9 solos to impress our human resources!
We asked our HR department to select a few instrumental solos that defined music, past and present. This contains guitar of course, but also keys, bass, sax, trumpet, and an overall level of musicianship so incredible that it’s hard to fully appreciate. But we know you will 😉
These are 9 of the best solos ever played, in our opinion! Do you agree with the list? If so you most certainly have your place with us at Thomann, why not join the team?! 🤘
Rush – Tom Sawyer
Instrument: Drums
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Some may say this is Rush‘s most iconic song ever and we can clearly understand why. The lyrics, the chord progression, the bass performance. And then there’s (was) him: Neil Peart, godfather of progressive rock drumming, delivering a performance that is hard to surpass. If you appreciate clinical precision as much as we do, check out our job offers right HERE!
Solo starts at: 2:33
Joe Dart (Vulfpeck) – Beastly Solo
Instrument: Bass
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Hard to put in words or even just condense Joe Dart‘s work to a single performance. But if you’re not familiar with Vulfpeck‘s phenomenon, this is probably a great taste as to what you can expect from his chops. This one minute solo is partly responsible for his rise to the top of the bass food chain, and should tell you everything you need to know! If you too were blown away and need a team to groove along with, join ours HERE!
Solo starts at: 0:00
The Doors – Riders on the Storm
Instrument: Electric Organ
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Ray Manzarek‘s approach to electric pianos (the Fender Rhodes, to be specific) was unique: serving the song, creating the mood for Morrison‘s vocal lines and his tormented poetry, his riffsand hooks were always on spot. The solo on Riders on the Storm, one of their most epic songs, is a true testimony to his exquisite taste in melody and incredible musicality. If you too were touched by his musical sensibility and want to explore your own creativity, join us HERE!
Solo starts at: 2:42
Pink Floyd – The Gunner’s Dream
Instrument: Saxophone
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This one is a personal favourite, and quite “unknown” or at least under represented in the long list of Pink Floyd masterpieces. The saxophone solo, played by the regretted Raphael Ravenscroft, blending so perfectly with the voice solo in that song from the record The Final Cut, is probably one of the most epic pieces of music ever bought on tape. Join our team HERE if you want to work alongside musicians who share your taste and passion!
Solo starts at: 2:10
Cory Henry (Snarky Puppy) – Lingus
Instrument: Keys
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There is no better explanation of Cory Henry‘s musicianship and harmonic knowledge than the reaction of his co musicians during this solo. Seeing players of Larnell Lewis, Shaun Martin or Michael League‘s caliber, dropping everything in awe of the prodigy’s work is all you need to see. Go to 4 min 10 sec if you’re impatient and thank us later 😉 Think you can impress us with you skills, teamwork and solo flights like Cory? Why not try your luck HERE!
Solo starts at: 4:10
Ariel Posen – Angeline (Familiar Ground)
Instrument: Guitar
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Ariel Posen is one of the players defining modern guitar playing through his impeccable taste is tone and his unrivalled knowledge of harmony. This solo on the song Angeline, captured live a few years ago, is an absolute masterclass of tension and release, a demonstration of his capacity to build up tonally and technically like very few players before him. Do share that sense of clarity and progression? You might just have your place in our TEAM!
Solo starts at: 6:05
The Beatles – Penny Lane
Instrument: Trumpet
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One of the most ‘talked about’ Beatles songs – and with a good reason: David Mason‘s trumpet solo adds some magic flavour to the song which can be hardly described with words. If this wasn’t enough, Mason goes onto a variation (even better, in our opinion) on the last chorus to finish the song. If you too are looking for some magic, come and join the team HERE!
Solo starts at: 1:00
Van Halen – Eruption/You Really Got Me
Instrument: Guitar
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Impossible to establish a list of solos of any kind without including Eddie van Halen! His performance in Eruption is, and always will be, a turning point in rock music and guitar history. Innovation was key, and Eddie did it like nobody else. If you too are ready to innovate, join our team HERE!
Solo starts at: 0:00
John Mayer – Gravity (Live in Los Angeles)
Instrument: Guitar
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Another classic that greatly contributed to John Mayer going from “the body is a wonderland guy” to an absolute guitar god to most blues/rock players. This whole song and performance is a masterpiece of musicianship, songwriting, and of course, guitar playing. There’s more to you than meets the eye, come and find out what you’re capable of right HERE!
Solo starts at: 6:15
These are 9 of the best solos ever played, in our opinion! Do you agree with the list? Which ones would you add? Let us know in the comments !
Whether it’s an air guitar solo or a keyboard solo: We have exciting jobs for musicians and non-musicians alike!
Damian says:
That solo by Cory Henry was mind-blowing. It also brought to mind other epic soloists like Chris Potter (has played with Snarky Puppy) and John McLaughlin, both of who would easily make this list.