Grateful Dead: Who and Why was your favorite Keyboardist?

Answer 1

I like Keith a lot. mid 73'-74 is some of my favorite time for the band. Keith always played interesting licks without getting too intrusive on the other instruments.

I also enjoy Hornsby. He revived the band, I think. I enjoy the second set music from this era a real lot. Aug 16, 1991 was a great night, and Hornsby had a lot to do with it. I just listened to it the other day. If I remember right he led the band out of Scarlet Begonias into Victim Or the Crime. He blended the melodies in a real cool way. The band apparently liked it to because they played really inspired. Weir was intense, even by his standards. Jerry was amazing too, they all were.

I also like Welnik's effects. I've heard some cool Playin' in the Bands with him using his technology to add dimension to the sound of the band.

I liked Brent, but sometimes he was so loud and busy that he was a bit of distraction from the whole sound. But, when he was good he was real good.

This is an unpopular thing to say, but I'm not a Pigpen fan. I think if he had survived it would have hindered the bands growth and development. He was a great blues man though. He was good while he was there. I'm sorry he died, but I'm glad the Dead were without him.

Forgive me for rambling, but that was my answer. Cool question.

Answer 2

Bruce Hornsby.....yeah he was a little popish but he had great style of his own that he brought to the Dead without ruining their Chemistry.

I hope this answer qualifies as he was more piano then keyboards and was only a guest member.

Answer 3

Pig was my favorite. I loved his blues background and his the hammond organ in the mid 60s.

however, i think keith was the most talented and have always been impressed with how quickly he was able to mesh with the band.