Dire Straits?

I thought he was competent, but nothing special. I think Dire Straits were mostly hired guns who played Mark Knopler's songs.

I'm basing my opinion on the only Dire Straits LP I ever had, which was Brothers in Arms.

 

As Big Wheel states, Dire Straits was pretty much Knopfler's vehicle. To his credit, though, Isley did play on all of Dire Straits' albums. Also manages to keep even tempo pretty much by himself on Love Over Gold's "Private Investigations". It's harder than it sounds-try it!

 

I agree, Dire Straits were Knopflers backing band nothing more (Knopfler was already known as a guitarist before he even formed the Straits), but I think Isley did a great job, I dont think Knopfler would be an easy man to back yet he was able to complement Knopflers lead perfectly.
I have to disagree with BW that he wasnt anything special, lets face it, the whole thing was a showcase for Knopflers lead, nothing else, yet in these confines there are some cool basslines. Because of Knopflers style, it really is the bass that is holding the songs together while Knopfler goes off on his tangents.
Jim

 

John Illsley and Terry Williams were a GREAT rhythm
section

 

Dire Straights? LOL. Come on, how many bands have their ability summed up within one word of their name?

 

Straits??
Are you being serious? You dont think Knopfler has any ability? Come one! He's one of the best guitarists of all time! Check out the solo on 'Sultans'.

 

'your parents wanna know....yeah sure