J. Mascis, actually.
Contributions from those whom I have great respect for musically and have, I believe affected my own style in some way.
Lee Ritenour – “Rit Variations” (From Banded Together, 1984). I like his style
Eric Clapton – Pick a song. Any song.
Rik Emmitt (Post Triumph) – Saw him live performing his “Absolutely” album. Loved it. And his sax player. Something about women blowing reed instruments…but I digress.
Mark Knopfler – Must agree with “Sultans of Swing”
Steve Howe – A sure winner. YES is one of my favorite groups anyway for their whole sound. But he did great in Asia, GTR and of course solo. Songs like “Sketches in the Sun” and “Masquerade” are great.
Larry Carlton (Steely Dan) – Very talented man. I even like his simple licks in “Hey Nineteen”. Together, he and Steve Lukather did some impressive stuff.
So, of course, Steve Lukather – Very melodic (I have to admit enjoying his Toto contributions) but his name is in too many projects to mention.
Joe Satriani – Flying in a Blue Dream cut from the same album. Sorry, but the first time I heard that cut, the hair on the back of my neck stood up.
Joanna Connors – Saw her live once. She can slide. Good, soulful, tasteful.
I’m glad someone mentioned Stanley Jordan too. Guitar necking at it’s finest.
Couldn’t go without mentioning Chet Atkins either.
Er… I did. Number 3 on my list.
And Diogenes thanks for the correcton re Carlos Cavasso. I don’t know much about Quiet Riot and I’d been fed some duff information about the soloist!