Inside MusiCast

As a five-time Grammy and Oscar Award winner, Christopher Cross has definitely left his mark on popular music. Since his self-titled debut Warner Brothers release in 1979, his name elicits memories of when one may have heard 'Sailing' or 'Ride Like The Wind.' For those who have looked beyond Cross's early pop successes, they have found a body of work that launched eight albums of intelligent, melodic, sophisticated and mature music. Although Christopher's entry into the public eye was meteoric, don't call him your typical overnight success. His albums 'Another Page' and 'Walking In Avalon' are arguably classics that remain relevant recordings to date. His recent Caf Carlyle Sessions reintroduce some of his well known classics in a format and style that is truly all Christopher Cross. Inside MusiCast welcomes the perennial Christopher Cross.

Since his arrival in the States from Cuba just a few years ago, 30-year-old acoustic bass prodigy Carlitos del Puerto has quickly become one of the most recognized and highly sought-after session players in Los Angeles. Having performed or recorded with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Ricky Martin, Steve Lukather, Herbie Hancock, Kevin Eubanks and many others, del Puerto is a highly adept player capable of finding and delivering the perfect low-end groove for practically any musical style. His formal musical roots are founded on straight-up Cuban music, classical and jazz. His father, Carlos del Puerto, was a most accomplished bassist himself, being his most impacting musical influence. Not surprising, Carlitos won some of the world's most prestigious international jazz awards as an upcoming musician in Havana. We welcome a true international artist who is still spreading his wings in LA, Carlitos del Puerto.

When you listen to tracks that Clarence McDonald has played on, one begins to appreciate the subtle elegance of what a master arranger and keyboardist brings to the musical table. James Taylor's Shower The People wouldn't be what it is without our guest's silky Rhodes playing. Bill Wither's Lovely Day wouldn't be the legendary classic without his elegantly executed parts. The Emotions' Platinum Best Of My Love needed his touch. Clarence McDonald delivered every time. As a seasoned composer, producer, arranger and keyboardist, Clarence seems to bring his sophisticated feel to every project. He has toured and performed with some of the best...James Taylor, Ray Charles, Carole King, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Boz Skaggs, Justin Timberlake, and many more. Inside MusiCast welcomes a true classic, Clarence McDonald.

You may know Chuck Rainey as the legendary Steely Dan bassist that has played on some of the most significant recording projects in history. What you may not know is that Chuck was a bassist in the making from the very beginning. You see, as a young musician he started out as a brass and woodwind guy, playing trumpet and eventually baritone. In the end, the low notes he began playing on his trumpet won out, as he migrated to the four stringed instrument that today has defined his musical career and persona. Also, you might not know that he actually toured with the Beatles on their second U.S. tour while playing in King Curtis' band. In short, our guest has played with the best of them, including Quincy Jones, Donny Hathaway, Sergio Mendez, Aretha, Donald Fagan, Walter Becker, and Bernard Purdie. And he's still going strong. We welcome the legendary Chuck Rainey to Inside MusiCast.

For a young Steve Weingart growing up in Dayton, Ohio, the music of fusionists Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, and Herbie Hancock wooed him as an aspiring young pianist. You might say that it derailed the classical music prodigy, who studied at the College Conservancy of Music in Cincinnati, and placed him on a track that would lead him to becoming a sought after touring and performing keyboardist for top fusion and rock bands such as the Dave Weckl Band, the infamous El Grupo, Steve Lukather, Chaka Khan, Simon Phillips, Marco Mendoza, and many others. Although his career is on a fast track, somehow he's been able to keep a level head by not forgetting his roots and approaching his musical career with appreciation and humility. But, don't let his under-spoken personality deceive you; this man can play. He is most capable in almost any musical genre, but fusion is where his heart lies. His latest solo fusion release Dark Blue Dream is a collection of progressive fusion compositions that will captivate you. In short, he makes it all sound too easy. Inside MusiCast welcomes a most talented and gracious Steve Weingart.

