Inside MusiCast

Consider it Deja Vu, if you wish. But for Lee Sklar, hitting the road with Carole King and James Taylor for the 2010 Troubadour Reunion Tour was a dream-turned-reality. It all began in 1969, when Taylor and King played the infamous 3-day gig at the Troubadour Club in LA. Backing them were Lee Sklar, Danny Kortchmar and Russ Kunkel. They would soon become known as 'The Section' and their discographies as the most sought after session guys of the time were deep. Lee Sklar's career was rocketing as he was in demand by major artists and producers. Fast forward to September 2010. The 51-city Troubadour Reunion Tour has played to over 700,000 fans around the world. The secret to the success was simple - Sklar, Kunkel, and Kootch were along for the ride with James and Carole - and the chemistry helped reproduce the intimate vibe of the original Troubadour Shows. We've invited Lee back to debrief us on the rest of the Troubadour Reunion Tour. He's no stranger to us. Lee, welcome back to Inside MusiCast.

Born in Chicago, Bruce Gaitsch was baptized into music at an early age. His dad was a musician and also owned a music store where it was common to see up-and-coming stars of the Midwest music scene, such as Ted Nugent, Chicago, and the Buckinghams. As a musician, Bruce paid his dues in the Windy City and racked up more than 3000 session gigs over the course of 9 years. Thats when he moved to LA. His career as a guitarist, producer, and writer exploded when his good friend from Chicago, Richard Marx , began to connect him to others. He then met Patrick Leonard, and together they wrote a track called La Isla Bonita for Madonna. Hes fresh off a world tour with Peter Cetera and has worked with Chicago, Kansas, The Fixx, Phillip Bailey, and Tom Scott, just to name a few. He has several solo albums to his credit, including his most recent 2006 release Sincerely. As his successes are too many to mention, so well just let Bruce tell you. Inside MusiCast welcomes Bruce Gaitsch.

Michael Ruff has found balance and order in his life. And why wouldnt he? Living on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai for over twenty years, the talented songwriter, producer and keyboardist has remained connected to the music world. Through his career, his migration from the East Coast to the Westand finally to Hawaii has left a trail of amazing musical success that has allowed him to tour with Kenny Loggins, India Arie, David Sanborn, Natalie Cole and Bonnie Raitt. Hes had the good fortune of also being musical director for Ricky Lee Jones, Randy Brecker, Gino Vanelli, BeBe Winans, Jose Feliciano and many others. As a producer and engineer, Michael has always focused on what matters - the integrity of song and artist. As a songwriter, he has been associated with numerous Grammy Nominations and has won multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards known otherwise as the Hawaiian Grammy. But Michael is a diverse musician...his new solo album, ACOUSTIC TRIOS reveals his love for Jazz and allows him to show us all his brilliant keyboard chops. Inside MusiCast welcomes the very talented and tanned Michael Ruff.

As far back as the late 70s, Gary Wright has been challenging his audiences with pioneering instrumentation and cutting-edge technology. As a visionary songwriter, performer and all-around musician, he has spent more than thirty years shattering conventional musical ideas and creating chart-topping hits, such as Dreamweaver, My Love Is Alive and Really Wanna Know You. These timeless hits reflect his endless genius as they are played globally on a daily basis. Hes collaborated with George Harrison, Steve Winwood, Mick Jones and Joe Cocker. Today, youll even find him working with rap artists such as Third Base, Ton Loc, and Busta Rhymes, as well as Eminem, Salt-N-Pepa, Joan Osborne and Mya. Hes currently starting his second tour with Ringo Starrs All-Star Band while promoting his newest musical creation, Connected, his first pop album in over 20 years. Inside MusiCast welcomes the talented Gary Wright.

It a was combination of fate and irony that a young man born in Kansas would eventually play in a band called Kansas. It happened to Phil Ehart, founding member and drummer of a band that would leave a lasting impression in the world of Classic Rock. Legendary Rock promoter Don Kirshner clearly made the right decision when he signed Kansas to their first dealplacing the band on a road to rock success. For decades, Eharts steady backing rhythms have been the foundation of the bands hits, such as Carry On Wayward Son and Dust In The Wind. These classic hits have become timeless gifts to the world that will carry on forever. Follow the evolution of Kansas as Inside MusiCast welcomes the timeless

Phil Ehart.

