly #2 to Wakeman subjectively if you simply like Yes better than ELP.

[@guidosarducci209]

"...like Yes better than ELP" -> in an alternate universe, maybe.

[@Relayer6a]

@@guidosarducci209 Well Father, I do believe that Yes sold more albums than ELP. So, there are people who like Yes better. Personally, I think it's impossible to objectively rank any of them. It's like 2 different bottles of fine wine. Just enjoy them both.

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

@@Relayer6a Both bands, both players, wonderful. How lucky were we to be here at this time?

[@kathyratino962]

@@Relayer6a Wakeman didn’t drive all of those album sales. He wasn’t even there for some of those albums. Emerson was not only there for every album, he wrote most of the material.

[@Relayer6a]

@@kathyratino962 I have no idea what your point is. I said objectively Emerson is #1. If you can't accept that some people might like Wakeman or Yes better than ELP then that's on you noy anything I said.

[@AlexandersLostTomb]

The keyboard parts of Awaken were written and initially performed by Moraz. After the song was complete, he was ousted. Wakeman didn't write the pipe organ masterpiece, Moraz did, but Wakeman tracked it on the record. At least that's the story I get from Moraz on the net.

[@theyak7912]

Hi Harry, that's an interesting thought. If you have the link you're welcome to post it here. Anyway, here's an early recording of Awaken (before Wakeman) with very sparse (or deleted) keyboards by Moraz. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp3JepaEpcqbi9k Regards, Tom

[@AlexandersLostTomb]

Also, the green album by Jobson was titled ZINC. @@theyak7912

[@TechGently]

Honorable mention would be the Late Jon Lord of Deep Purple who for the first 3 albums from 68-70 Deep Purple, Shades of Deep Purple and Concerto for Group and Orchestra, had laid down some serious organ and synth work. Jon Lord would in his later years get together with Rick Wakeman to record a song, and intention was to record an album together but sadly Jon Lord passed soon after. He was fond of classical and prog but sort of laid into that genre of Hammond God in Hard Rock, Still I think he deserves a mention.

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

He's the best Hammond player in rock. He was really the only player that utilized the legato technique that is required to play the organ correctly. Most players are taught on the piano and then simply carry that technique over to the organ. I am a keyboardist. I studied classical piano. When I took harpsichord lessons, I had to totally relearn the proper, correct technique to play the harpsichord.

[@robertgoldbach5445]

@@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa And Jon Lord also played the harpsichord, in "Blind" from DP's third album. Also worth a listen is his solo work, "Sarabande", in which he added the clavier to his skill set.

[@kratino]

@@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa You have heard Keith Emerson play the Hammond, right?

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

I'll go with Classic Prog 1970s .... Rick Wakeman - Yes Tony Banks - Genesis Keith Emerson - ELP Kerry Minnear - Gentle Giant Dave Stewart - Egg/ Hatfield and the North/ National Health/ Bill Bruford ........ and many more !! Richard Wright - Pink Floyd

[@edljnehan2811]

Good now switch number one and number three and add mr. Van Lear Focus at number four and you've got a pretty decent list.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

@@edljnehan2811 Love him, but just not the same player/writter as Minnear at all, I have all of Yes and ELP from day one and for me Rick is a better all around Keyboardist !! I'll give the Showman and piano crown to Keith. But Yes did it much better also !! 🎶

[@edljnehan2811]

@@ronniefarnsworth6465 I've been listening and going to concerts since the late sixties. I saw Yes open up for Emerson Lake and Palmer in 1971. Trust me there is no comparison. Keith Emerson is the Mozart Bach Beethoven of our time. In 1 to 200 years nobody will know who Rick Wakeman is. Keith Emerson is timeless. Give vanleer of focus a chance. Google Focus Live & rare and you'll get to see early videos of the band on KZbin. Mr. Vanleer is absolutely amazing I think he is second to Emerson. Take it from an old dog who has seen all of the greats. Several times.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

