Inside MusiCast

When Brian Bromberg got his real break as a jazz bassist at the age of nineteen, he had already been playing professionally for six years. Yeah…that would make him thirteen when he started playing gigs at jazz clubs and events in Tuscon, AZ. But, it was Bill Evan’s bassist who connected him with the jazz legend Stan Getz, who was shopping for a touring bassist at the time. And with one phone call from Stan, he had the gig. Today, as a seasoned bassist, Brian Bromberg has been described as one of the best 100 bassists in the 20th century. This is due to his remarkable proficiency as a technician, player and composer. Brian is a true jazz bassist. He’s also a contemporary smooth jazz artist that has turned the ear of music lovers and audiophiles that see his true passion and dedication to his craft. On his latest solo release, he invited heavy-hitter friends such as Lee Ritenour, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber, Boney James, Rick Braun, George Duke, Paula Cole and Vinnie Collaiuta to contribute their talents to this truly hybrid jazz recording called DOWNRIGHT UPRIGHT. It’s a remarkable project. We recommend this album highly. Inside MusiCast welcomes Brian Bromberg.

If he were being accused of being too creative and trying too many new things, Jeff Lorber would have to plead guilty. You see, when it comes down to creating music that’s fresh and ground-breaking, Jeff Lorber feels right at home. Over thirty years after the R&B-Jazz-Fusion pioneer shook up the music world with his group The Jeff Lorber Fusion, the Philly-born keyboardist has managed to stay on the track of musical imagination to deliver over twenty jazz-fusion adventurous albums that have impacted the musical world around him. His stylish new album, HE HAD A HAT, includes a touch of Gospel, Fusion, and Smooth Jazz styles, while throwing in some Be-Bop and Swing on the side. Guest musicians on the album require no introduction…Abe Laboriel Jr, Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson, Jr, Lenny Castro, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Randy Brecker, Gerald Albright, Tom Scott, Brian Bromberg, Hubert Laws, and Chris Botti. We highly recommend this new project because, quite simply, it has Grammy written all over it. Jeff Lorber is at his absolute best at every turn. Inside MusiCast is honored to welcome an absolute legend in Jazz and Fusion…..Jeff Lorber.

As one of the most recognizable voices in music, singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins is a legend when it comes to producing hit singles not only as a solo artist, but also as part of the 70’s singing duo Loggins and Messina. You’ve heard his songwriting handiworks…Celebrate Me Home, This Is It, I’m Alright, Footloose, and Danger Zone. You’ve also heard his collaborations…What A Fool Believes, with Michael McDonald…and Whenever I Call You Friend with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks. He was honored to be a part of a select artist’s list who sang on one of the most famous singles ever recorded - the famine-relief fundraising single We Are The World (USA for Africa ) produced by Quincy Jones. He has collaborated with many renown singers and musicians throughout his career such as Bill Champlin, Donna Summer, Graham Nash, Wynonna Judd, George Duke, Quincy Jones, Pages, Jim Brickman, David Benoit, Russ Freeman and many more. With over twenty eight albums to his credit, Kenny has remained active by touring and writing. He recently released his new album entitled How About Now…offering twelve new original songs plus a new version of the Loggins & Messina classic, “A Love Song”. Inside MusiCast is glad to welcome Kenny Loggins. (photo Carl Studna)

As a two-time Grammy Award winning member of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, saxophonist/composer Jeff Coffin has traveled the world leaving his mark as one of today’s most talented musicians. He has shared the stage with not only the Flecktones, but also with an amazingly diverse list of musicians, such as The Dave Matthews Band, Branford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Van Morrison, Lynyrd Skynard, The Wailers, Baaba Maal, J.D. Souther, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Indian guitarist Prasanna. Talk about diversity! On a personal level, Jeff is constantly reaching for the unique, both compositionally and also in playing technique. You see, Jeff is also well known for occasionally playing alto and tenor saxes simultaneously, creating double-impact performances that leave audiences breathless. His collaborations are just as interesting and unique. He’s a current member of the Mondo Trio with keyboardist Jeff Babko and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and also plays in the Jeff Babko Trio. Both eclectic bands seem to reach new heights in musical composition and experimentation. In the midst of it all, Jeff even performs in his own band, the Jeff Coffin Mu’tet, which takes it’s name from the word “mutation”, a descriptor that Jeff often uses to describe the ever-changing nature of music. By the way, his much anticipated 2007 solo record is soon to be released. We’re glad to welcome Yamaha and Vandoren Performing Artist Jeff Coffin to Inside Musicast.

