Inside MusiCast

Fergie Frederiksens tenure in the band Toto was unquestionably a highlight on his singing resume, but this singer/songwriter has had an extensive career as a solo artist, as well as the lead vocalist for MS Funk, Trillion and LeRoux. Fergie is also a member of Legends: Voices Of Rock, which is a collaboration of incredible rock vocalists that tours throughout Europe and includes Bobby Kimball, Bill Champlin, Steve Augeri and Joe Lynn Turner. In 2010, Fergie was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer, but through his faith, support from great friends and with the strength to continue making music, Fergie has battled his way through his fight with cancer and is winning. In fact, he released his second solo album in late 2011 titled Happiness Is The Road and is in the early stages of working on yet another. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Fergie Frederiksen.

On this episode of Inside MusiCast, we proudly welcome back guitarist Jon Herington to talk about his upcoming solo release Time On My Hands, containing ten new tracks that showcase Jons incredible feel for the guitar, as he stretches his way through more expansive guitar solos than ever before. Inside MusiCast welcomes Jon Herington.

At the age of five you might say that Richard Marx began a career that so far has lasted a lifetime. At this very young age he was already singing lyrics for the jingles his father would compose and produce for top advertising clients in Chicago. That was the beginning of a Grammy Award-winning career that has allowed Marx to write and produce for some of the greatest artists in the music business, beginning with the one star that noticed him and brought him into his world of hit creation - Lionel Richie. As a mentor, Richie helped pave a road of success for Marx, bringing him in as a background singer for several of his hit albums. Marx has enjoyed a career that many would envy, but it all began with his musical hero, his father, who taught him as a young boy how a hard-work ethic will always pay off. Richard is proof of that, as he continues to embody the musical spirit of his father. Inside MusiCast welcomes Richard Marx.

John Waite's music and artistry is alive and well. Although his legacy as lead vocalist for The Babys and Bad English precedes him, hes best known for his solo work, most notably the smash hits Change and Missing You. This path has led him to recreating Missing You with Alison Krauss, and in 2003 he toured as a member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. Today his voice has defied the test of time and is even better and stronger, as proven by his recent solo release "Rough and Tumble. Recorded in Nashville and L.A., Waite considers this effort a new beginning on his solo music journey, delivering a more organic, rock-oriented sound than many of his past solo projects. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome John Waite.

Music had already been in his blood for more than a decade, having studied piano and music theory at the Manhattan School of Music in New York when he was eight years old. But when Howard Levy first picked-up a diatonic harmonica as an 18 year-old college student at Northwestern, little did he know that he would soon reinvent the instrument, essentially pioneering the over-blow/over-draw methods for bending and creating notes that were previously thought missing from the instrument. He has since mastered the harmonica and has created a career in music that has led him to many unique opportunities, including his tenure as an original Flecktone. But Howard is not defined solely by this role. In fact, he only spent a few years with the Flecktones until he decided to part ways to pursue an open door of opportunities that continue to reinvent the role of the harmonica and challenge his own musical interests. Inside MusiCast welcomes Howard Levy.

Through his ever-present sunglasses, Bluey Maunick sees the world in different shades of soul, funk, acid-jazz, and r&b. And it's his unique global perspective that feeds his musical creativity. As founder, mastermind, guitarist, and producer of the always-evolving band Incognito, Bluey has consistently delivered a deep-grooved, soulful sound on every record since 1981. Incognito's sound is thick, richly produced and quite addicting, both vocally and instrumentally. Over the years he has introduced some of the best vocal talent to execute his musical vision. Let's just call it "Bluey's" touch, because without him, Incognito wouldn't have been around for more than three decades. His newly released recording, Surreal, will only confirm his position as a truly international musical icon. Inside MusiCast welcomes Incognito's Bluey Maunick.

Andres Aleman is clearly on a journey, as the title of his latest solo release states. The Swedish-born singer-songwriter's second solo album has given him momentum that appears to have captured the ears of a widening audience, extending his musical reach throughout Europe and now to the States. His blend of Soul, Gospel, funk, blues and good pop music developed his ability to create a groove the is reminiscent of Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton and Aretha Franklin. Sink your teeth into his new album project "Its The Journey" and you'll get a taste of a genre that is alive and well, enjoying a surprising resurgence that is holding on to groove music. As a seasoned keyboardist and vocalist, Andreas Aleman brings a comfortable maturity to the table and his thick, soulful baritone voice being the center of his sound, along with smooth horn arrangements. Were glad to welcome a musician who you'll be hearing much more of in the future. Inside MusiCast welcomes Andreas Aleman.

Dylan McDonald could have taken the musical easy road, being that he happens to be the son of one of the most famous pop/rock artists in the business, Michael McDonald, but he didn't. As a proficient singer-songwriter, Dylan has paved his own road - one very distinct from that of his father's. You'll hear it in his music right from the start. He paints his music with his airy Lennon-esque voice, as well as rich orchestrations that seem to bleed through the talents of his band, The Avians. It's clear to see that Dylan McDonald understands the music creation process, but as you'll soon hear, it's not all due to his dad's influence. His music is his own and it's very fresh. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome the very talented Dylan McDonald.

Having been a founding member of King Crimson and Emerson, Lake and Palmer, arguably two of the most influential progressive rock bands from the 60s and 70s, Greg Lakes name is synonymous with a genre of rock music that incorporated an influence of European and classical elements. Having picked-up the guitar as a 12 year old, Greg Lake has played and performed for over 50 years and he is as passionate about music now as he has ever been. In fact, 2012 will be a busy year, as he is about to embark on his Songs Of A Lifetime North American tour. With the concerts being performed in intimate settings, Greg will open-up the floor to his fans and will allow them to share thoughts and ask questions about his music and his career. 2012 will also bring Gregs autobiography in both audio and written formats, which will give a behind-the-scenes peek into his storied career. Inside MusiCast is proud to welcome Greg Lake.

Toronto native Don Breithaupt has molded his multi-dimensional career into much more than just a "day job". To start, the Berklee graduate has owned and operated a top-rated recording studio in Toronto for several years; he's involved in James Taylor and Chicago tribute bands that amazingly replicate the sounds of both artists; hes a Grammy winning composer for film and television; and finally, he's the leader of the band Monkey House, who has recently released their new album called "Headquarters." With stellar musicianship and top-notch production qualities, this new effort by Monkey House is sure to impress. Monkey House hooked us the first time we heard them and we're sure it will hook you, too. Inside MusiCast welcomes one of Toronto's best, Don Breithaupt.