Sting is known for having some of the most impressive backing bands in modern music. In his career since being the front man of The Police, he has had the privilege to play with some of music's heaviest heavyweights. Names like Keith Carlock, Vinnie Colaiuta, Manu Katché, David Sancious, Dominic Miller, Christian McBride, and Kenny Kirkland. Although he is most known for such beautiful tracks as Desert Rose, When We Dance, and An Englishman in New York, he is not all unicorns and rainbows. His voice is powerful and precise, and as you would expect from a former English teacher, his songwriting is some of the most inventive and intellectual in recent history both musically and lyrically.
Take a moment to listen to The Hounds of Winter off his 2001 jazz inspired live album: "...All This Time".
Manu Katche on drums, Sting on electric bass, Christian McBride on double bass, and Dominic Miller on guitar.
And how about another live clip? This time with Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Sting on bass, Kenny Kirkland on keys, and Dominic Miller on guitar. Amazing, except for Sting's choice to howl at the end?