Inside MusiCast

Russ Kunkel is a creative. Yes, he’s primarily known as a first-call drummer who made his mark helping artists such as James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Carly Simon, Carole King, and Linda Ronstadt create their personal sounds. But over the span of three decades, Russ has found that his real gift is not only playing drums, but also writing, producing and participating in the complete creative process of making music. When asked who the most significant people were in starting him on his musical journey, he is quick to mention a list of mentors and teachers that is longer than this introduction. You see, Russ Kunkel doesn’t take anything for granted. It is all about being at the right place at the right time. That’s all it took to connect Apple Records producer Peter Asher to him. After that meeting, Asher hired him to play on James Taylor’s debut album. The rest is history. He’s ready to release a new personal project this coming summer that is sure to pique the interest of music lovers everywhere. Inside MusiCast welcomes Russ Kunkel.

For a young boy growing up in Memphis,Tennessee, exposure to Gospel, soul, jazz, and R&B music was inevitable. The difference for Kirk Whalum was that his baptismal into this music happened at the church where his father pastored. Surrounded by a family that was comprised of several professional musicians, Kirk didn’t have to find music…music found him. But, it was the sparkle and shine that first attracted him to his first saxophone. It was jazz great Bob James that first discovered Kirk playing at a gig in Houston, Texas where shortly thereafter, hired him to play one of his solo albums entitled ‘12.’ Today, Whalum humbly tells how divine intervention had a definite hand in his past success and stands on a faith that is clearly contageous. He celebrated his 25 years in the business with the release of his 2007 album ‘Roundtrip’, and engaged producer Phillippe Saisse, who worked on his first solo album, along with an amazingly great lineup of musicians that included Earl Klugh and many guest musicians who are….ready for this? Family members! Inside MusiCast is happy to welcome a sax virtuoso, Kirk Whalum.

Bill Champlin is a man who has experienced musical success on his own terms. Over the years you’ve known him as a solo artist, session musician, vocalist, and longtime member of the band Chicago. From the very start of his career, you’ll find interesting detours that have taken him to places where other musicians only wish they could experience. From the early psychedelic era of The Sons of Champlin in San Francisco, to laying down smooth vocal tracks with David Foster, to his contributions in Chicago, Bill found his way to his own music by listening, learning, and absorbing from the very best. The fact is, if you step back to see the breadth of his talent, at the core you’ll find a man who has been gifted with one of the most soulful voices that has helped define what R&B is today. That’s why we’re eagerly awaiting his new album which will be released later this year. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Bill Champlin.

Over the years there have been a handful of drummers that have reached the ultimate plateau of first call rhythm makers who are called on to deliver the best grooves for the greatest producers and artists. If you’re thinking of a few, mostly likely John Robinson is on the list. From Michael Jackson’s ‘Off The Wall’ to Quincy Jones’ ‘The Dude’; from Smokey Robinson’s ‘One Heartbeat’ to Anita Baker’s ‘Rapture’; from Joe Sample’s ‘Spellbound’ to Ricky Lee Jone’s ‘Flying Cowboys’, you’ll find his uniquely experienced groove added to each hit. Because of his ability to deliver the right feel for the right project, he has been one of Quincy Jones’ go-to drummers since 1979, and also Barbra Streisand’s since 1993. He’s been pegged as one of the most recorded drummers in history, and a look at his discography will leave you convinced. As a global drummer, J.R. Robinson is leaving his mark not only in the U.S., but also internationally. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome John ‘JR’ Robinson.

Jon Herington is a guitarist at peace. But, at an arm’s length, anyone will tell you that he has one of the music industry’s most coveted gigs – a gig that has long been a magnet to critical criticism or critical acclaim for one of music’s most creative groups, Steely Dan. At a conversational distance, you’ll discover that not only has Jon executed the most complex guitar parts for Donald Fagan and Walter Becker over the past eight years, but has found creative balance as a musician, producer and writer that subscribes to the same standard of musicianship as the Dan. Listen closely to his personal work and you’ll be mildly surprised to find that Jon Herington approaches his music like that of a qualified artist, both lyrically and musically. So sit back, and listen to our guest expound on his musical roots as well as his musical theories and perspectives. Inside MusiCast welcomes Jon Herington.

