Who do you think gave the Stones more groove, Ian Stewart, Nicky Hopkins, Billy Preston, or Chuck Leavell.

I saw Eric Clapton last year and remember thinking who was the black guy pounding the keyboards I didn't even recognize him and the next morning when I read the review it was Billy Preston

I like Billy Preston I think he added some real soul to sound and didn't he tour with the Stones on the 75 tour.

Chuck Leavell is too bland, southern rock.

Nicky was the studio man for 70's gems

It's an insult to Nicky you even ask this question. Go wash your mouth.

Mathijs

each brought something different to the band. Chuck is that rare combination - he's a noted Nicky disciple with the ability to boogie with the best of them, too. That's why the Stones love him.

I thought Billy was the right guy at the right time for them - a great foil for Jagger.

Hopkins tickled the keys very nicely, but Preston was miles above him.

You can find Preston's fingerprints all over these Stones songs: Miss You, Heartbreaker, Melody, If You Really Want to Be My Friend, I Got the Blues, and Shine a Light.

Listen to recordings from the 1973 European tour to see how creative he was. His background stylings are awesome.

I miss Billy Preston. He added a lot of soul to the Stones.

Ian = boogie woogie touch
Billy= gospel blues touch
Chuck= Southern rock touch
Nicky= Just the 'right' touch


Make me burn the candle right down. . . . .

Nicky's piano on SWAY -enough said!!!

MLC

Don't forget Mac! He could pretty much ape all of the others' style - possible exception being Nicky.

Who was Mac? what songs? What period?

Ian MacLagan (former Faces with Rod and Ronnie) - 78 and 81 tours with Ian Stewart. Check out Mac's website at Connections on this board. Helluva player!

Somehow I can't get the image of Don "No Soul" Simmons (from the movie Amazon Women On The Moon) out of my head.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2006-02-07 20:20 by tatters.

NICKY....rest his soul!!
2nd stu......

Nicky...arguably the greatest single blues based musician to ever come out of England....

JR

Nicky's piano fills with the Stones are majestic...........for a good reference check-out "Loving Cup "......they add an element to that song that is breath-taking..............leaves the rest far behind

Nicky is cowriter to their songs really, he's part of their sound. Nicky is in that way a member of the band. Legend. Period.

Billy was great. Really great and vital to their mid 70s sound. Love his playing.

Ian and Ian are just boogie woogie, not bad, but nothing special for me.

Chuck is the bearded devil. Sorry but I happen to hate him.

The dimension the Billy added also came out in backup harmonies and vocals.
Melody is the perfect example.

I think he also brought out the best in Mick. Billy was a part of the show and everyone played to him at times.

No question about Nicky's studio contributions. I think he pulled it all together.

Chuck seems more like a session tour player to me. Look what John Lord did for Deep Purple, or Rick Wakeman for Yes. This is the Stones weakest link by far.

What happened with Nicky Hopkins?

What was the last album he appeared on?

Who brought him in Mick or Keith? or others?

Give me Stew any day closely followed by Nicky!