MVP of the Coral Reefer Band

[capnbobby]

Yes, I am following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Yes, it is depressing the hell out of me. Yes, I am on summer vacation and have way too much time on my hands. Maybe I should go to summerZcool.

That said, this post is designed to be fun. Consider it to be the first quiz of summerZcool. And like all things parrothead, I promise to make it as easy as possible. All grades of "F" will immediately be turned into grades of "A." And I recommend that you study for this quiz while sipping on a Landshark (add lime). Or, for you old timers, like me, a Corona (add lime). Or savoring a glass of red wine (my only request is that you drink it out of a tin cup). Or if you want to turn up the heat and chill the rose, well, then, you're just being reckless, which makes you my type of parrothead.

All right, here's your quiz question for today. Keep your eyes on your own papers and your hand on your beer. (Sounds like the title of a Buffett song.)

Besides Jimmy, who is the most important member of the Coral Reefer Band, the one who, if he/she left the band, would be missed the most?

I think it's Michael Utley. He has served as the musical director of the band for many, many years. Michael Utley is to Jimmy Buffett what Paul Shaffer is to David Letterman. If Utley wasn't up there onstage with Jimmy, something just wouldn't be right, like Johnny Carson without Ed McMahon.

All right, parrotheads, who do you think is the most irreplacable, crucial member of the Coral Reefer Band? Remember, you can't say Jimmy Buffett.

Fins Up! Now get in the damn pool!
capnbobby

[eccodiver]

Gotta love Mac! Hard to pick one because they all have major parts but I gotta say Mac! Enjoy!

[East Texas Parrothead]

I like Utley ... but to me, the backbone of the CRB is Mac, with Ralph coming in a close second. I love them all, but if everyone but Mac and Ralph disappeared, Jimmy's music would still have that special sound.

[ScarletB]

Mac, just because he's well.......MAC
Though I'd sure miss the pans if Robert weren't there!

Having said that, every one of them brings something to the sound and frankly if any of them were missing I'd feel it.

[RinglingRingling]

The only reason Utley is still in the band is he's paying off bail money he borrowed from Marvin in the early days. If something happens and the law's involved, "it's Utley's fault".

[surfpirate]

Greg "Fingers" Taylor because without his harmoni ...... wait .... what?

[pietaster]

Michael Utley is to Jimmy Buffett what Paul Shaffer is to David Letterman.

When did Mr. Utley become an obnoxious bald headed a$$hole?

[surfpirate]

Michael Utley is to Jimmy Buffett what Paul Shaffer is to David Letterman.

When did Mr. Utley become an obnoxious bald headed a$$hole?

That may be Shaffer's persona on the Late Show ..... but he's an extremely respected musician amongst his peers.

[ph4ever]

Greg "Fingers" Taylor because without his harmoni ...... wait .... what?

*snort*

[mommar]

I have to vote for Robert humanahumanahumanah!!!!!!!!!!! his pans are the BEST!!!!!!

pronouncing it as in you hum a tune, not as in human beings

and then it's a toss-up between Ralph & Roger

hmmmmmmm I like all R's and even Mr.Mo is an R

[Bwana Paul]

Having met Paul Shaffer, and all of the members of the CBS Orchestra with the exception of Sid...I can tell you Paul Shaffer is one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. Plus an AMAZING organ player!

No doubt Michael Utley is the most valuable Coral Reefer. A band of this size needs a good MD and Utley has the most knowledge of the catalog of anyone.

He knows the material! He's been there since the beginning!

[C-Dawg]

IMHO, they all bring something......and the band wouldn't be the same without them. A true parrothead can listen to a song being played on RM and tell the period just by the sound, knowing who was in the band at the time. Tell me that the songs today sound as they did when Amy Lee or Fingers were in the band. They may get replaced, but the sound changes. The same would be said if Robert wasn't playing pans, Utley on keys or even Peter's guitar prowess.
Then you have Nadirah....tell me OPH sounds the same now as it did 15 years ago. No way, Nadirah makes that song soar with her background vocals, as she does for Love & Luck and a few others. Listening to older versions seem a little hollow compared to the newer versions featuring her beautiful voice.
But the bottomline is.....Jimmy is blessed with a band that most musicians would die to have. Between the band members there are more individual Grammys, CMAs etc than most other bands can brag of.

