Inside MusiCast

Since the release of their debut album Full Power in early 2014, Tristan is enjoying an ever-increasing fan base. The Netherlands-based soul, R&B, and jazz fusion band definitely has a sound that even Steve Lukather describes as "The best of the 70s brought to 2015!" In fact, before vocalist Evelyn Kallansee joined the band, Tristan had already been creating great fusion and jazz with stellar musicianship. With the release of their latest album titled 2nd Phase", we find Tristans sound evolving and maturing, delivering some of the freshest blend of pop, soul and jazz that we've heard in quite a while. Here to talk to us about Tristan and their brand new record, Inside MusiCast welcomes band members Evelyn Kallansee and Sebastiaan Cornelissen.

When it comes to West Coast music, Tommy Funderburk has been an icon for decades. If youre familiar with Airplay, The Front, What If, Richard Marx, Steve Lukather, REO Speedwagon, Starship and Yes, then you've heard either his voice or his compositions over the years. He and past Inside MusiCast guest Bruce Gaitsch collaborated to form a songwriting partnership called King of Hearts in the late 80s with their debut album loaded with West Coast gems. After several delays, it was finally was released in Japan. It was a hit and launched them on a successful Japanese tour. Today they are collaborating again as King of Hearts and will soon be touring Japan, bringing the duos musicianship to the stage once more. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Tommy Funderburk.

A new Toto album doesnt come along too often, so when one does its a pretty exciting topic for all of us at Inside MusiCast. In fact, Inside MusiCast began in 2006 a few months after the release of the bands last album Falling In Between. So yes, were as stoked about Toto XIV as Toto fans are from around the world and were not going to miss this opportunity to discuss it. The album was released this past Friday in Europe and is being released this week in the USA and a few other parts of the world. To gather even more insight on what has shaped-up to be arguably one of the bands finest albums, Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome a cat who was the foundation behind Toto XIV CJ Vanston.

Until they had won their first Grammy for Best R&B Performance last year, Snarky Puppy was flying under the musical radar. Not anymore. The Grammy for their "Family Dinner performance with Lalah Hathaway singing the track "Something changed things for the band that formed a decade ago at the University of North Texas. Today, the highly acclaimed jazz/fusion/funk/pop ensemble has exploded onto the global touring scene and theyre taking no prisoners. Bassist Mike League is Snarky Puppys leader, heading-up a cast of amazing musicians who are seemingly on tour and making music non-stop. The past tens years have been an amazing ride for Mike and the band, but this is only the beginning. Inside MusiCast welcomes Snarky Puppys Mike League.

Tris Imboden not only knows the meaning of gratitude, but he lives with it every day. As a self-taught musician, Tris worked his way into the world of music at a young age and never looked back. From high school surf bands, to his band Honk, to his studio and touring connections with Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Steve Vai, Neil Diamond, Roger Daltry, Richard Marx, Al Jarreau, Firefall and Crosby, Stills and Nash, along with his long-standing gig as the drummer for Chicago, Tris has rarely had any down time throughout a career that has spanned more than four decades. But gratitude comes not only from this success with music. Tris is a cancer survivor and has developed a heightened sense of gratitude for all that encompasses him from surfing, to music, to life. Inside MusiCast welcomes Tris Imboden.

On this episode of Inside MusiCast, we take you back to Norway for a chat with past guest Ole Brud. We last spoke to Ole back in 2011 when he released his second solo album, Keep Movin. Since that time, he has been involved in other projects, including reuniting with his band Extol and released their fifth studio album titled Extol. He also had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas to perform with Santa Fe and the Fast City Horns. His latest efforts have focused on the conception and release of his new solo project Stepping Up, a brand new collection of West Coast oriented songs that is arguably some of his best work to date. Inside MusiCast welcomes back Ole Brud.

On this Inside MusiCast New Artist Profile, we take you across the pond to the home of the UK's own Nathan Williams. When we recently discovered his music, we were spellbound at the maturity and quality of his sound and musicianship at such a young age. The formally trained Nate Williams is the complete package. He can write, virtually play any instrument (drums, horns, bass, guitar and keys), and can sing, to say the least. His debut album "Got To Let Go" delivers 13 tracks that have R&B, Soul, Funk, and West Coast sprinkled all over them to create a truly unique sound. Needless to say, we're glad to introduce him to you today. Inside MusiCast welcomes the omni-talented Nathan Williams.

From blue-eyed soul to pop, R&B and standards singer/songwriter, Bobby Caldwell is still at the top of his game. The center of his musical world is the huge 1978 R&B hit What You Wont Do For Love. You know the song well - the hooks, the horns and the groove. The track has become one of the most beloved R&B hits in the world and is constantly on global playlists. From Japan to Australia to Denmark, Bobby Caldwells ability to tour continuously is proof that there is still demand for his smooth, sultry and addictive vocals. The multi-instrumentalist has worked with the best of the best, from TOTO to Chicago to Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera and Al Jarreau to create compositions that end up as hits. Whether singing big-band classics or R&B grooves, Bobby Caldwell continues to be the real deal. Inside MusiCast welcomes Bobby Caldwell.

On this episode of Inside MusiCast, were focusing our attention on a Swedish band whose music lives and breathes West Coast/AOR Work Of Art. Keybord and vocalist Lars Sfsund, guitarist Robert Sll and drummer Herman Furin are a trio of best friends and dynamic musicians whose music epitomizes the melodic rock genre that has heavily influenced them for several decades. On September 19, Work Of Art will release their third studio album in Europe, followed by the US release on September 22. The album is titled Framework and its quite possibly their most sophisticated collection of songs since their debut album Artwork in 2008. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome all three members of Work of Art.

Bill LaBounty keeps creating great albums. Its proof that his musical mind is constantly active and sharp as ever. With his new release, Into Something Blue, LaBounty delivers a collection of work that includes original tunes, but he also finds inspiration in songs by The Drifters, Ray Charles and even Bob Dylan. Think of these songs as wet clay in the hands of a master potter. And, with a little help from guitarist Larry Carlton, thats what Bill LaBounty does with music - he makes it his own with his own touch. As always, Bill never disappoints. He delivers. Inside MusiCast welcomes our good friend, Bill LaBounty.