@@edljnehan2811 Yup I get it I'm not going to have a silly fight on YT on how many concerts etc 100+ for me easy Btw and saw the top Prog & Rock bands many times each we Lived in the Boston area and seen everybody, My older Brother worked at a major music instrument store that the bands always stopped in, and had access to great tickets !! My first was Yes 1972' at 14' so with our friends any show within 3 hr drive we went to, Boston, Providence, Hartford, New Haven, Cape Cod, NYC. It's all good and like what you like and make your own Post list I promise you I won't tell you to change your order 1-10 I don't do that to anyone post !! Bad YT etiquette I think. 🤔✌🎶

[@edljnehan2811]

@@ronniefarnsworth6465 well I am that older brother okay and I've seen five times that many starting in the late 60s. I'm also a maestro musician. Bad KZbin etiquette? Hahaha. With all the crapola on KZbin I didn't think there was such a thing. Sounds like you need someone to take you to the potty. Hahaha hahaha

[@СтарыйМоряк-з5п]

Great choice! But Moraz also not so bad.

[@domofswitch]

Yes - Pat was not mentioned. Criminal! Likely the greatest digits of all of them..

[@leegollin4417]

I put him at #2

[@jeromeburoker1770]

How can you ignore the synth pioneer Roger Powell (Utopia)

[@davideggleston1031]

I saw Yes open for ELP in Detroit in 1972 at the East town Theater. After the show, in the parking lot, two guys got into a heated argument about who was the better keyboard player Wakeman or Emerson. In my experience, the two keyboard players that carried their bands the most in live performances were Banks and Emerson but the best total band live was always Yes.

[@edljnehan2811]

I saw the same show but in St Louis. But I'm just the opposite I think eopie blew them off the stage

[@edljnehan2811]

I think ELP blew them off the stage. Pardon the stupid mistake that Google made in the earlier comment

[@brucebrown73]

Brian Augers was amazing, but no one ever mentions him

[@edljnehan2811]

Happiness is just around the Bend. Keith Emerson loved his playing.

[@iliketowatch.]

I don't know if the genre of "prog punk" exists, but it should, solely to recognize the work of Dave Greenfield of The Stranglers. Listen to 1977's "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)" to get an idea of his talent. R.I.P. Dave Greenfield.

[@awaken77]

The Stranglers is great band, even if it's considered "punk", the music is very tasteful, and keyboard parts of Dave Greenfield are quite complex . p.s. punk-prog exists, check the band Cardiacs.

[@robertjantzen6545]

Wakeman's Scott Joplin solo in Yessongs alone crowns him.

[@kratino]

Ever heard Emerson's Maple Leaf Rag? Anyone who crowns Wakeman hasn't really heard Emerson. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ene6YmCirrKFoMk

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

Rick Wright is my favourite. It's his sounds every time

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

When you mentioned your favorite albums from Emerson, you basically mentioned all of ELP's albums, except Pictures. Funny. Oh, and you forgot Love Beach, but we can forgive that...Ha

[@theyak7912]

Hi Joseph, I actually mention Love Beach in another video, 'Our Top 10 Prog Rock Flop Albums'. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4jco4KqnZ5reMU You may be interested in viewing. Cheers

[@kratino]

@@theyak7912 But Love Beach was not a flop. It had some gorgeous work and some fine work. There were just two awful songs, Love Beach and Taste of My Love. I have always contended that Pete Sinfield must have been pissed at Greg about something to put Taste of My Love in his mouth. It's dreadful. Don't judge an album by its cover. Memoirs and Canario are both beautiful.

[@edljnehan2811]

​@@kratinoyes they are Kit Kat. I actually think if they didn't have that stupid BG's looking picture on the cover that album wouldn't have taken such a beating. What they could have done was combine some of the better songs from Works volume two and took the two Duds off of Love Beach and they would have had a pretty good album. Also like I said leave that moronic Beach Boys picture off.

