I've always liked Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits. I've never heard him any cooler than he is on this tune. He's a celeb no doubt, but I never see him on anybody's top guitarist lists.
I can't see the vid right now, but I like Knopfler and Dire Straits too (I don't know his solo career). He is probably more recognized as a great guitar player in Europe than in U.S.
I don't know how old you are Honkin', but in the 80s, Mark was often in just such lists in most of the guitar rags. He's a phenomenal player with a unique style, and has been around long enough to be a huge influence on many. I'm glad you brought his name up again. ----------
Good to know he's gotten his due. I'm in my 50's....but in the 80's I was too busy chasing the almighty corporate dollar to realize that, thanks for letting me know.
I'm still chasing it myself...it's always one step ahead!
I was never a huge fan of Dire Straits, but I was always a fan of his playing. So much soul and feel to it. The same thing that draws me to Tommy Emmanuel. ----------
Mark Knopfler is by far NOT an under rated artists...He's one of the richest musician in UK, with his band Dire Straits, the album "Brothers in Arms" is the 1st mass market CD of the history of this medium.
Mark has worked with Bo Dylan (infidels) Willy Deville...
Plus he's a terrific story teller, and one of the most respected musician of the rock industry.
---------- Never try to be as good as someone else, succeed to be the best player you can be!
As a rock DJ in the 70's and 80's...when "Dire Straits" was released in the US in 79 I was sold on his playing....I have followed his career since. He is one of the premiere "Finger Style" players in the world. Others that play that style are Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplaine), Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac), and of course Tommy Emmanuel. I have met Tommy and a friend of mine (Loren Barrigar)are very good friends. Here is a vid of them playing together at a local gig.
@Todd - Search Youtube for Loren Barriger- He played Yakety Axe with Hoyt Axton on the Grand Ole Opry Stage when he was 6 years old...Great guy
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Procrastinator Emeritus
Last Edited by on Dec 25, 2010 12:24 PM
Mark Knopfler has always been at the very top of my favourite guitar player list. Certainly he is not underrated. Love everything he has done.
Yes, and I really like our local guy Tommy Emmanuel. In fact Tommy has an older brother Phil who is also a great, but more of a stay at home, guitarist. The brothers have recently been performing here together. I heard Phil interviewed recently where he said that Mark Knopfler was a major influence on them. Phil is putting together a Dire Straits tribute show where the band I think will be performing early in the New Year?
Another thing mentioned was Mark Knopflers film scores. One such score I do love is called 'A Love Idea' from the film 'Last Exit to Brooklyn'. It's a really lovely tune that I think sounds nice being played on the harp.
I am a fan of Country Music and a lot of Marks works have that country feel. Sultans of Swing being honky tonk rock and over recent years some of his solo stuff and duets with Emmy Lou Harris have been Country. Interesting that I read that Marks first band were called 'The Notting Hillbillies'.
I think he's a well recognised and respected player among guitarists, people in the know. Wouldn't have that household-name status of say Clapton or Page...
I notice in those opening licks he uses a very light-fingered approach with the fretting hand, doesn't dig in lick some of the more blues-obsessed players.
