Inside MusiCast

Do you smell smoke? We do. And, where there’s smoke, there’s probably a fire somewhere. If you’re in Nashville, it was probably started by one of the area’s hottest arrangers and his smokin-est band, The Smoking Section. They burn it up at 3rd & Lindsley every few weeks. Tim Akers knows the Nashville scene better than anyone and is on the A-list of arrangers and session players who know how to get the job done. When you call on Tim Akers, you get the best arranger, keyboardist, and MD who can assemble the best team of A-list musicians to play for the best names in the biz: Michael McDonald, Keith Urban, Kenny Loggins, Patti LaBelle and so many more. He’s funky, can arrange tunes better than the original, and is just plain smokin’. Rick and Eddy have their fire extinguishers out to welcome Tim Akers to Inside MusiCast.

On this special edition of Inside MusiCast, we’re breaking down Toto’s second studio album track-by-track. After the success of their debut album, Toto pushes the limits with Hydra by infusing a progressive rock approach in what may be their most unique and conceptualized album in their entire catalog. Joining us for this trip back to 1979 is Toto keyboardist, programmer, and our good friend, Steve Porcaro.

Anthony Robustelli’s path to music started at a very early age.  His father was the leader of a big band and music was always prominent with a variety of instruments always at his fingertips.  Anthony’s career includes the role of musical director for Gloria Gaynor, a touring stint with Michael Franti and Spearhead, along with several solo projects under his belt.  It’s no secret that Anthony is in ardent fan of Steely Dan.  In fact, his most recent projects center around the Dan, including his new book titled “Steely Dan FAQ”, which contains incredibly detailed information about all aspects of the band.  He has also released a new album titled “The Steely Dan Sessions: Interpretations Of Unrealized Classics” that diehard Steely Dan fans will truly appreciate, as Anthony breathes life into lost classics from Fagen and Becker.  Here to discuss these projects and more is none other that Anthony Robustelli.

It’s been nearly a decade since Michael McDonald has released an album of original material, but he’s back with what may arguably be his finest effort over the course of his illustrious career. The 12 track album titled “Wide Open” is a musically diverse journey that explores elements of pop, rock, country, folk, jazz, blues and soul. Produced by Shannon Forrest, the album enlists an amazing cast of musicians, including Shannon, Amy Holland McDonald, Michael Landau, Robben Ford, Marcus Miller, Steve Porcaro, David Paich, Bernie Chiaravalle, Dan Huff, Tom Scott, Larry Goldings, Tommy Simms, Brandon Marsalis and many others. Yet, the heart of “Wide Open” is the lyrics. Perhaps for the first time in his career, Michael wears his heart on his sleeve, as he presents a very personal account of his path to becoming sober and forging ahead to live life in the open. Here to talk more about “Wide Open” is our good friend and past guest, Michael McDonald.

Steve Weingart and Renee Jones are a match made in music.  High school sweethearts, they spent their early years growing together with music being their mutual passion.  Eventually they made the move to Los Angeles, with Steve focusing on music as his profession.  Renee didn’t initially pursue music as her career path, but it was Steve’s invitation for her to perform on his solo album Dark Blue Dream that turned her focus to music as a profession, which she continues to pursue to this day.  Steve and Renee have recently collaborated on a brand new album project titled “Oasis” - a project spawned by Steve’s endorsement by Casio and features him performing on the new Casio GP500 Grand Hybrid, while Renee lends her talents on vocals and bass.  Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome back to the show Steve Weingart and his wife Renee Jones.

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 isn’t 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 42’s Mark King.  They call themselves Gizmodrome and we’re 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. You’ve 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. We’ve waited for this for a long time and we’re happy to welcome Paul Jackson, Jr. to Inside MusiCast.

Five years ago, Gino Vannelli joined us for our 100th episode of Inside MusiCast.  At the time, he was in the process of recovering from a nearly devastating in-ear monitor accident that he feared had permanently damaged his hearing.  Fortunately, through a variety of self-healing therapies and teaching himself new singing methods, Gino overcame the trauma and has been touring, writing and recording new music.  In fact, Gino has written over 40 songs since his last album project nearly eight years ago and is in the process of completing a brand new album.  To chat about this new album project among other topics, inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Gino Vannelli.

From playing clubs at the age of 16, to venturing off to London with his friend Zoot Money and formed Zoot Money’s 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 band’s 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 “Triboluminescence” and he’s here to talk to us about it.  Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Andy Summers.