[@paulbrookes413]

Treasures on that beach, but beware the quicksand 😁

[@joshuagarland1369]

The guy from Camel is good

[@alexdiaz3465]

To me there are some Italian groups PFM and Banco with some great keyboards and triunvirat, maybe if you think of ten best they will be there

[@ericwittman3]

Love the picks. ELP is my favorite band, so you know where I’m at for number 1, but Wakeman and Banks are really spectacular players.

[@kencory2476]

Kerry Minnear of Gentle Giant will pass you by. His popularity continues to grow as more KZbinrs discover Gentle Giant, and appreciate Minnear's compositional skills and incredible sonic touches.

[@TheLastOilMan]

Vitoria Nocenzi ( Banco ) Juergen Fritz, ( Triumvirat ) Dave Greenslade !

[@alaska_uk1303]

In the Eddie Jobson section the keyboard pic was a CS50 or 60, not the CS80

[@theyak7912]

Hi alaska, yes, you're correct. It was a CS60 and not the 80 I mentioned. Well picked up!

[@1lug]

And Then There Were 3 IS a prog album....everything after wasn't. I'll fight you over this.... :D

[@abwdoc]

No Jon Lord ? Many keyboard players were shocked by his solo on “Hush” (among many other incredible Hammond solos)…or his solo on “Kentucky Woman”.

[@ronniecapitanelli3729]

No Brain’r .! YES & ELP ~ 👑 Rick Wakeman 🌎 & 👑 Keith Emerson 💀

[@graylingboysalisbury]

50 years ago my only musical concern was who would win the 'Melody Maker' best keyboard player, Emerson or Wakeman. I think in 50 years time the same question will be asked, and the same debate will ensue. Obviously the right answer is Emerson but hey, Wakeman is no slouch. I thank God for being born when I was, when the rock gods walked the Earth.

[@AlbertoMartinez-ps9bv]

Emerson was the goat!!!😊

[@monkey8091]

My #1 is Brent Mydland from the Grateful Dead. Was in the band from April 1979 - July 1990

[@paranoidandroid6711]

Tony Banks of Genesis tops my list.

[@keykrazy]

Same. I think he's the most musical of all mentioned. I've always admired all the through-composed solos with solid melodies over interesting harmonic choices.

[@michaelcostner3623]

Eddie Jobson. Richard Barbieri.

[@theyak7912]

Hi Michael, I've just uploaded a video on Jobson if interested. Tom

[@thegeneraljoe67]

Would love to see this great drummer form a super band with Charles Berthoud on bass- John Petrucci on guitar- Dino Jelusic for Vocals - Jordan Rudesss on Keyboards . THIS WOULD BE SOOOOO DAMN COOL 😮

[@moogymiss]

Eddie Jobson.Steve Pocaro. Patrick Moraz. Jon Lord.

[@stephencoe680]

Thijs van Leer of Focus rarely gets mentioned in any of these lists, also Rick Davies of Supertramp

[@Dolores5000]

Rod Argent Manfred Mann

[@yopage]

No Jon Lord or Ken Hensley?

[@andragg]

All those guys they mentioned are great in their own way. I dislike rating musicians, it's not a contest, it's about who influences you and makes the biggest impression. Who's better, Keith Emerson or Rick Wakeman? That's a ludicrous question. As far as I'm concerned I liked Keith Emerson the most, he could play any style and was an excellent composer and pioneer and paved the way for other keyboard players and is a huge influence on my playing. Wakeman, not as much, but I love him nevertheless. Emerson killing himself was unbelievably sad, what a terrible loss to the world of music. I could see from interviews the last few years of his life that he was very depressed. Not being able to play as well because of nerve damage in his right hand left him in a tough spot. I figured he could have gone on composing but Emerson was all about playing and it was horrible for him to take his own life. Another great pianist who strangely has a lot in common with Emerson is Keith Jarrett, particularly in the late '60's, there's a KZbin video about the two Keiths. Jarrett suffered 2 strokes leaving him paralyzed on his left side and only able to play with his right hand. I can only hope that Jarrett finds a place in the world of music without his incredible playing. Another great player, Chick Corea, died a year and a half ago. In a span of 7 years, the world lost 3 of the greatest keyboard players and 3 of my biggest influences, but I would never rate those guys.

