Inside MusiCasthttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/Now in our third year of programming, Inside MusiCast is one of the only sites to provide in-depth audio interviews with the most amazing musicians, producers, session players, and front-line artists on the web. Our discussions are designed to bring the emotion, critical opinions, humor, and insighten-US2010-09-03T17:15:02ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Michael Ruffhttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/8/23/michael-ruff.htmlEddy Cabello2010-08-23T12:41:02Z

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 tour with Kenny Loggins, India Arie, David Sanborn, Natalie Cole and Bonnie Raitt. He’s had the good fortune of also being musical director for Ricky Lee Jones, Randy Brecker, Gino Vanelli, BeBe Winans, 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, 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.

]]>Richard Pagehttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/7/26/richard-page.htmlEddy Cabello2010-07-26T17:00:00ZMusiCast

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.

]]>Gary Wrighthttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/6/28/gary-wright.htmlEddy Cabello2010-06-28T14:55:00ZMusiCastAs 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. ]]>Phil Eharthttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/6/7/phil-ehart.htmlEddy Cabello2010-06-07T13:03:05ZMusiCast

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.

]]>Steve Khanhttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/5/24/steve-khan.htmlEddy Cabello2010-05-24T13:09:20ZLarry Williamshttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/4/12/larry-williams.htmlEddy Cabello2010-04-12T17:42:22ZLarry WilliamsLarry Williams has been at the top of his game for over 30 years. After honing his skills as a student at the Indiana University School Of Music, Larry transplanted himself to the tropics in Hawaii and became one of the founding members of Seawind. As a Grammy-nominated producer, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, Larry is a non-stop music machine that doesn’t seem to be slowing. Although he doesn’t subscribe to segmenting music by genres, listening to his music will show you how versatile he really is. He’s a top keyboard, sax, flute and clarinet player who does multi-duty when called upon. From his work with Dave Grusin, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, Patrice Rushen, Marcus Miller, Vinnie Colaiuta , Patti Austin and Paul McCartney, Williams has nothing left to prove. Inside MusiCast welcomes Larry Williams.

]]>Alex Acuñahttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/3/22/alex-acua.htmlEddy Cabello2010-03-22T13:37:31ZAlex AcuñaIf you were to look-up the definition of the word rhythm in the dictionary, it would say jazz-fusion, pop and session percussionist Alex Neciosup Acuña. From a young man playing in local bands in Lima, Peru to playing with bandmates Joe Zawinal, Wayne Shorter and Jaco Pastorius of the great jazz-fusion band Weather Report Alex Acuñas has lived a life of rhythmic passion that continues today. As an A-list session percussionist and drummer, he has contributed to international projects for decades, and has clearly influenced percussion around the world. He is a perennial teacher traveling the world to train and educate rhythm makers. At the same time he continues to be a student… always learning and absorbing new sounds, techniques, and approaches to become better. From Koinonia to Jarreau…Herbie Hancock to Ella…Jobim to U2…Alex Acuña continues to be a relevant musical icon. Inside MusiCast welcomes Alex Acuña.

]]>Jerry Lopezhttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/3/1/jerry-lopez.htmlEddy Cabello2010-03-01T16:52:40ZJerry LopezJerry Lopez has been keeping a secret for a long time… at least from those who do not live in Las Vegas. You see, since the mid seventies, Jerry has been the leader of Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns… one of the most proficient horn-based bands around. How good are they? Let’s just say they rank with horn sections such as CHICAGO, Earth Wind and Fire, Tower of Power and Seawind Horns. As lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, Lopez Fat City Horns play to a packed house every Monday, where half of the audience is typically comprised of musicians who play the many live shows in Las Vegas. In fact, all of the Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns band members are full-time Vegas show musicians themselves. With the release of their new album, WHEN THE CURTAIN GOES UP, Lopez and his Fat City Horns are ready to let one of the best-kept secrets out… and we are here to help. Inside MusiCast welcomes Jerry Lopez.

]]>Danny Kortchmarhttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/2/15/danny-kortchmar.htmlEddy Cabello2010-02-15T20:40:59ZDanny KortchmarIf youve listened to Don Henleys End of the Innocence, Carole Kings Tapestry, Jackson Brownes Running on Empty, Billy Joes River of Dreams, and most of James Taylors recordings, then youre familiar with the musical influence of guitarist, composer, and producer Danny Kortchmar or Kootch as most in the business know him. From his collaborations with Peter Asher, of Peter and Gordon, to touring and playing sessions with Lee Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Craig Doerge, of the infamous Section, Danny has had a career that most would envy. As an accomplished singer-songwriter, hes worked with people like David Foster, Jay Graydon, Ringo Starr, Bruce Hornsby, Steve Jordan, Pino Palladino, and Tamio Okuda, while producing for others or for his own solo projects. Hes also ready to embark on the 2010 Carole King / James Taylor World Tour called the TROUBADOUR TOUR connecting once again to tour with his longtime friends of the Section. Inside MusiCast welcomes Danny Kortchmar.

