Inside MusiCast

Growing up as a kid in France, there wasn’t a chance that Philippe Saisse would end up doing anything other than creating music. Quite simply, this child prodigy was a jazz drummer at the age of five, playing in his father’s jazz band. After winning a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, he studied under the great vibraphonist and percussionist, Gary Burton. The rest is history as Philippe followed Burton’s lead as a vibraphonist and marimba instrumentalist, but also as a keyboardist. As a multi-instrumentalist, he caught the ear of Al DiMeola and was invited to play on DiMeola’s ‘Splendido Hotel’ recording. Saisse provided vocals, playing keyboards and Moog Bass, and even provided outstanding marimba solos throughout the project. During his career as an arranger, session keyboardist, composer and producer, he’s worked with Chaka Khan, the Rolling Stones, Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Brian Wilson, Bill Evans, and David Bowie. Recently, he has reconnected with drummer Simon Phillips and bassist Pino Palladino to form PSP. This jazz-fusion trio is truly an experimental collaboration that pushes the limits of improvisational composition. He has produced many solo projects over his career; his most recent being ‘At World’s Edge’, which led to the creation of PSP. Inside MusiCast welcomes Philippe Saisse.

Rob Mounsey is a self-proclaimed music nerd, having taught himself classical music composition at the very early age of 11.  With a natural passion for music, he earned his way into the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he migrated his energy into the world of jazz while studying with the likes of Gary Burton, among others.  Fresh out of school, Mounsey briefly hit the road with the Tommy Dorsey Band, but decided life on a bus wasn’t for him.  A wise decision, as his career as a studio musician and solo artist began to flourish.  Settling in New York City, Mounsey went on to perform with and produce some of the biggest names in music, such as Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, Madonna, Diana Ross, Ashford and Simpson, James Taylor, Michael Franks, Rihanna and many more.  But Rob Mounsey ‘s career is expansive.  Not only has he performed with the biggest names in the industry, he’s also taken on projects for television and film, such as creating music elements for Sex and the City, and for films like “Working Girl” and “Bright Lights, Big City” with Donald Fagen.  He’s a six time Grammy nominee and has taken home two Emmy’s over the course of his career.  And the good news is that with all of his successes, he’s still as passionate as ever for his craft.  Inside MusiCast welcomes the multi-talented Rob Mounsey. 

On this episode of Inside MusiCast we’re taking you to Norway for a chat with a rising star making waves across his own country and gaining notoriety and respect in many areas around the world.  Ole Børud has just released his third solo album “Keep Movin’”, a soulful, funky and American West Coast laced collection of songs that captures the essence of a variety of musicians that have influenced his musical path, artists such as Pages, Seawind, Stevie Wonder, and Gino Vannelli, just to name a few.  Ole dove into the world of music at the early age of five; appearing on his first record by the time he was only six years old.  From the age of 16, he has been a full time musician and has toured the world with numerous bands, including the acclaimed death metal band, Extol.  Inside MusiCast is proud to welcome singer, guitarist and an amazing horn arranger, Ole Børud.

Randy Goodrum has a gift. And for over thirty years, he’s shared it with us all in the form of hit songs that are timeless. His compositions have been recorded by artists such as Anne Murray, England Dan and John Ford Coley, Toto, Chicago, Steve Perry, Al Jarreau, Johnny Lange, Steve Lukather and, well, this list goes on and on. Goodrum’s extensive work with Chet Atkins early on helped to open the door to opportunities that would blossom for the rest of his career. But his success has not been a consequence of luck. It took the classically trained pianist about ten years before a songwriting effort would be recorded. He’s achieved an elite status in the world of songwriters and his accomplishments are as heralded as such names as Burt Bacharach, Carole King, Paul Williams, Carol Bayer Sager, and Paul Simon. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome an icon in the music business, Randy Goodrum.

Keiko Matsui is a jazz, chillout, and soft jazz veteran for well over 20 years. And after 22 projects to her name, she hasn’t stopped exploring her musical boundaries. Formally trained in Japan when she was a young child, Keiko’s progressive and imaginative keyboard style not only reflects her own culture, but a global perspective. Her recent release, “The Road”, is surely an exit from her prior recordings. This new album is more transparent, which allows her keyboard prowess to come to the acoustic forefront. It’s a cleaner sound with less ethereal layers. The influences of Bob James, Dave Grusin, and others hint at her musical offerings, but Keiko’s unique approach shines through. Joining forces with her on this album are players such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Richard Bona, James Hara and former Inside MusiCast guest Kirk Whalum, and when you get guys like them, along with Keiko’s keyboard mastery, you just can’t fail. Inside MusiCast welcomes the very talented and beautiful Keiko Matsui.

Since being a guest on Inside MusiCast in 2008, Jon Herington has been running non-stop. Touring with Steely Dan, and most recently with the Dukes of September tour, which featured Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs and Donald Fagen, the New York City singer/songwriter has focused on producing his latest solo effort, “Shine (Shine, Shine)”, the follow-up to his 2000 solo release “Like So.” But, “Shine” is different in many ways from its predecessor. This album has a heavier guitar influence, and at times, it has an edgier approach. The quality of Jon’s writing and musicianship remains second to none. Herington collaborates with some very talented players and long-time colleagues, including bassist Dennis Espantman, Frank Pagano on drums, and on keyboards Rob Morsberger and Jim Beard. Espantman and Pagano combine with Herington to form the Jon Herington Band, who performs regularly on the New York City scene. They’ve performed together for years, and their talent shines through on “Shine”. We’re honored to connect once more with one of the most proficient guitarists in the business. Inside MusiCast welcomes back Jon Herington.

London-born drummer Simon Phillips has had a destiny for success. From the very beginning of his career, his musical mode of operation has been methodical, technical, and well planned. But that doesn’t say that good fortune hasn’t come his way. After the unfortunate passing of Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro, he was the only drummer to receive the call in 1992 to fill the open slot. He took the job and the rest is history. But Toto hasn’t encompassed Simon’s career. His collaborations with Tears For Fears, The Who, Pete Townsend, Judas Priest, Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, Stanley Clarke, Mike Oldfield and many others have garnered him a discography to envy. His touring life has not only allowed him to play with Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood, but it ultimately led him to enter the world of producing and engineering. In 2009, Phillips joined forces with keyboardist Philippe Saisse and bassist Pino Palladino to form the instrumental jazz/funk/rock trio PSP, who toured Europe through 2010, spotlighting the talents of each musician. Phillips’ trademark has always been his precise and creative style of drumming, and it is his passion for quality and perfection that has paved a road of success for him. Inside MusiCast is proud to kick off the New Year with our first guest of 2011, Simon Phillips.