Inside MusiCast

A new Toto album doesn’t come along too often, so when one does it’s 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 band’s last album “Falling In Between.” So yes, we’re as stoked about Toto XIV as Toto fans are from around the world and we’re 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 band’s finest albums, Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome a cat who was the foundation behind Toto XIV – CJ Vanston.

It’s been nine years since Toto last released a new studio album and many fans thought that Falling In Between might have been the band’s final chapter. Now, the story continues. Toto XIV is set to launch in Europe on March 20, the UK and Oceana on March 23 and North America on March 24. The album features eleven tracks and a line-up that is as close to the original band as we’ve seen in many years, including David Paich, Steve Porcaro, Joseph Williams, David Hungate and here to talk about this fantastic new album, Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome back Steve Lukather.

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 they’re taking no prisoners. Bassist Mike League is Snarky Puppy’s 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 Puppy’s Mike League.

In the world of recording and session musicians, there are names that are staples on hundreds of major recordings – names like Purdie, Lukather, Mathieson, Phillinganes, Porcaro, Kunkel, Sklar, Kortchmar, Raine, to name a few.  One name that stands large amongst these session giants is today’s guest, Jerry Hey.  Having played since the age of three, Jerry followed his passion for music to Indiana University, then on to Hawaii to form Seawind, and eventually landed in L.A. where his trumpet skills have graced some of the biggest selling albums of all-time for artists such as Quincy Jones, Earth Wind and Fire, Al Jarreau, Toto, Michael Jackson, The Tubes, George Benson, The Manhattan Transfer and so many others.  Inside MusiCast is pleased to kick off 2015 with Jerry Hey. 

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 Børud. 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 Børud.

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 Won’t 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 Caldwell’s 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, we’re focusing our attention on a Swedish band whose music lives and breathes West Coast/AOR – Work Of Art. Keybord and vocalist Lars Säfsund, guitarist Robert Säll 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 it’s 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. It’s 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, that’s 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.