]]>Gregg Bissonettehttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/1/25/gregg-bissonette.htmlEddy Cabello2010-01-25T13:40:43ZVersatile is the best descriptor for drummer Gregg Bissonette. A Detroit native, who now resides in Los Angeles, Bissonettes musical collaborations are nothing less than premier. From Maynard Ferguson to David Lee Roth; Gino Vanelli to Ringo Starr; Brandon Fields to Jeff Lynne. Growing up, he and his brother, Matt, played in his fathers band in Detroit - how’s that for push start to a musical career?. This eventually pointed him to college where he refined his talent while studying at the prestigious North Texas State Music School. Soon after, he was chosen by Maynard to play in his infamous big band. That in itself was an amazing accomplishment for a young musician. After moving from Dallas to L.A., he naturally landed on the A-list by delivering both quality and consistency in his performing. Hes equally comfortable on the stage as in the studio, and thrives in either environment. Youll hear his drumming on NBCs “Friends”, as well as several motion pictures and other TV shows. Inside MusiCast welcomes a truly great musician, composer and human being, Gregg Bissonette. ]]>Victor Wootenhttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2010/1/4/victor-wooten.htmlEddy Cabello2010-01-04T14:24:54ZEvery so often, you discover a musician whose instrumental performance literally boggles your mind and leaves you overjoyed, amazed and virtually speechless. Bassist Victor Wooten is, without a doubt, one of the finest bassists on the planet, having been honored as Bass Player Magazines Bass player of the year not once, but a staggering three times. Victor has been learning, playing and performing since he was three years old and was raised in a home where music was a part of his familys every day life. Having been a member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones since the late 80s, Victor has toured the world, performing for millions of fans and gaining vast notoriety as a bass virtuoso. He has also released several solo projects and has lent his talent to a variety of projects for other musicians. Having been described as a bassist who has reinvented how the bass guitar is played, Victor will tell you that this was never his intention; rather his goal is to just be truthful as a musician. Inside MusiCast welcomes Victor Wooten. ]]>Eric Tagghttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2009/11/30/eric-tagg.htmlEddy Cabello2009-11-30T14:27:37ZMusiCastIf you were 20 years-old, traveling in the Netherlands and your money, identity and your airplane ticket to get you back home was stolen, what would you do? If you were Eric Tagg, youd borrow some money, use it to put an ad in the local paper and begin your career as a vocalist. It was this episode in Erics life that thrust him into becoming one of the quintessential voices in the West Coast genre. Traveling back to the States to record his first album Smilin Memories in 1975 is when Eric first met guitarist Lee Ritenour, which blossomed into a long-lasting musical relationship. Eric was Ritenours feature vocalist and writing partner on two of his biggest albums, Rit and Rit 2, including the song Is It You, which hit the top 15 on the pop chart and number 1 on the R&B chart in the USA. During this period, Eric released two additional solo albums, Rendezvous in 1977 and Dreamwalkin in 1982. It wasnt until 1997 that he released his fourth solo record Through My Eyes. He now spends his time in Greenville, Texas working and writing music for his ministry. Inside MusiCast welcomes Eric Tagg. ]]>Toto's Hall of Fame Inductionhttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2009/10/16/totos-hall-of-fame-induction.htmlEddy Cabello2009-10-16T18:34:04ZVideoCastTotoGo behind the scenes with Rick Such and Eddy Cabello at the 2009 Musician’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony as TOTO’s original members and with Mike Porcaro were inducted along side other music industry legends. ]]>Bill LaBountyhttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2009/9/28/bill-labounty.htmlEddy Cabello2009-09-28T15:52:23ZIts a rarity these days to listen to a new album where most every track is so good that you end up playing it over and over again. But when it does happen, you definitely realize that a little magic was added during the writing and recording process. Veteran keyboardist, synthesist, and songwriter, Bill LaBounty, has delivered such a project with the release of ‘Back To Your Star’. For his seventh solo release, Bill brings together an all-star lineup of musicians who have helped create the solid foundation for success. Some of the contributors include David Hungate, Larry Carlton, Steve Wariner, Danny Parks, and Robbie Dupree. Produced by Danny Parks and Bill LaBounty, ‘Back To Your Star’ is a sequence of stories that will let you to not only dig a musical groove, but also appreciate a lyrical flow that is almost poetry. Its jazzy, smooth, and grooves nice and deep. Inside MusiCast welcomes a true classic musician, Bill LaBounty. ]]>Bill Champlinhttp://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2009/9/14/bill-champlin.htmlEddy Cabello2009-09-14T22:05:38ZBill Champlin is back. And hes creating music that proves it. After his recent disconnection from his Chicago gig, he talked to Eddy and Rick about his new album, No Place Left To Fall. It is a testament that Bill has landed on his own two feet and has created arguably his best solo work to date, but on his own terms. Hes teamed up with an amazing group of musicians: George Hawkins, Jr. on bass; Bruce Gaitsch on guitars; and Billy Ward on drums and percussion. To put the finishing touches on the album, he called on his talented family to contribute at every level of the project: His wife Tamara on lyrics and vocals, and his son Will on vocals, playing keyboards and writing. No Place Left To Fall delivers thirteen solid songs that are all well-built and designed to create a cohesive project. It was recorded the old fashion way - four great musicians collaborating in one room creating magic. In other words, Bill has written an album, not just songs. Inside MusiCast welcomes a reenergized classic, Bill Champlin. ]]>