Best Musician Dave has ever played with

[pianoequalsfun]

"He's the best musician I've ever played with." Dave has used this quote to describe many people, but who do you think it actually is? Here's my list of possible candidates:

Carter Beauford
Trey Anastasio
Tim Reynolds
Bela Fleck
Robert Randolph
Leroi Moore
Warren Haynes
Carlos Santana
Victor Wooten
Herbie Hancock (I'm not sure when Herbie guested with DMB but I know it happened at one point)
John Popper
Ray Paczkowski
Dickey Betts
Jeff Coffin

Of course, it's impossible for me to pick. Since I play keys, I'm inclined to say Herbie, but I really can't decide. I want to know what you think. Let me know if you think I'm missing anyone.

[pa8605]

I'd say it would have to be Santana. He's the most established on that list, and just an amazing guitar player. I would also add Neil Young to that list though.

[he who rocks]

hmmm, we should disclude leroi, carter, shouldnt we? But jeez, im such a reynolds fan I think id pick him, probably victor wooten second.

[pianoequalsfun]

Ooh, yeah I forgot about Neil Young. I agree that Santana has the most established repuatation, but Warren and Trey are about as proficient as him when it comes to improvisation. It's also hard to make comparisons between people that play different instruments. What would be a good point of comparison between, say, Bela Fleck and Robert Randolph? Many of these players are so unique in their styles that's it's hard to say.

I did include Carter on the list because he is as great a player as any of the other guys and him being a member of DMB shouldn't exclude him as being considered one of the best on the list. As for Leroi, he lacks the clear tone and amazing technicality of Jeff Coffin, he does generate great melodies and play with great passion. I purposely left off Stefan because he obviously cannot match up to Wooten, though since nobody can, this might have been a little unfair. As for Boyd, I never really saw him as being on the same level as all the others. He plays with energy and he has great lovability and stage presence, but his solos are a bit unimaginative and he can be (especially in more recent years) off key with his playing.

[Alice]

i'd have to say timmy - i was in awe the entire time i was at my dave & tim show

[dmbchile]

My first choice is Carter, is the best drummer ever, I dont like much the tim’s style, so my second choice is Victor Wooten, great bass player!

[onesuiteworld]

you cant include any of the other band members. but i would say undoubtedly Tim...with a close second going to RR (robert randolph not rashawn ross).

[cubbies14]

Neil Young is the best songwriter Dave has ever played with...but best musician is 100% without-a-doubt Mr. Carter Beauford.

[Birmingham]

None of the Rolling Stones make this list? I would personally go with Keith Richards.

[djurzi]

Besides the other band members I would really have to say Tim Reynolds or Bela Fleck.