by Kevin Kneisl.
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Hello everyone, guess I'm the guest this week. Sweet! Let me begin by saying hello to everyone out there.
Hi everyone.
Second, let me define the type of playlist I have graced you with.
The Sound of Soulos is a playlist of solos that I love. Period. I am not making a
list of "best solos" by any means. These songs and the instrumental
sections therein have moved me, made me shiver, cry, shout with joy,
or even just relax. The playlist relies heavily on the rock genre
(not entirely), so some may not find it to their liking. Fine, just
don't tell me I didn't warn you! No matter your taste in
music, give these tunes a listen and glean what you can. Moreover,
there might be critical feedback on the overuse of the Plant, Page,
Jones, and Bonham Connection (there's a ton of it). This is
understandable. But please, don't judge before you try. I hope to
reach a different audience on this one, and convert of few to rockin
with me. So get the arms ready for some air soloing, and the feet
ready for some tappin' and LETS DO THIS THANG!
Listen to Kevski's playlist here!
1. Violin - Black Water - Doobie Brothers
This is a fun, down home southern rock tune from the DB. The solo has
a "switch off" style where the violin takes a bar then the acoustic
takes a bar and back to the violin and so on. I almost imagine two
barn dancers trading steps. Dance along if you'd like! This is the
kind of feel good music that... well... makes you feel good :)
2. Organ - Smokin' - Boston
First, Boston: seriously underrated band. Their title album is solid,
through and through. Moreover this is a band that relies heavily on
rip-roaring guitar and organ solos. Check out "Hitch a Ride" on your
own for an incredible "switch off' type guitar solo. Here, however,
we are focusing on the organ. The second half of the song is a solo.
Some cool rhythm changes really make you wanna move yer feet! Enjoy
the skills of this player.
3. Trumpet - Exalt - Rend Collective Experiment
Well, I'm cheating a little here, it's really a section playing a part,
not a solo, but it is a solo as it is totally set apart from the rest
of the song. This is one of the most moving worship songs I have
heard in years and an epic piece of music. Good tune to listen to
after that talk on ascension from Seth. The trumpets blast forth and
jump out of the music. The best way I can put it... the solo is
royal. Truly fit for a king. Sit back and let it blast you.
4. Acoustic Guitar - Crazy on you - Heart
Honestly, after the intro acoustic guitar solo I generally turn the
song off because I think it's garbage. However, for those 36 seconds
I'm taken to a musical paradise. The player means business with her
chops and rhythmic voracity. Just hear the harmonics at :17 and try
not to holler. Yummy.
5. Tenor - Go Lovely Rose - Eric Whitacre
Well, I have major reservations putting a choral (choir) song on a
list of meaty rock songs, but its too good to resist. Eric Whitacre
is the Miles Davis of the Choral world (he's cool). He is a leader,
if not the leader, in contemporary choral music. If you listen to one
song on this list, let this one be it. Put on some headphones and
turn it up. Whitacre will move you with his incredible dissonances
and cadences. This is another example of a song where I wish I could
just right into the sound waves and surf. Ok. The song. Go Lovely
Rose is Whitacre's first composition and it is a masterpiece. Here's
the poem, it sappy and all that. Enjoy.
"Go, Lovely Rose
Tell her that wastes her time and me,
That now she knows,
When I resemble her to thee,
How sweet and fair she seems to be.
Tell her that’s young,
And shuns to have her graces spied,
That hadst thou sprung
In deserts where no men abide,
Thou must have uncommended died.
Small is the worth
Of beauty from the light retired:
Bid her come forth,
Suffer herself to be desired,
And not blush so to be admired.
Then die—that she
The common fate of all things rare
May read in thee;
How small a part of time they share
That are so wondrous sweet and fair!"
6. Harmonica - Bring It On Home - Led Zeppelin
Thirdway and beyond, meet the Plant, Page, Jones, and Bonham
connection. No group of musicians have been like this before, and
none will ever be again. Each (maybe minus Jones) was a MASTER of his
craft, no qualifications. Mozart has met his match. If there was a
Quadinity, this would be it. Enough praise? In this tune, Plant
shows us that he can blow the harp just like he can belt and cry out.
Out of this playlist of 12, a quarter is Zeppelin. I have no
explanation except that the players are individually so talented.
This song is a two parter, a rockin guitar riff being sandwiched
between two wondrous blues harp solos. Just let it take you there.
It'll bring you right on home.
7. Piano - I Get A Kick Out Of You - Jamie Cullum
Whow! This is a new artist with a seriously sultry voice, fun tunes,
and most of all some delicious chops! I really could have picked any
tune from Jamie. This cover does justice. Jamie has a signature
style of huge descending scales and a nice pounding chord real low on
the keyboard (he may or may not do it in this tune, but he shows his
speed here). Sooo good. Gotta give it up for this dude.
8. Mandolin - The Battle Of Evermore - Led Zeppelin
So, as far as mando goes, its between this tune and Maggie Mae, so its
an obvious choice. If you've never heard this song, you are in for a
delicious treat. Seriously, this is why Zeppelin is the best - their
style is incredibly diverse. From a medieval jam, to reggae, they do
it all. So put on your breastplate, get you long-sword and helm, and
join in on the most epic battle since Helms Deep.
9. Trumpet - I Don't Need No Doctor - John Mayer
First off, it is a mistake to write off John Mayer. There is a reason
why Clapton invites him to all his blues Jams. Mayer can play the
guitar, and apparently, his trio can rip it up too. I have cried
listening to the first trumpet solo in this tune. Give it a serious
listen, oh man. SOOOOO GOOOOD.
10. Bass - Armistice - Mutemath
New group I've gotten into lately thanks to Danny. This song shows
off the skills of the bass player, when he takes a nice little solo
about halfway through the tune. Nothing spectacular, but the song is
super cool. Mind you as well that this tune is recorded live in
"Atlanta"! These boys draw from the unending frontier of pure
creativity. I liken a Mutemath song to have the same creative
freedom as a dialogue in a Quentin Tarantino film. Just say whatever,
and let it become a masterpiece. Mutemath does not create their
songs, they discover their songs. Indeed, the sculpture is within the
rock.
11. Drums - Moby Dick - Led Zeppelin
Some say that John Bonham is the best. I don't know if that claim is
true, but he certainly is a talent. The solo starts pretty tame as
Bonham is using his hands on the drums, and gets beefier (with sticks)
as it progresses.
From 2:32-2:53, and at the end John shows us his triplet skills. Very
cool. Very rarely will a band have such a huge section for a drum
solo, but Bonham deserves it.
12. Electric Guitar - Since I've been Lovin' You - Led Zeppelin
Finally, the guitar solo. Easy choice for me as Since I've Been
Loving You shows Page's passion and speed on the fret-board. Page can
be sorta sloppy sometimes when he plays, but his tone is right on this
time. I just wanna sing along the motif Page weaves in during his
play time "WAH WAH WAH BAH WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH." :)--- I may
never hear a solo like this again, and I am content with that. If you
were not heart broken before you heard this, you will be after.
Thanks for letting me share my love for music with you :)
Justin James here: 