An L.A. kid transplanted in New York City, Steve Khan is considered one of the prolific jazz guitarists on the planet. For nearly forty years, Khan has recorded more than twenty albums and has shared his talent with artists such as Steely Dan, Larry Coryell and the Brecker Brothers Band. Inspired by legends such as Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino, Khans expansive body of work envelopes the world of jazz that has surrounded him since he picked-up the instrument. Not only has Khan delivered amazing music over the course of his career, he has also authored several books. Steely Dans Donald Fagen once wrote about Steve saying, The kid from Westwood, after years of study and sacrifice, can now do just about everything he wants with an electric guitar. Some people think they know all there is to know about Steve Khan, but dont let anyone tell you hes just another guitar player. Inside MusiCast welcomes Steve Khan.

If you were to look-up the definition of the word rhythm in the dictionary, it would say jazz-fusion, pop, and session percussionist, Alex Neciosup Acua. From a young man playing in local bands in Lima, Peru to playing with bandmates Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter and Jaco Pastorius of the great jazz-fusion band Weather Report, Alex Acua has lived a life of rhythmic passion that continues today. As an A-list session percussionist and drummer, he has contributed to international projects for decades, and has clearly influenced percussion around the world. He is a perennial teacher, traveling the world to train and educate rhythm makers. At the same time, he continues to be a student.always learning and absorbing new sounds, techniques, and approaches to become better. From Koinonia to Jarreau; Herbie Hancock to Ella; Jobim to U2. Alex Acua continues to be a relevant musical icon. Inside MusiCast welcomes Alex Acua.

Jerry Lopez has been keeping a secret for a long timeat least from those who dont live in Las Vegas. You see, since the mid seventies, Jerry has been the leader of Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, one of the most proficient horn-based bands around. How good are they? Lets just say they rank with horn sections such as Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power and Seawind Horns. As lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, Lopez Fat City Horns play to a packed house every Monday, where half of the audience is typically comprised of musicians who play the many live shows in Las Vegas. In fact, all of the Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns band members are full-time Vegas show musicians themselves. With the release of their new album, When The Curtain Goes Up, Lopez and his Fat City Horns are ready to let one of the best-kept secrets outand were here to help. Inside MusiCast welcomes Jerry Lopez.

If youve listened to Don Henleys End of the Innocence, Carole Kings Tapestry, Jackson Brownes Running on Empty, Billy Joes River of Dreams, and most of James Taylors recordings, then youre familiar with the musical influence of guitarist, composer, and producer Danny Kortchmeror Kootchas most in the business know him. From his collaborations with Peter Asher, of Peter and Gordon, to touring and playing sessions with Lee Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Craig Doerge, of the infamous Section, Danny has had a career that most would envy. As an accomplished singer-songwriter, hes worked with people like David Foster, Jay Graydon, Ringo Starr, Bruce Hornsby, Steve Jordan, Pino Palladino, and Tamio Okuda, while producing for others or for his own solo projects. Hes also ready to embark on the 2010 Carole King / James Taylor World Tour called the Troubadour Tour, connecting once again to tour with his longtime friends of the Section. Inside MusiCast welcomes Danny Kortchmar.

Versatile is the best descriptor for drummer Gregg Bissonette. A Detroit native, who now resides in Los Angeles, Bissonettes musical collaborations are nothing less than premier. From Maynard Ferguson to David Lee Roth; Gino Vanelli to Ringo Starr; Brandon Fields to Jeff Lynne. Growing up, he and his brother, Matt, played in his fathers band in Detroit - how's that for push start to a musical career?. This eventually pointed him to college where he refined his talent while studying at the prestigious North Texas State Music School. Soon after, he was chosen by Maynard to play in his infamous big band. That in itself was an amazing accomplishment for a young musician. After moving from Dallas to L.A., he naturally landed on the A-list by delivering both quality and consistency in his performing. Hes equally comfortable on the stage as in the studio, and thrives in either environment. Youll hear his drumming on NBCs "Friends", as well as several motion pictures and other TV shows. Inside MusiCast welcomes a truly great musician, composer and human being, Gregg Bissonette.