Inside MusiCast

The music of Level 42 is addicting, and if that’s the case, fans of their music have been in rehab for 30 years. That’s when bassist Mark King and keyboardist Mike Lindup started injecting lyrics into their fusion, funk-based tracks at the suggestion of their label in 1980. It created a sound that has been labeled as jazz-funk , sophisti-pop, New Wave, pop rock, and funk-pop. Whatever you call it, there’s not a sound like that of Level 42. Over the years King’s sharp vocals and bass-slapping technique have merged with Lindup’s falsetto harmonies to deliver hits such as Something About You, Lessons Is Love, Children Say, Star Child and It’s Over. After heavy touring and several personnel evolutions over the years, Level 42 suffered a band split in the mid-90’s. But, we’re glad to say that King and the band have emerged once again. This past summer, they completed their first U.S. tour in over 22 years, which has made their American fans extremely happy. The good news is that there’s still an enormous appreciation for their music, and THAT makes us happy. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Level 42’s Mark King.

Bernie Chiaravalle has never been a musician that needed a spotlight to complete him as a singer-songwriter-musician. He’s always let his music do the talking during his career that has spanned nearly three decades. He’s worked with artists such as the Doobie Brothers, Larry Carlton and David Pack, who incidentally introduced him to Michael McDonald. Needless to say, his musical relationship with McDonald has flourished for nearly 25 years and has took Chiaravalle to new levels of creative writing, performance and collaboration. Once you listen to his latest solo release, THE WORLD AROUND ME, you’ll find that he understands the craft of songwriting very well. Musically, his capacity to take you through a labyrinth of unexpectedly fresh guitar chording progressions will keep you engaged. Lyrically, he will draw you into his each song in a calm, methodical way. Inside MusiCast is happy to welcome a very seasoned musician, Bernie Chiaravalle.

It’s no secret that Rob Meany is a top notch singer-songwriter. If you live in Minneapolis, you’ve known this fact for over fifteen years. But what if you haven’t heard of him nor his band Terramara? Well, this is your lucky day. Get ready to be amazed by music that is part Steely Dan, Joe Jackson, Sting, John Mayer and Ben Folds…all mixed together to create a progressive jazz concoction that’s mixed with lyrical and musical hooks that will draw you in. Rob is a musician’s musician - classically trained, yet he’s developed musical sense that is foundational for his writing. As band leader and lead vocalist of Terramara, he has collaborated with the best musicians in the Minneapolis area to create three Terramara albums. The newest release being Dust & Fiction. Thanks to Rob, Inside MusiCast is the first to debut his newly mixed track Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll love this track and all of Terramara’s music, for that matter. How do we know? We fell for it hook, line and sinker. Inside MusiCast welcomes, the talented Rob Meany.

Consider it Deja Vu, if you wish. But for Lee Sklar, hitting the road with Carole King and James Taylor for the 2010 Troubadour Reunion Tour was a dream-turned-reality. It all began in 1969, when Taylor and King played the infamous 3-day gig at the Troubadour Club in LA. Backing them were Lee Sklar, Danny Kortchmar and Russ Kunkel. They would soon become known as ‘The Section’ and their discographies as the most sought after session guys of the time were deep. Lee Sklar’s career was rocketing as he was in demand by major artists and producers. Fast forward to September 2010. The 51-city Troubadour Reunion Tour has played to over 700,000 fans around the world. The secret to the success was simple - Sklar, Kunkel, and Kootch were along for the ride with James and Carole - and the chemistry helped reproduce the intimate vibe of the original Troubadour Shows. We’ve invited Lee back to debrief us on the rest of the Troubadour Reunion Tour. He’s no stranger to us. Lee, welcome back to Inside MusiCast.