This edition of Inside MusiCast takes us into the mind and music of a true native of Southern California, where at a very young age he was playing piano, and by High School he was learning harmony from one of Stan Kenton’s principal arrangers. Fast forward through a career that has spanned three decades and you’ll find a master arranger, producer, and session player who has left an impressive mark on many musical genres. You’ll find his musical genius injected into hits for Faith Hill and Randy Travis; Christina Aguilera and Tina Turner; Donna Summer and Barbara Streisand; Manhattan Transfer and Larry Carlton; and Helen Baylor and Andre Crouch. In the jazz scene, his highly acclaimed ‘Baked Potato Super Live’, recorded with Toto members Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro, along with ‘Pops’ Popwell from the Jazz Crusaders, shook up the music scene as one of the freshest live jazz recordings in history. It still remains as a ‘must have’ among music aficionados to this day. His jazz collaborations continue to this day. Whether performing live, in studio or even on television, our guest also continues to be in high demand internationally. Inside MusiCast welcomes the master of the West Coast Groove, Greg Mathieson.

Bernard Purdie is a rhythmic legend that has painted his mark on the American music landscape - from jazz, country, soul and rock, Bernard Purdie’s legendary drumming techniques are still revered and remain relevant today. He’s not only a legend, but he’s a man who is also a teacher, continuing to influence young musicians to this day. He’s considered the “most recorded drummer in the world” and has played with almost everyone in the business, names such as Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, BB King, Hall and Oates, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gaye, Cat Stevens, Steely Dan, Miles Davis….and the list goes on. Join Rick and Eddy as they talk with Bernard about his challenges of making it into the music business, his famous “Purdie shuffle”, his friendship with Jeff Porcaro, and other experiences from his years of session work that will leave you spellbound. Inside MusiCast welcomes a true music legend, Bernard Purdie.

Spend a little time with bassist Chris Kent and you’ll find that he’s so much more than a musician. He’s also a man who loves life. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to become one of the busiest first-call bassists for Gospel, Country, R&B, Jazz and Rock artists. He has taken the stage at the Grand Ole Opry along side artists such as Lorrie Morgan, has toured with guitarists Steve Lukather and Larry Carlton, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Take 6 and many more. From the Tonight Show to Jazz Central on BET to Live From the House of Blues, Chris Kent can be found wherever there’s a groove to lay down. Join us as he takes us from his first Montgomery Ward’s bass as a kid, to surviving cancer, and ultimately finding his way to a successful career and purpose in life. He’ll even play some of his bass grooves and discuss how he builds a bass line. Inside MusiCast welcomes Chris Kent.

In the music world, most musicians focus on one instrument….some two, some rarely play three, and others are unique…like Shem Von Schroeck…who, on his last solo album Son of Arthur, played bass, guitar, piano, drums, percussion, bodhran, and also sang lead and background vocals. Although capable of performing as a multi-instrumentalist, his career has focused on being a first call bassist and vocalist. This has allowed him to make his mark as a front man, singing and playing bass for the band Ambrosia, as sideman for Kenny Loggins and many other artists. He’s a singer’s singer…blessed with a vocal range and precision that any singer would covet, after all, this tenor has perfect pitch. His career has taken him full circle, from studying formally at the Manhattan School of Music, to classical, to an amazing career in rock and pop, and now, there’s a new twist with Shem’s career…and it involves rekindling his passion for opera. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome the multi-faceted Shem Von Schroeck.

IMC hosts, Rick and Eddy, have caught up with several Inside MusiCast guests to talk about fresh music coming in the form of new albums. Join us as they speak with Steve Lukather to recap the recent world tour with TOTO, his upcoming solo album release and tour, and also a couple of other surprises.

Crosby Loggins has just finished his new album, WE ALL GO HOME, with his band The Light. He’ll fill you in on release dates, tour dates, internet marketing of the new project, and singles to be released.

Jennie DeVoe is heading to England to work with producer John Parrish on her upcoming record. The second of DeVoe/Parrish projects is sure to build on the sound and feel of her latest album, FIREWORKS & KARATE SUPPLIES, but might have more of an edge. Rick and Eddy catch up with Jennie to talk about her writing and preparation for her new project.