Is this the best band he's ever had?

[dustyvalentino]

We will all have sentimental favourite musicians and tours/line ups, but if we are being really objective, has he ever played with a better band? Add in Paul Franklin and it's perfection for me.

You would have to be mental of course to suggest that hat MK is at his best, but the backing band is the best ever IMO.

[Knopflerfan]

We will all have sentimental favourite musicians and tours/line ups, but if we are being really objective, has he ever played with a better band? Add in Paul Franklin and it's perfection for me.

You would have to be mental of course to suggest that hat MK is at his best, but the backing band is the best ever IMO.

Haha! I agree the Backing band is absolutely sensational... At last Danny is back and doing what he does best!
I am still very reserved about the Brass section but hey ho each to their own on that.....

MK is not at his best but blimey he's sure still pretty damn good!!

[Pottel]

mmm, i am one of those few that really liked Mike Henderson, so add him, and Robbie and kick (even though i also really like him) Richard.
then add Franklin indeed.

[dustyvalentino]

I liked Mike as well. His sound did tend to overpower MK though. RB let's MK play.

I REALLY like the brass section. They really beef the sound up.

[dmg]

Probably.  I liked Terry on drums personally but have nothing against Ianto. 

[kaleo74]

It's a stellar band
I agree, I would have added Paul Franklin to have a pretty bouquet, I don't like odd numbers

[dustyvalentino]

Terry's a legend but I think Into is better. His fills were amazing last night.

[ds1984]

No

2002 was better and not overcrowded for most of time. The extra musos were playing when needed.

[dustyvalentino]

No

2002 was better and not overcrowded for most of time. The extra musos were playing when needed.

You can make a case for Robbie but as much as I love the great Geraint Watkins there's no way he's better than Jim Cox.

Nostalgia says John but Glenn is the superior musician.

I've forgotten who was on drums?!

[NicoMK]

I've forgotten who was on drums?!

In 2002 it was Danny for the first time ever and this was mind-blowing: for me he plays Mark’s songs better than any drummer. It goes beyond technics, it’s all about heart and feel.

He shines on both percussions and drums so for me, any band with Danny on drums would be a perfect band.

2002 was fantastic but it’s all a matter of taste.

I’d add Geraint Watkins or Matt Rollings on keyboards and Stuart Duncan who did a terrific job in 2006, so for me MK’s best band would be 2006, shortly followed by 2002. Love Robbie McIntosh too.

Then a fictional MK band would be:
Danny
Guy
Robbie Mc I.
Stuart D.
Glenn W.
Matt or Geraint W.

[crimmer]

I think the band now is the best it has been,  just wish it had happened 10-12 years ago , due too mark slowing down , (but still great as knopflerfan said), mark 10 years ago with this set up could of been amazing , ( not that it wasn't )

[NicoMK]

For me, the best version of Brothers in arms ever played.

[PensaGhost]

mmm, i am one of those few that really liked Mike Henderson, so add him, and Robbie and kick (even though i also really like him) Richard.
then add Franklin indeed.

few ? who doesn't like Mike Henderson hehe

I don't like much Ianto on the drums and this is really a major minus to the band imo, so no, this is not the best band ever really imo

[schmonka]

Yep, agreed, add Paul Franklin and the sounds he got on that "box" (which could of meant YAYF could have been played) and this would be the ideal line-up!

[hunter]

In terms of "skill" and versatility, yes, but unfortunately they feel a bit like hired guns, not a true band, even if many of them have been with Mark for many years. It's probably because they only meet for recordings and tours.

As for Glenn Worf, I never quite liked his style. Fantastic skills and all that, but he doesn't "groove" enough for me. And many of the DS songs feel just wrong without John Illsley. John isn't the greatest musician ever, but his style and sound were just right for so much of Mark's music.

Richard is great, but he very much only sticks to his part. It gives Mark predictability and lets Mark shine, which is exactly what support musicians are supposed to do, but Richard's approach feels a little lifeless. Too controlled.