[@DavidLazarus]

I haven't read through all of the comments yet, but Robert Moog's last name rhymes with rogue. There is proof of this on Dark Side of the Moog (Pete Namlook, Klaus Schulze and Bill Laswell) as Robert is on the recording and says his name.

[@theyak7912]

Yes, that’s a fair comment for a global audience on here. They way I pronounced it is common in Australia but I’ll adopt the US version in future. By the way, here’s a short video from Mr. Moog on this issue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3WxXqxmhrZqmdU Cheers

[@DavidLazarus]

@@theyak7912 - Thanks.

[@theyak7912]

Hi David, my Emerson Part 2 has now been uploaded if interested and I’ve adopted your Moog pronunciation too. Cheers Tom

[@DavidLazarus]

@@theyak7912 - Thanks for the heads up.

[@nickk6518]

Did you say Clive Nolan was an alumnus of the London College of Music? My cousin, organist Frederick James Karn, was Principal of the College from almost when it was co-founded by Sir Arthur Sullivan, until his death in 1940 in Cranleigh, Surrey!!

[@armandourso1526]

Hugs from Brazil 🎉

[@jjrusy7438]

You guys need to listen to more music. Heh. try some Renaissance or Triumvirat for starters. I do believe that Emerson was the best when you combine his skill with his performance. Beating the stuffings out of a b3 was the best, like jimi burning that guitar. Final thought: I know picking just 5 would require leaving out many more. That song metamorphosis blew my mind when I first heard it. Curved air fan (haha ) for life. Rock on. PS: listen to toccata while tripping. You may never return.

[@markrhoads9283]

Triumvirate is ALWAYS the undiscovered, or, at least, unmentioned/forgotten, jewel-of-prog… Star Castle…. (along with Camel, IQ, and a very few “sparkly”, individual songs….

[@kratino]

Toccata is EPIC.

[@edljnehan2811]

I did in 1973 on white blotter. And you're right for a while there I was not of this Earth. Also John Tout of Renaissance and Hans Jurgen Fritz triumvirate need a lot more love in the comments. They were absolutely awesome in concert.

[@domofswitch]

@@edljnehan2811 John Hawken & John Tout deserve mention!

[@edljnehan2811]

@@domofswitch forgive me. You're absolutely right John Hawken truly does enter the chat as one of the all-time greats. After all he was the original keyboardist for Renaissance back in the Keith and Jane relf days. And yes he was awesome. I do believe he got his start with Johnny Winter. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. However since he didn't make it into the Annie Haslam Renaissance naturally I think John Tout gets more recognition however in my opinion they were pretty much neck-and-neck in the musicianship ranks. I loved his piano work on Kings and Queens and illusion.

[@awaken77]

Emerson, Wakeman, Banks are the top, but also i'd add to the company Kerry Minnear of Gentle Giant. He also plays cello in addition to keyboards.

[@harrynewiss4630]

Emerson, Wakeman, Banks, Thijs Van Leer, Hugh Banton

[@Dolores5000]

There’s like a 30millisecond delay on your voices/audio was this a proggy decision?

