Inside MusiCast

When we last spoke to Keiko Matsui in March of 2011, she had just released “The Road”, which featured an incredible lineup of musicians, such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Richard Bona, James Hara and Kirk Whalum. Since then, Keiko has released another solo project titled “Soul Quest”, as well as teaming up with the legendary Bob James for their album “Altair & Vega.” Outside of the studio, Keiko is a passionate and relentless world traveler, bringing her music to her fans all over the world. In doing so, she captured an incredible performance in her native country of Japan that has recently been released as a CD/DVD combo titled “Keiko: Live In Tokyo”. It’s her first live release in many years and it features past Inside MusiCast guest Kirk Whalum and guitarist Chuck Loeb. Here to talk to us more about this project is Keiko Matsui.

The influence of West Coast AOR runs deep in the souls of many career musicians. Ask any studio or touring musician about their inspirations and you’re bound to hear an answer that would include the talented players who laced the liner notes of the great albums from the 70’s and 80’s. Tim Cashion is no exception. For the past 15 years, Tim has provided keyboard and vocal support to the legendary band Grand Funk Railroad. Prior to that, he has toured with the likes of Takanaka, Robert Palmer, Jon Secada and Bob Seger. Yet deep in his musical soul there lied a passion for West Coast AOR. In 2005, Tim began to explore this musical path and created the tracks that became his personal Sargent Pepper’s titled “Find Us On The Dial.” The album sat in silence – until now. To tell us more about this incredible album and the unique story about its release is Tim Cashion.

Peter Friestedt is one of Sweden¹s premiere musicians and guitarists. Having studied music at several conservatories in Sweden, Peter eventually landed in Los Angeles to study at the Los Angeles Music Academy. There he studied under Frank Gambale and his guitar staff, but sometimes education will only get you so far.  Peter wanted his music in the hands and ears of Bill Champlin, so he borrowed a friend¹scar, drove to Bill¹s house and delivered a cassette tape that contained some of his music.  This was the start of Peter’s “LA Project” - his first album project that was eventually distributed all over Europe and garnered the attention of his peers and fans worldwide.  It also catapulted Peter to various projects over the past two decades - his latest being the recently released CWF album that features Champlin and Toto vocalist, Joseph Williams.  Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome both Peter Friestedt and Bill Champlin.

Tom Canning. You know him best for his excellent writing, arranging and for his amazing keyboard touches on most of Al Jarreau’s music. But the native New Yorker’s music career started well before Al, when he performed and recorded with John Klemmer, Freddie King, T-Bone Burnett and others. But as we all know, it was an unsigned Al Jarreau who hired Canning as his music director in 1974 and the rest is history. You know the tracks, Roof Garden, Breakin’ Away, Never Givin’ Up - all containing Canning’s masterful arranging and performing. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Tom Canning

Sometimes being an incredibly talented musician is only half the battle when you want to make it into the music industry.  Drummer Tom Brechtlein’s rise to success is the classic tale of hard work, perseverance and self-promotion.  From his  big break of landing a steady gig with Chick Corea in 1978, he has gone on to perform with some heavyweights, such as Wayne Shorter, Al Dimeola, Jean Luc Ponty, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson, Christopher Cross and many others.  Over the past eight years, Brechtlein has toured extensively with Kenny Loggins and has also found a new niche with teaching drums and percussion. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Tom Brechtlein.

On this episode of Inside MusiCast, we welcome back Steve Porcaro. When we first interviewed Steve in 2009, he broke the news to us that he was working on his first solo album project. If you heard the interview, you were also treated to two demos that Steve allowed us to share. After a busy six years with touring with Toto, his ongoing scoring project for the TV show “Justified”, along with his involvement in the production of Toto’s latest studio album, Steve is more determined than ever to finish the solo album that has taken a back seat these other projects. Inside MusiCast is once again pleased to welcome Steve Porcaro.

Bill Maxwell’s talents stretch far beyond his drumming skills. Over the years, the Oklahoma native has become a first call LA session drummer, arranger, composer, and producer whose career began in a blues band and continued to a producer/drummer role with Andraé Crouch and The Disciples. His career blossomed as he collaborated with artists such as Luther Vandross, Kirk Whalum, the Crusaders, Freddie Hubbard and The Winans. Bill has recently played the role as music director for performances at the White House by playing for President Obama and the First Lady. His abilities and discography are vast and we welcome Bill Maxwell to Inside MusiCast.

Jimmy Haslip is a renaissance man who hasn’t let boundaries define him. As an original band member of the Yellowjackets, his pronounced influence over the past 3 decades is seen in musicians today. He has demonstrated an uncanny ability to deliver a groove in not only fusion, but also Latin, pop and international genres. Haslip today has evolved from musician-composer to an in-demand, producer extraordinaire. Inside MusiCast welcomes back Jimmy Haslip.

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 ‘70’s 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 Tristan’s 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 you’re 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 80’s 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.