Inside MusiCast

A few months ago when Toto announced the musician who would be filling the shoes of David Hungate and Mike Porcaro, we knew that it would raise a lot of curiosity amongst the band's loyal fans when they heard the name Shem von Schroeck.

The truth of the matter is that we've known about Shem for quite some time. In fact, we interviewed him nearly a decade ago and discovered just how multi-talented he really is. Shem is not only a bassist, but a drummer, keyboardist, arranger, producer, operatic vocalist, author, recording engineer, video editor, and a diehard Trekkie. Toto fans who have witnessed one of his early performances with the band surely have a solid understanding of why Shem is a perfect fit to fill the coveted position of bass guitar and backing vocalist for the foreseeable future. He's not only a perfect fit as a musician, but he has the humble, welcoming style of personality that embodies the spirit of his bandmates. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome back Shem von Schroeck.

Stewart Copeland isnt a one trick pony. When he first joined us on Inside MusiCast four years ago, we spent nearly an hour and half talking about his various journeys in the world of music and barely spoke about his tenure with The Police. From opera, avant garde, classical, jazz, pop, rock, reggae, to other forms of world music, Stewart Copeland lives for musical exploration and the quest for continued knowledge. A brand new project is in the works that has found Stewart collaborating with some incredible musicians, including Vittorio Cosma, Adrian Belew and Level 42s Mark King. They call themselves Gizmodrome and were honored to have Stewart Copeland back to chat about this very cool project.

Born and raised in L.A., Paul Jackson, Jr. was destined to become one of the most recorded guitarists in the music business. Youve heard him play on major albums and for major artists over the past four decades - Michael Jackson, Daft Punk, Elton John, Michael Franks, Jeff Lorber, Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie, George Benson, and the list goes on. We've finally connected with the Grammy-winning guitarist to talk about his career, collaborations, solo work, and also how he remains a most sought-after session guitarist in this new global, digital session age. Weve waited for this for a long time and we're happy to welcome Paul Jackson, Jr. to Inside MusiCast.

From playing clubs at the age of 16, to venturing off to London with his friend Zoot Money and formed Zoot Moneys Big Roll Band when he was 19, Andy Summers musical journey was just beginning to flourish. Summers went on to perform with other bands and musicians including The Soft Machine, The Animals, Kevin Coyne, Jon Lord, Joan Armatrading, David Essex, Neil Sedaka, and Kevin Ayers. But it was his gig with Strontium 90 that introduced him to Gordon Sumner and Stewart Copeland that catapulted his career into one of the most successful bands ever, The Police. After the bands final studio album, Synchronicity in 1983, Summers, like his bandmates, embarked on solo careers that continue to this day. In fact, Andy recently released his 14th solo project Triboluminescent and hes here to talk to us about it. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Andy Summers.

Its been nearly seven years since we last connected with Bernie Chiaravalle, but it goes without saying that hes been a busy musician. His long standing relationship with Michael McDonald has kept him moving on the road and in the studio. He played an integral role with Amy Hollands latest album Light On My Path and he has released three additional solo projects since our chat with him back in 2010. Its only been a year since he released his last album One Bright Moment but on April 18, Bernie is set to release perhaps his most introspective and personal album to date, Make Some Sense Of This - an album project that he wrote, performed, engineered and produced from start to finish. Here to talk to us more about this new album project is our good friend, Bernie Chiaravalle.

The title of Raul Midons brand new album, Bad Ass And Blind, sums it up pretty nicely. True, Raul is blind and has been since birth, but when it comes to music hes as badass as they come. The New York Times described him as a one man band who turns a guitar into an orchestra and his voice into a chorus. Since 1999, Raul has released eight solo albums that touch a variety of musical landscapes and features his blazing, percussive-style finger work on the guitar, as well as his soulful, silky vocals. His talents have also been featured on tours, sessions and album projects for artists such as Shakira, India Arie, Al Jarreau, Marcus Miller, Alejandro Sanz, Julio Iglesias, Stevie Wonder, Jason Mraz, and Herbie Hancock. His ninth studio album, Bad Ass And Blind, is set to be released on March 24 and will find Raul expanding into his jazz roots and featuring compositions that explore linear modal harmony, similar to the musical avenues taken by jazz legends Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. To expand on his incredible journey in music and to chat further about his brand new album, Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Raul Midon.

For those of you who love music and had hopes of someday performing in front of thousands of screaming fans and touring the world, meet Keith Howland. His path to the music business began with those very same dreams that eventually became his reality. In the early 80s when Keith attended James Madison University, he caught a Chicago concert on campus and it turned out to be one of the best performances hes ever witnessed. After the show, he remembers catching a glimpse of Chicago guitarist Chris Pinnick and thought to himself, Thats the luckiest guy in the world. I wish I could get a gig like that. His wish eventually came true, but not before paying his dues and working his way into the audition that eventually changed his entire career. Here to tell us about this incredible journey to the band Chicago is Keith Howland.

On this episode of Inside MusiCast, we take you to Rio de Janeiro to chat with a multifaceted musician whose music explores many avenues, including jazz, soul, MPB, rock, funk, and a deep love for the West Coast sound Ed Motta. Since launching his solo career in 1990, Ed has released 13 albums containing these various music elements, but it was his 2013 release AOR that caught our attention here at Inside MusiCast. For lovers of that smooth, West Coast vibe, AOR became an instant classic. Earlier this year, Ed followed-up AOR with Perpetual Gateways, a record that again explores similar West Coast territory, but takes a journey into some well-crafted jazz and includes some heavy duty guest musicians, including Hubert Laws, Greg Phillinganes. Patrice Rushen, and Marvin Smitty Smith. Needless to say, Ed Motta is a musicians musician and were excited to have him here with us today. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Ed Motta.

Stephen Duros, also knows as Astro, is a guitarist, lighting technician for TOTO, and a talented cartoonist. His approach to lighting for Toto is literally analog by todays standards, as his lightning method includes very little automation. He relies on his astute sense of Totos music in order to trigger lighting effects for their shows. If youve ever seen Toto live, youll understand just how accurate and artistic his work can be. But Stephens talents go beyond the lights. Hes also a brilliant guitarist with a focus on classical and Flamenco. In fact, Stephen performed with the amazing Ottmar Liebert for several years and was even credited on Lieberts Grammy nominated album The Scent Of Light. Here to discuss his many talents, including his cartooning, is Stephen Astro Duros.

From his humble beginnings in Nebraska, to working his way into a band as a backing vocalist, to eventually fronting the band that eventually became The Tubes, Fee Waybill was born to entertain. But being the front man in the band wasnt just about singing the tunes. The Tubes live performances were an extravaganza of bondage, simulated sex, chainsaws, phallic props, smashing televisions, and often partially nude dancers and band members. Not only were The Tubes pioneers of incorporating theatrics and shock value into their live shows, but they were also a band of brilliant musicians. Their early albums were a fusion of rock and jazz that were comparable to Zappa and incorporated lyrics that satirized pop culture, politics, religion and even sexual taboos. They garnered a cult following, but didnt have a major hit on their hands until they connected with producer David Foster in 1981. Together with Steve Lukather, the Tubes scored their first major hit Talk To Ya Later and two years later topped its success with the even more successful Shes A Beauty. But as mentioned before, Fee is a man of many talents and hes here to tell us all about them. Inside MusiCast welcomes Fee Waybill.