[@theyak7912]

Hi Dolores, I'm not sure on which device you viewed this video, but I have noticed something similar when viewing some videos on my TV but not on my other devices. To be honest I'm not sure what the cause may be as everything looks/sounds fine when I'm doing the editing. So not a proggy decision in this case. Cheers, Tom

[@DavidLazarus]

Keith Emerson is most definitely at the top of my list too. No one compares. Jordan Rudess might be able to play fast like Emerson did, but he lacks the finesse that Emerson had. As others have mentioned, Rachel Flowers is truly quite good. I'd say she's about the closest thing we have to Keith, but I'm not sure that she could compose songs like Keith did. Rick Wakeman is number two for me. Absolutely brilliant even if a notch or two below Keith in technical prowess. I think Tony Banks would indeed fill my number three slot. Tony is likely every bit as capable as Rick. He just chose not to be flashy and to produce a sonic tapestry that truly complements what the other instruments are doing. I'm surprised Mike Oldfield didn't even get an honorable mention. He's an incredible multi-instrumentalist and one heck of an arranger. Thus, I put him at number four. My number five is Eddie Jobson. I too love his work with UK, his solo material, his contributions to Jethro Tull and Roxy Music among others. I had once mentioned to someone who was fairly close to the guys in Simple Minds that they have Eddie replace Mick MacNeil. He didn't think it was a good match though. Nevertheless, I thought Eddie could have brought the band to new heights. Mick was great. And I think Charlie is a much better guitarist than he typically lets on with Simple Minds. I'm a huge fan of their music from 1978 to present. Some honorable mentions are keyboard players such as Jim Gilmour of Saga, Roger King of Steve Hackett's current band and even a few electronic music pioneers like Pete Namlook, Klaus Schulze and Edgar Froese.

[@theyak7912]

Hi David ... that is a very detailed comment. I do agree, Emerson was unbelievably good who led the way in many respects for other prog. rock keyboardists. Rachel Flowers is an incredible keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist, especially for someone who is blind. I'm glad you like Jobson too, who I first heard on the UK albums and still love listening to these. He tried a more commercial approach shortly afterwards but didn't return to the heights he achieved with UK. Cheers

[@DavidLazarus]

@@theyak7912 - I am definitely impressed with Rachel. Especially when I first heard her play Tarkus in her early teens. I too like Richard Wright. His playing on Echoes is outstanding. However, later on, I think Roger actually played some of the synth parts. Going by what I saw on Live in Pompeii anyway. Am I wrong? I'd love to give Richard credit where credit is due.

[@RayyMusik]

Rachel Flowers is not only Emerson‘s heir, she is also a brilliant (orchestral) composer in her own right!

[@tedpoole5508]

I'll throw in Kit Watkins of Happy the Man. Essential stuff.

[@nickk6518]

And, for a while, with Camel!!

[@charlesnolan7602]

My top fave keyboardists 1990's-2020's Tomas Bodin Par Lindh Martin Orford John Young Clive Nolan

[@Dave-ti2ue]

Tony Kaye. As far as supporting the song, he is superb with his understated style.

[@theCabbie2024]

You didn't even mention Eddie Jobson's work with Curved Air & Roxy Music before UK existed

[@theyak7912]

Hi Wayne, I’ve just uploaded a video on Jobson if interested. Tom

[@RealPackCat]

I would have taken a tie for first between Wakeman and Emerson. Their styles were a little different, but fit their bands accordingly. Tie goes to the living Legend.

[@iancarpenter6298]

banks..wright wakeman...then anybody you fancy...💖

[@stuartbarker9373]

Jon Lord could be considered a great prog rock keyboard player that happened to play most of his career in the heavy rock genre instead.

[@theyak7912]

Hi Stuart, yes Lord was also a great player but I class him to be more in the heavy rock genre as you also suggested. I do plan to present a video on Lord once in the near future. Regards, Tom

[@jhegre]

What about Dave Stewart from Uriel, Egg, Khan, Hatfield and the North, National Health og Bruford?

[@TheProgCorner]

Nicely done!!!

[@theyak7912]

Hey, thanks for dropping by Scot!

[@2257421]

Dave Stewart

[@stevenhollingsworth733]

Wakeman, Emerson, Moraz, Banks & Wright.

[@edljnehan2811]

Switch number one and two and replace Wright with vanleer of focus. And there you go

[@RayyMusik]

Mostly agreed, but really nobody mentions a certain Jordan Rudess???