1. Thin Lizzy
Phil Lynott's emotive storytelling and the band's signature twin-guitar harmonies captivated me. Their blend of hard rock with Irish folk elements inspired me to weave narrative depth into my compositions.
2. Rainbow
The fusion of classical motifs with hard rock in Rainbow's music, especially during the Dio era, opened my eyes to the possibilities of genre-blending. Their epic soundscapes encouraged me to experiment with orchestral textures in my arrangements.
3. David Sanborn
Sanborn's soulful saxophone tones and his ability to cross jazz, pop, and R&B boundaries taught me the power of emotional expression through instrumentation. His work reinforced my appreciation for melodic phrasing and groove.
4. Al Jarreau
Jarreau's vocal agility and his seamless transitions between jazz, pop, and R&B showcased the human voice's versatility. His innovative scatting and rhythmic precision inspired me to explore vocal improvisation and dynamic expression.
5. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
ELO's integration of classical strings with rock elements demonstrated the beauty of orchestral fusion. Their lush arrangements and melodic richness influenced my approach to layering sounds and creating expansive sonic landscapes.
6. Supertramp
The band's blend of progressive rock with pop sensibilities, marked by introspective lyrics and distinctive keyboard work, resonated deeply with me. Their ability to balance complexity with accessibility informed my songwriting ethos.
7. Toto
Toto's polished musicianship and genre-spanning repertoire, from rock to jazz fusion, exemplified technical excellence. Their intricate arrangements and studio precision motivated me to hone my craft and embrace musical versatility.
8. Deep Purple
Pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal, Deep Purple's powerful riffs and classical influences, especially through Jon Lord's keyboard work, inspired me to merge intensity with sophistication in my music.
9. Jeff Beck
Beck's innovative guitar techniques and his fearless exploration of genres set a benchmark for expressive playing. His emotive phrasing and sonic experimentation encouraged me to push the boundaries of my guitar work.
10. OneTwo (Denmark)
This Danish pop-rock group, led by Cæcilie Norby and Nina Forsberg, brought a Scandinavian flair to the 80s music scene. Their melodic hooks and west coast influences inspired me to incorporate Nordic elements into my compositions.