Robert Lamm’s voice is one of the most recognizable voices in the world of music. As an original member of the Grammy Award winning band Chicago, his lead vocal and keyboard skills remain key to the Chicago Sound that has endured 40 years, and is still going strong. They are one of the most successful touring bands, having toured last year with Earth, Wind, & Fire, and are currently on tour with America. This only means that the market for their sound has become not only younger, but also hungrier for their music. As a skilled song writer Robert has penned Chicago classics such as “Beginnings”, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is”, “25 or 6 to 4”, and “Saturday In The Park”. While still extremely committed to the band, Robert is still discovering new horizons as a solo artist when it comes to his music. From his highly acclaimed solo release “Subtlety & Passion” to “Leap of Faith”, he has something to say and isn’t about to let the music stop talking. Inside MusiCast is pleased to welcome Robert Lamm…a true Classic in the music world.

Jeff Babko is one of the busiest and most sought after keyboard/piano players in the music business today. Although his name might not be a household word, it’s likely you’ve heard his music. Or, better yet, you’ve probably seen him playing in the band on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE, every weeknight on ABC. Apart from his weeknight TV gig, Jeff is also one of the most talented jazz keyboardists on the scene, having toured with George Duke, James Taylor, Julio Iglesias, and has recorded with Larry Carlton, super drummer Simon Phillips, and most recently, Steve Lukather. He has three solo and collaboration albums to his credit and has currently released a new project with his new jazz band, MONDO TRIO, featuring Jeff Coffin and Vinnie Colaiuta, and himself. He’s definitely busy…creating great music. Inside MusiCast welcomes Jeff Babko.

You recognize the last name. And you’re right. Crosby Loggins is the son of singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins. Enough said, because apart from the obvious familial resemblance and a genetic gift for melody, this is not a simple story of a son following in his father’s footsteps. He’s paving his own road through the creation of his very own style of music. Interestingly, he didn’t see music as something he had to do. Let’s just say that music found him. He started writing his own songs by the age of eight and later honed his skills at Colorado University and the Los Angeles Music Academy. He then began searching for something that he already had. But, it took him a few years to realize it and is happily heading straight into the family business. He’s an amazingly fresh artist who has something to say. And, it clearly comes through in his music. Inside MusiCast is happy to welcome Crosby Loggins.

When you mention the name Chicago, people roll out the mental red carpet and pay homage to one of the most influential rock bands ever. And, after 40 years of delivering classic hits, their momentum and influence still remains strong with their recent 2006 release of Chicago XXX. If you’re familiar with the band’s music, then you’re familiar with Jason Scheff, one of Chicago’s lead vocalists and bass player for the past 21 years. Over the years, Jason’s talent has helped Chicago deliver some of the most played and loved music around the world. His writing skills have also contributed hits such as Will You Still Love Me, and What Kind of Man Would I Be. But don’t think that Jason is only Chicago deep. He comes from deep musical roots, as his father was Elvis’ perennial bassist for years. Amazing where a musical heritage can take you. Inside MusiCast welcomes one of Chicago’s best – Jason Scheff.

A perennial classic producer and session musician, our guest really needs no introduction…or at least one paragraph doesn’t do his career justice. We will say that he is the first producer in recording history to have number one records in three separate decades… the 70s, 80s, and 90s. In 1980, he was nominated for 10 Grammy Awards, three of which he won for his work on Christopher Cross’ debut album, Sailing. (Talk about a classic album.) In the 80s he was nominated twice for producer of the year. In 1991 he was nominated for album of the year for Amy Grant’s Heart in Motion and in ’94 he even produced the soundtrack album for the Summer Olympic Games. He’s still in demand as a producer, but is now spending more time discovering new talent. Over his lengthy and successful career, he’s worked with names such as: Bela Fleck, Rod Stewart, Michael Bolton, Whitney Houston, Willie Nelson, Reba, Roberta Flack, Alison Krauss, and a recent Inside MusiCast guest, David Pack. Inside MusiCast welcomes a true classic — Michael Omartian.

If you listen to Inside MusiCast on a regular basis, you know that we chat with some of the most talented people in the music industry. When it comes to the Grammy Award winning band TOTO, we’ll be the first to tell you that the musicianship of the band members is second to none. But, in case you haven’t heard, Mike Porcaro, bassist for TOTO, has sustained a hand injury that is going to leave him sidelined for the band’s upcoming tour of Europe, and possibly for more dates this summer in North America. Our prayers and well wishes go out to Mike for a speedy recovery. But as they say in the biz, the show must go on. So TOTO has turned to long-time friend and super musician Lee Sklar to take Mike’s place for the upcoming tour. Inside MusiCast is taking this opportunity to spend a few minutes with Lee to chat about his new role with the band and what to expect in the coming months when TOTO hits the road.