Synth Solos

It's not always about the guitar, or the drums, or the lead vocal, or the sweet harmonies. It's not always about the guitar solo. Sometimes it's about the keyboard player. Who? The keyboard player. They usually hide down stage next to the drummer, behind the bassist, surrounded by pianos, synths, VCO's and organs. Once in a great while the spotlight is on the keys. So here, in no particular order are 5 classic keyboard solos by 5 brilliant pianists.

Yes - Roundabout (1971)

After Starting out with some classical guitar, this song shifts gears by grooving into some of the funkiest bass in classic rock. The synth solos by Rick Wakeman are incredible. Everything Wakeman did was incredible. Even this disaster, incredible.

Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond (1975)

Although this song was written about Syd Barrett, it is Rick Wright who "shines" in this epic, 9 part, 26 minute masterpiece. Also noteworthy is the saxophone outro. Syd once said that the only way for Pink Floyd to move forward was to hire 2 female saxophonists. Crazy Diamond indeed.

ELP - Lucky Man (1970)

Written by Greg Lake when he was just 12 years old, this song tells the ironic tale of a man who is so lucky, that he catches a bullet. The song, and it's Moog solo, performed by Kieth Emerson, was only included on the album as filler. It was released as a single in '71 and covered by Homer Simpson in 2010.

Van Halen - Jump (1984)

The last Van Halen song before they caught that red disease. Eddie plays his Oberheim synth, and the song was included on Clear Channel's list of "inappropriate post 9/11 songs" which accounts for it's scarcity on the radio today.

Led Zeppelin - No Quarter (1973)

John Paul Jones always does fine work. Whether it's sessions with Herman's Hermits or Donovan, his best known work with Led Zep, or his modern work with Them Crooked Vultures. This example from Houses of the Holy is just a sample of a brilliant career.