9 Inspiring Performances on Youtube

Recently I’ve been looking for new ways to use my Apple TV. A while ago I started downloading video podcasts, and there are some good ones out there.

More recently I have been surfing Youtube, and in particular looking for clips that inspire my musical creativity. Here are nine of my favorites.

Jordan Rudess

Jordan Rudess is a gifted and versatile keyboard player best known for playing in the prog metal band Dream Theater. I’m amazed at how fast this guy plays, the way he dominates the keyboard, and his skillful use of keyboard features and patches to create amazing sound combinations.

There is a huge pile of Jordan Rudess videos on Youtube, including some helpful tuition clips. Here are two of my favorites.

1. Jordan Rudess performance – Ra

“Watch and learn from the guru. ”

2. Jordan Rudess performance – Screaming Head

“Watch and learn from the guru. ”

3. Jordan Rudess – Silent Mountain (Keyfest Live DVD)

“Taken from the DVD Keyfest Live! 2004: Jordan Rudess in Concert.”

Boyce Avenue

Boyce Avenue are an acoustic band consisting of three brothers who live in Florida. I discovered them on Youtube for the first time just the other day. Their music is dominated by clear ringing guitars (often using open tunings) and strong vocals. Most of the songs I found are covers, but I also enjoyed their original tracks.

4. The Verve Pipe – The Freshmen (acoustic) on iTunes

“Alejandro Manzano and Daniel Manzano of Boyce Avenue acoustic cover of The Verve Pipe – The Freshmen.”

5. Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day (piano acoustic) on iTunes

“Boyce Avenue acoustic cover of Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day.”

6. Alicia Keys/Jordin Sparks/Black Eyed Peas (Justin Timberlake)(acoustic medley) on iTunes

“Alejandro Manzano of Boyce Avenue medley of Alicia Keys No One, Jordin Sparks Tattoo (American Idol) and Black Eyed Peas Where Is The Love (Fergie) ft. Justin Timberlake.”

Andy McKee

Andy McKee has a unique guitar style that is now imitated on dozens of Youtube clips. He uses unique and interesting hand-made guitars which he man-handles as percussion instruments while he plays amazing patterns using open tunings. He gets sounds out of the guitar I’ve never heard before.