[timtoonz]

+1 for Dave Gregory (check the solo on 'Ten Feet Tall' - Drums n Wires), and Adrian Belew (though I don't know if he's technically 'under rated'... If he's good enough for Bowie, Talking Heads, and Crimson...)

Does Leo Kotke qualify as 'under rated'? One of my fave, most musical players ever.

And Steve Hunter - session guru on so many great Bob Ezrin produced albums I love, like the Alice Cooper stuff, Gabriel's first, etc etc.

And for a Canadian reference, it's terrible but I don't know the name of the 'key' guitar player in The Odds. But their solos always catch my ear with a great knack for melody, swinging, and even a sense of humor. I mean humour. It's Canuk rock after all...

Is Zappa under-rated as a player? I was listening to 'Watermelon in Easter Hay' of Joes Garage Pt. 3 yesterday, and marvelling at his glassy, sparkly tone.

on a final note, I was lucky enough to record Rik Emmett of Triumph a few months back and he truly is a talented, ultra-musical fellow. Very pro and a nice guy to boot.