[ScarletB]

IMHO, they all bring something......and the band wouldn't be the same without them. A true parrothead can listen to a song being played on RM and tell the period just by the sound, knowing who was in the band at the time. Tell me that the songs today sound as they did when Amy Lee or Fingers were in the band. They may get replaced, but the sound changes. The same would be said if Robert wasn't playing pans, Utley on keys or even Peter's guitar prowess.
Then you have Nadirah....tell me OPH sounds the same now as it did 15 years ago. No way, Nadirah makes that song soar with her background vocals, as she does for Love & Luck and a few others. Listening to older versions seem a little hollow compared to the newer versions featuring her beautiful voice.
But the bottomline is.....Jimmy is blessed with a band that most musicians would die to have. Between the band members there are more individual Grammys, CMAs etc than most other bands can brag of.

I always tell the non-believers that his band doesn't get the credit they deserve and that's why I'm always so excited to see them play on their own. Not one slacker in the group

[JollyMon66]

IMHO, they all bring something......and the band wouldn't be the same without them. A true parrothead can listen to a song being played on RM and tell the period just by the sound, knowing who was in the band at the time. Tell me that the songs today sound as they did when Amy Lee or Fingers were in the band. They may get replaced, but the sound changes. The same would be said if Robert wasn't playing pans, Utley on keys or even Peter's guitar prowess.
Then you have Nadirah....tell me OPH sounds the same now as it did 15 years ago. No way, Nadirah makes that song soar with her background vocals, as she does for Love & Luck and a few others. Listening to older versions seem a little hollow compared to the newer versions featuring her beautiful voice.
But the bottomline is.....Jimmy is blessed with a band that most musicians would die to have. Between the band members there are more individual Grammys, CMAs etc than most other bands can brag of.

I've gotta agree with Chris on this one...especially on Nadirah. My dad always used that old line "there's no I in TEAM". Seems to fit here. I like the sound of the current band, especially the vocals Nadirah brings to new and old standards (i.e. Son of Son, Conky Tonkin - please sit down Clint Black). They are all MVPs in my book. Now if you want to talk about the "hottest" band member...I've got a clearer opinion on that one.

[citcat]

Mac would be a great loss, but every single one of the Coral Reefers is a musicial genius....so talented. Jimmy IS very lucky to have them.

[tryin' to reason]

My first thought was Tina, but that's just a pipe dream (she sells hemp products).

Seriously - Peter.

Mac is a musical genius but assumes a low profile.
Robert adds greatly to many songs, but others don't feature the pans.
Mr. Utley seems distant on most songs - I watch him at every concert and many times he's just phoning it in.
Peter is the band member who makes EVERY song unique...even the ten thousandth time you've heard one of the SYKBH. And the passion he puts into his playing - he FEELS the music and gives 200% on every song.

[C-Dawg]

My first thought was Tina, but that's just a pipe dream (she sells hemp products).

Seriously - Peter.

Mac is a musical genius but assumes a low profile.
Robert adds greatly to many songs, but others don't feature the pans.
Mr. Utley seems distant on most songs - I watch him at every concert and many times he's just phoning it in.
Peter is the band member who makes EVERY song unique...even the ten thousandth time you've heard one of the SYKBH. And the passion he puts into his playing - he FEELS the music and gives 200% on every song.

I agree.....of all the CRB side projects, it's Peter's I look forward to hearing the most. IMHO, he is highly underrated.

[Mplsfins]

I think that they are really missing Amy Lee. Her sax gave the music a certain jazz vibe. Not the same without her. Fingers is also missed but he has been gone for quite a few years. Although he brings a certain mellowness to Pirate and other songs that just cannot be duplicated.
My MVP though would be Utley. He brings the band together as one and even keeps Jimmy in line with the rest.

[capndar]

Utley currently, but it just hasn't been the same without a harp (ever)

[PedalPusher]

Well Darn It.... Being the 1# Canadian DOILY, my vote's for Doyle Grisham.
Anyone can play keyboards, pans, guitar, harmonica... whatever... but ya ever try playing
pedal steel guitar ?
It just happens to be my main axe, so I'm somewhat biased....
Lest we forget, Doyle's the ONLY Coral Reefer who's played on ever single Buffett album... period.