Richard Page is back. For proof, go to iTunes and you'll find his most recent solo release since his 1996 solo album, 'Shelter Me.' What's most unusual is that he chose this holiday season to release a most wonderfully crafted Christmas single entitled, 'I Always Cry At Christmas.' But, this isn't your typical Christmas track, this is a Richard Page song that delivers what you'd expect - something special from the soul. As the former lead vocalist for Pages, Third Matinee, and Mr. Mister, he has delivered hits such as 'Broken Wings' and 'Kyrie.' But over the past several years he has taken a hiatus from his personal solo career to craft songs and produce artists such as Leona Lewis, Bill Champlin, Al Jarreau, Celine Dion, as well as many others. Today, Richard is once again ready to let us all come into his world, by sharing his music and his personal story with us all. Inside MusiCast is glad to welcome Richard Page as our first guest of 2009.

It seems that we at Inside MusiCast have recently been delivering musical legacy stories. Our next guest is also a legacy artist. His dad was a big band leader for Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra; his Mom, a talentetd vibes player; his brother Michael is a sought-after keyboardist and session player. But, if youre a fan of the rock band YES, then youre probably familiar with our guest, Billy Sherwood. A seasoned multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer, Billy earned a Grammy nomination as producer for Paul Rodgers 'Muddy Water Blues' for Best Contemporary Blues Album. While still with YES, he simultaneously worked on his own solo efforts and took on new producing projects that have included work with YES bassist Chris Squire. Most recently, he has joined a new band - CIRCA, featuring YES alumni Tony Kay and Alan White, along with guitarist Jimmy Haun, and released their debut album in 2004. Inside MusiCast welcomes Billy Sherwood.

For many artists who follow their hearts desire, the roads that lead to the promised land of musical success can be long and winding. Looking back on the road that Robbie Dupree has traveled, hes found that hes been one of the lucky ones. From his tough beginnings in Brooklyn, to his Top Ten hits, 'Hot Rod Hearts' and 'Steal Away', which earned him a Grammy nomination in the early 80s for Best New Artist, youll find that Robbie's career has been a wonderful journey that has crossed paths with timely opportunities. His newly released CD entitled 'Time And Tide' is a product of his high standards in writing, engineering and musicianship. He also has surrounded himself with musicians who hes worked with over the past years - David Sancious, Larry Hoppen, Leslie Smith, Rick Chudacoff, and Peter Bunetta all excellent musicians in their own right. Robbie Dupree has definitely reached his promised land, creating music on his terms. Inside MusiCast welcomes Robbie Dupree.

In the music scene there are only a few names that command immediate respect. Sinatra. Foster. Hubbard, Q. Laboriel, Jaco. Goodman. Getz. Corea. Bellson. Armstrong. And then theres Porcaroa legacy surname that is renowned in jazz, rock, pop, and classical genres. As owner of this respected surname, Joe Porcaro, a most respected percussionist and drummer, has lived a fortunate life that has involved music at every turn. From marching with his dad in his early days, to performing with his sons on the Grammy Award winning album TOTO IV, to playing on countless film scores and TV shows over the years, Joe Porcaro is a living legend who lives by the philosophy of passing the music on. He is constantly working to expand his legacy by sharing his musical knowledge, talent, and passion to students who study at the Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA), which he helped start in 1996. Here, students (who are so lucky), work face-a-face with one of musics most respected instructors. His sons, Steve, Mike, and Jeff (we all miss him) remain the pride of his heart, as they were sole beneficiaries of their fathers passion and love of music. And thats an understatement. Inside MusiCast is honored to welcome a living legend who is still in his primeJoe Porcaro.

Dont call Grant Geissmans music smooth jazz. Its almost a misnomer to him and doesnt really capture what his music is all about. Quite simply the jazz guitarist is a hybrid, learning jazz standards and improvisation from some serious jazz-cats in the San Jose, California area. As a formally trained guitarist, he has found success as an Emmy-winning composer having composed for network TV shows such as Monk, Dawsons Creek, Boy Meets World, Touched by an Angel, Lizzy McGuire and other TV shows. Most recently he collaborated to compose the theme for the sitcom Two And A Half Men. As a session player, youll find his guitar work on projects for Quincy Jones, Keiko Matsui, David Benoit, and Dianne Schur. But Geissman's window of opportunity opened in 1976, when flugelhornist Chuck Mangione added him to a short tour in California. The rest is history, as Geissman became part of Mangiones band and became famous for his sizzling solo on the song Feels So Good. Finally, as a solo artist with eleven projects under his belt, youll find his new jazz project Say That! addicting. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Grant Geissman.