n 2019, as a part of Prog’s function on the 100 best artists of the style, Sample-Searching for Animals keyboardist John Boegehold defined why Genesis counterpart Tony Banks had at all times stood out for him – even when Banks tried to keep away from doing so.
“When, as a young person, I first began to get into what was referred to as ‘artwork rock’ within the 70s, it was the standard bands: Sure, ELP, all of that stuff. I wasn’t taking part in music at that time, however I used to be already extra interested in the actually flashy keyboard gamers like Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson.
However I used to be actually into Genesis’ music too. Peter Gabriel clearly stood out and Phil Collins was clearly an important drummer – however the others had been simply sitting there whereas contributing to the general sound of the group.
Tony Banks simply wasn’t a flashy man like Wakeman together with his cape, or Emerson stabbing his organ with a dagger. However as I began listening increasingly more to what Tony was taking part in, I may inform that each one his strains had been written out and orchestrated in a really classical trend.
He was doing a little actually attention-grabbing stuff in his writing and taking part in. I cherished the best way he structured issues harmonically – the chord progressions and melodies. As I began entering into music, taking part in extra and studying extra, I grew to become increasingly more impressed by what he was doing.
The ear that man has is simply unimaginable. His elements are at all times tasteful and really understated; however totally integral to the tune, the band and the entire Genesis vibe. Lots of people say Genesis ended when Peter Gabriel left, or when Steve Hackett left. So far as I’m involved Tony Banks was the anchor in that band. He was what every thing else revolved round; to me a minimum of.
As soon as, again within the day, musicians would take heed to prog bands to maintain up on the latest expertise, sounds and manufacturing strategies. Today EDM and pop music lead the cost.
Again then you would rely on Tony – each new album, he’d be utilizing a brand new synth or taking a brand new method to one thing, and it was at all times actually cool. In addition to his music, I used to be ready to see what new keyboard he was popping out with. I’m a synth nerd!
He’s such an important songwriter. Hearken to Heathaze – it’s obtained to be one of many best songs ever. To me, the composition, the melody and the best way it progresses, it’s simply improbable. It sends goosebumps down my backbone. I’m in awe of what Tony can do.”