Born in Chicago, Bruce Gaitsch was baptized into music at an early age. His dad was a musician and also owned a music store where it was common to see up-and-coming stars of the Midwest music scene, such as Ted Nugent, Chicago, and the Buckinghams. As a musician, Bruce paid his dues in the Windy City and racked up more than 3000 session gigs over the course of 9 years. That’s when he moved to LA. His career as a guitarist, producer, and writer exploded when his good friend from Chicago, Richard Marx , began to connect him to others. He then met Patrick Leonard, and together they wrote a track called ‘La Isla Bonita’ for Madonna. He’s fresh off a world tour with Peter Cetera and has worked with Chicago, Kansas, The Fixx, Phillip Bailey, and Tom Scott, just to name a few. He has several solo albums to his credit, including his most recent 2006 release – Sincerely. As his successes are too many to mention, so we’ll just let Bruce tell you. Inside MusiCast welcomes Bruce Gaitsch.

Michael Ruff has found balance and order in his life. And why wouldn’t he? Living on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai for over twenty years, the talented songwriter, producer and keyboardist has remained connected to the music world. Throughout his career migration from the East Coast, the West and finally to Hawaii, Michael has left a trail of amazing musical success that has allowed him to work with the best in the industry. He’s written for India Arie, Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Loggins, Natalie Cole, BeBe Winans, The Doobie Bros. He has had the good fortune of also being musical director and keyboardist for Ricky Lee Jones, Chaka, David Sanborn, Jose Feliciano and many others. As a producer and engineer, Michael has always focused on what matters - the integrity of song and artist. As a songwriter and producer, he has been associated with numerous Grammy Nominations and has won multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards – known otherwise as the Hawaiian Grammy. But Michael is a diverse musician…his new solo album, ACOUSTIC TRIOS reveals his love for Jazz and allows him to show us all his brilliant keyboard chops. Inside MusiCast welcomes the very talented and tanned Michael Ruff.

Since Richard Page’s last chat with Eddy and Rick, he has discovered a new-found inspiration to record a new album - PECULIAR LIFE. It’s his latest release since his 1996 album Shelter Me and last years Christmas single, I Always Cry At Christmas. As you might expect, Richard hasn’t lost his touch. This long-awaited body of work delivers on all levels and is pure Richard Page. He’s back. Inside MusiCast is proud to welcome once again… Richard Page.

As far back as the late 70’s, Gary Wright has been challenging his audiences with pioneering instrumentation and cutting-edge technology. As a visionary songwriter, performer and all-around musician, he has spent more than thirty years shattering conventional musical ideas and creating chart-topping hits, such as Dreamweaver, My Love Is Alive and Really Wanna’ Know You. These timeless hits reflect his endless genius as they are played globally on a daily basis. He’s collaborated with George Harrison, Steve Winwood, Mick Jones and Joe Cocker. Today, you’ll even find him working with rap artists such as Third Base, Ton Loc, and Busta Rhymes, as well as Eminem, Salt-N-Pepa, Joan Osborne and Mya. He’s currently starting his second tour with Ringo Starr’s All-Star band while promoting his newest musical creation, Connected, his first pop album in over twenty years. Inside MusiCast welcomes the talented Gary Wright.

It a was combination of fate and irony that a young man born in Kansas would eventually play in a band called Kansas. It happened to Phil Ehart, founding member and drummer of a band that would leave a lasting impression in the world of Classic Rock. Legendary Rock promoter Don Kirshner clearly made the right decision when he signed Kansas to their first deal…placing the band on a road to rock success. For decades, Ehart’s steady backing rhythms have been the foundation of the band’s hits, such as Carry On Wayward Son and Dust In The Wind. These classic hits have become timeless gifts to the world that will carry on forever. Follow the evolution of Kansas as Inside MusiCast welcomes the timeless Phil Ehart.

An L.A. kid transplanted in New York City, Steve Khan is considered one of the prolific jazz guitarists on the planet. For nearly forty years, Khan has recorded more than twenty albums and has shared his talent with artists such as Steely Dan, Larry Coryell and the Brecker Brothers Band. Inspired by legends such as Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino, Khan’s expansive body of work envelopes the world of jazz that has surrounded him since he picked-up the instrument. Not only has Khan delivered amazing music over the course of his career, he has also authored several books. Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen once wrote about Steve saying, “The kid from Westwood, after years of study and sacrifice, can now do just about everything he wants with an electric guitar. Some people think they know all there is to know about Steve Khan, but don’t let anyone tell you he’s just another guitar player.” Inside MusiCast welcomes Steve Khan.