Inside MusiCast

Gary Husband is a musical rare breed. He’s a multi-instrumentalist who focuses on expression, textures, and improvisational thinking. That’s how he’s developed as a critically acclaimed drummer, pianist, composer and producer. Having world class skills in both piano and drums provided him with incredible diversity, which led to gigs with a vast and eclectic range of celebrated musicians including John McLaughlin, Allan Holdsworth, Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, Gary Moore, Level 42, Billy Cobham, Al Jarreau, Mike Stern, John Wetton, Chris Squire, Andy Summers, Steve Hackett, Robin Trower, Sir George Martin, Quincy Jones and many others. Recently, Gary has released an ongoing series of standalone tuitional videocasts for musicians with a desire to establish their own voice in drumming. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome, Gary Husband.

Mike Stern and Jeff Lorber are both well-respected musicians and have each had long and successful careers in the music business, with jazz being the root of their musical craft. While they’ve each traveled down different avenues and have developed their own, unique style, their paths have recently crossed, which has ignited a collaboration that fused their creativity and resulted in a brand new album titled “Eleven”, which was released on September 27. The album features a mix of new and existing tracks by both Mike and Jeff, and co-produced by none other than Jimmy Haslip. In their first interview together to discuss this brilliant new album, Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Mike Stern and Jeff Lorber.

On this episode of Inside MusiCast, we’re taking a trip to the smooth side of the jazz spectrum for an extensive chat with jazz trumpeter, songwriter, and vocalist, Rick Braun. However, 'smooth' doesn't pigeonhole Rick's music, as he incorporates a spectrum of jazz styles into his music, which is evident on his latest album "Crossroads" released a few weeks ago from Shanachie Entertainment. Rick also has an extensive resumé as a studio and touring musician, having recorded and performed with Crowded House, Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty, Sade, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, and War, to name a few. He's also a good friend of Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon and co-wrote their Top 20 hit "Here With Me". Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome, Rick Braun.

Versatility. For A-list session players, it’s not only the ability to adapt to a variety of musical styles and genres, but to the artists who call them in for a gig. John Peña has made a successful career in music by having this ability to adapt to any musical scenario that comes his way. On today’s episode of Inside MusiCast, we’ll chat with John about his path to becoming a first call bassist in L.A. John’s gift of versatility has led him to gigs with a variety of artists and musical styles, including Carlos Santana, Julio Iglesias, Los Lobotomys, Natalie Cole, The Crusaders, Herb Alpert, Chaka Khan, Jerry Garcia, Chick Corea, Steve Vai, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Larry Carlton, Michael McDonald, Joe Sample, Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Patti LaBelle, Patti Austin, and many others. He recently finished-up a tour with Oleta Adams and took some time to discuss life, music, computers, and even airplanes. Inside MusiCast welcomes John Peña.

Michael Thompson is proof that dreams do come true. The native New York guitarist knew at an early age that music was in his blood and he set his sights on becoming an elite session player. Having studied at Berklee with the likes of Pat Metheney, he eventually made his way to L.A. to pursue his dream at being an A-list studio musician. He quickly landed tours with Joe Cocker and Cher before breaking into the L.A. studio scene. Word spread about his talent and he’s now recorded and performed for many big names in the music industry, such as Stewart Copeland, Stanley Clarke, David Foster, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Babyface, Quincy Jones, Mutt Lange, and so many more - not to mention forming his own band, the Michael Thompson band in 1989, who recently released a brand new studio album “Love & Beyond”. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome, Michael Thompson.

Don Breithaupt is a man of many talents. He’s a singer/songwriter, musician, producer, arranger, composer, author and even an Inside MusiCast Correspondent. From his steady gig with Brass Transit, to his Breithaupt Brothers collaboration with his brother, Jeff, to recently producing “True North: The Canadian Songbook” - an epic, 32 song project that celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday, Don’s passion for music keeps him on the road, in the studio, and constantly writing and creating music. However, the center of his musical world is Monkey House, a band he spearheads and has been intact for over 25 years. With four studio albums already to their credit, the band released their fifth studio album today titled “Friday” and contains 12 tracks, including their tribute to the Walter Becker song “Book Of Liars”. Here to discuss this brand new album is our good friend, Don Breithaupt.

On this episode of Inside MusiCast, we’re joined by two legendary musicians whose session work is as legendary as the artists they’ve worked with: Danny Kortchmar and Waddy Wachtel. Not only have these two performed and written songs for some of the most celebrated artists of the 70's and 80's, such as James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Warren Zevon, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Karla Bonoff, and Toto to name a few, they’ve recently reconnected with their musical brothers, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Steve Postell to form the session-player super group, The Immediate Family. Today we’ll chat with Kootch and Waddy about this new group of old friends that are creating new music, revisiting classic songs they've been involved with throughout their careers, and taking their show on the road. You're gonna' love this chat. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Danny Kortchmar and Waddy Wachtel.

Warren Ham is one of the best vocalists and woodwind players in the business. Born and raised in Texas, Warren found his way into the band Bloodrock out of Fort Worth. He and his brother, Bill, then went on to form The Ham Brothers Band, who eventually became the backing band for Bread and Cher.  From there, Warren went on to perform and tour with some of the best in the business, including Kansas, AD, Olivia Newton John, Donna Summer, Toto, Ringo Starr and so many more. Decades later, he’s as busy now as he’s ever been, but he’s taken a timeout to chat with us. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Warren Ham.

As adaptable as Chris Rodriguez has been throughout his career in music, having performed with a wide range of well-known artists and music genres spanning from pop, to country, to CCM, and rock, he continues to expand his musical palate.  Recently, Chris embarked on a journey that has led him to explore elements of jazz. Having some down time on the road and in-between gigs has allowed him the opportunity to write over 70 songs and compositions, with 14 of them landing on a brand new solo album titled “Head, Hands and Heart”, which is now available as a digital download and on major streaming sites.  While he’ll still be providing guitars and vocals on the road with Kenny Loggins and Peter Cetera, Chris has a treasure trove of original music to share with the world. Here to talk with us today about the new album “Head, Hands and Heart” is our good friend, Chris Rodriguez.

Dominique Xavier Taplin may be a young musician, but his immense talent has led him to some amazing gigs with Ghost-Note, Prince, and most recently he's taken David Paich's place on the road with Toto. However, he doesn't take these experiences for granted. He fully understands the magnitude of these artists and is honored to not only be a part of their legacies, but to have the opportunity to add his own signature to their music. Soft-spoken, humble, and crazy-talented. You're going to love this chat with a rising star in the world of music. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Dominique Xavier Taplin.