Inside MusiCast

On today’s episode of Inside MusiCast, we’re bringing you a very special guest who’s producing a documentary about her father, Terry Kath – the amazing guitarist and vocalist who spent a little over ten years with the band Chicago, until his accidental death in January, 1978.  What’s unique about this documentary is that it’s a journey inside the mind of Michelle Kath Sinclair, who was only three years old at the time of her father’s passing.  Scouring through boxes of memorabilia, Michelle discovered several reels of Super 8 film that her father shot throughout his touring days with the band.  This, along with interviews, correspondence, and other memorabilia helped piece together a glimpse into her father’s fast, musical and ultimately the tragic end to his life. What did she learn about her father that family and friends hadn’t been able to describe throughout her life?  And after so many years after her father’s passing, did these pieces help to answer the questions she has always had about this man; a father; a husband; and a musical legend.  Inside MusiCast welcomes Michelle Kath Sinclair.

Sheila Escovedo, you might know of her as Sheila E., is a force to be reckoned with in the world of music and percussion. In fact, most of her family is, too! For starters, her father, the legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo, is to blame. It was Pete who trained his daughter Sheila, and sons Juan and Peter Michael to follow his footsteps into the world of music. Today, they’re accomplished composers, producers, and of course percussionists. We all know of Sheila’s days touring and recording with Prince; that’s when she changed her name to Sheila E. But, after a long career playing with the best of the best, including Prince, Natalie Cole, George Duke, Ringo Starr, Gloria Estefan, Marvin Gaye and so many more, Sheila E. has returned to joined her father and her brothers for the first time to record their first-ever family project, “Now And Forever.” It’s an impressive project from a family that continues to leave its mark on the music world. Inside MusiCast welcomes the beautiful and talented Sheila E.

If music had a DNA, one of the strands would be dedicated to the Lennon family, beginning when Bill and Ted Lennon sang in a 40’s swing band and the Lennon Sisters sang for Lawrence Welk in the 60’s. Today, Michael Lennon, brother Mark and cousins Kipp and Pat continue the musical legacy with their band Venice. Michael leads this critically acclaimed LA quartet as they buck trendiness of pop music to deliver harmonic sounds that have been compared to Crosby Stills and Nash, the Eagles, Poco, and Little Rive Band. Venice, as a band, has recorded with Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, Warren Zevon, David Crosby, Brian Wilson, and Phil Collins. To top it off, the groups headline performances and popular websites draw thousands of devoted fans of their own worldwide. IMC welcomes Michael Lennon.

Kiki Ebsen’s career has taken her full circle. From the beginning as a young pianist, she has had the pleasure of having many musical influences, including her mother, aunt, and her cousin – keyboardist Jim Pugh- who is a member of the Robert Cray Band. But it was during her successful college career at the California Institute of the Arts, where she won the Collegiate Entertainer of the Year award and embarked on a touring career with the legendary band, Chicago, as a keyboardist and MIDI technician. Two tours and one record later, she moved on to a musically challenging tour with Al Jarreau. This put her on the map as an ‘A-List’ player, and she has since had the opportunity to play with artists such as Boney James, Belinda Carlisle, Tracy Chapman, Michael McDonald, Colin Hay, Christopher Cross, Stephen Bishop and many more. Today we welcome her as she launches her latest solo release, “The Beauty Inside.” Inside MusiCast welcomes the lovely and talented Kiki Ebsen.

Since 1998 keyboardist and vocalist Gabe Dixon has been busy fronting the Gabe Dixon Band. Their 2008 self-titled release earned accolades from Paste Magazine, The Village Voice, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone and many others. Amazingly, virtually the entire album has been licensed at one time or another for use on primetime television or for movie soundtracks. This is confirmation of Dixon’s talent as a masterful keyboardist and vocalist. Even Paul McCartney admired his gifts enough to offer him a position in his band, in which he declined to focus on his songwriting and new album. One thing we know is that Dixon knows how to take you by the hand lead you through a well-crafted musical maze that ends with a new found addiction to his music. His soon to be released solo project, ONE SPARK, is sure to capture the listener’s ears, and that’s no surprise to us. Inside MusiCast welcomes an artist who will not be under the radar too much longer, Gabe Dixon.

On this edition of Inside MusiCast, we welcome back a painter – a musical and lyrical painter who you know well. He’s recorded twelve solo projects since his legendary self-titled 1979 release. But over the years, while recording, living life and touring, Christopher Cross has continued moving forward. With the delivery of his new release, Doctor Faith, we clearly see that the singer/songwriter and his longtime writing partner, Rob Meurer, have risen to a fresh, new level of musical excellence. With the assistance of his good friends Michael McDonald, Dave Beyer, Mark Browne, Eric Johnson and John Thomas, Cross’ new offering of 13 tracks flows from the heart, and is natural, honest, and transparent. His signature voice has only gotten better and is still soothing as ever. The orchestrations and horn parts, not to mention his guitar work, are second to none. So, please welcome once again to Inside MusiCast, an artist who continues to leave a mark in music…Christopher Cross.

It’s been five years since Michael Franks delivered his last solo effort, ‘Rendezvous in Rio,’ but it has not been in vain. During this time, he’s been busy touring and collecting material for his most recent release, ‘Time Together.’ You know his albums…’The Art of Tea’, ‘Passion Fruit’, ‘Skin Dive’, ‘Burchfield Nines’, ‘Blue Pacific’ and ‘Dragonfly Summer.’ Along the path of his nearly 20-album career, he’s collaborated with artists such as Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, David Sanborn and so many more first-call musicians. ‘Time Together’ doesn’t fail in delivering the same high quality work that Michael always gives us. Inside MusiCast welcomes one of the most proficient and enduring talents in jazz today…Michael Franks.

On this episode of Inside MusiCast, we celebrate our five-year anniversary by bringing you one of the most recognized vocalists on the planet, Michael McDonald. From his humble roots in Ferguson, Missouri, playing in several bands in the St. Louis area, to his venture West to Los Angeles and finding his way into his favorite band, Steely Dan he made a name for himself and became one of the premiere vocalists on the LA scene. From his stint with Steely and the Doobie Brothers, Michael created connections that eventually launched him into session work with some incredible names in the industry, such as James Ingram, Toto, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle and so many others. Michael eventually found his way to Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues his music career along with his wife Amy and his son Dylan. Inside MusiCast is proud to welcome Michael McDonald to our fifth anniversary podcast episode.