Kevin Eubanks
At The Baked Potato just near Universal Studios, I met Kevin Eubanks playing with his Tonight Show Quartet of renowned musicians. Obviously I've always been aware of Kevin because after ELP's appearance with Jay Leno I had observed the band, then with Brandon Marsalis as band leader. I approached Kevin and Smitty after their first set and was blown away that the whole quartet knew who I was! Perhaps it will surprise some, that despite ones stature and position in music you don't always take things like this for granted. I came to the Baked Potato with a set of ear-plugs expecting to have my ears jealous that my nose did not have a tympanic membrane. Instead, the intensity of their performance had everyone in hushed whispers, including a mesmerized Mari who delicately whispered, "He's possessed"; not in Stephen King fashion.
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Emo & Kevin
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Emo & Kevin's band with Marvin "Smitty" Smith (Dr)
& Gerry Etkins (Ky)
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Christian McBride
A few days after meeting Kevin, it was down to the Catalina Bar and Grill in Hollywood to check out the very young 81 year old drummer Roy Haynes. Christian McBride was sitting in the audience with top retired NBA champ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and was invited to jam with Roy. Needless to say, it was awesome and double awesome to find once again that we are all part of a mutual admiration society as this photo was taken. Prior to it, the interplay between McBride and Haynes was something to behold. I just hoped that the rest of the audience fully appreciated this surprise treat.
Emo & Christian McBride
TOTO
I got to The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills just as they started and for a second, thought that I was at the wrong concert. They were loud, very loud. But there was no doubt about Simon Phillips starting the whole show. I've never witnessed Toto from the audience POV before, prior to this occasion it must have been backstage. Greg Phillinganes...what a player, and what a nice guy played a great solo. It's always heartwarming to see a band enjoying themselves on stage and the arrival of Steve Lukather's son on stage to complete it.
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with Simon Phillips and Alan Parsons
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with Steve Lukather
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with Greg Phillinganes
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JORDAN RUDESS
Check out his version of Tarkus at http://www.jordanrudess.com/jr/ . Before MOOG FEST, I had always been aware of this extraordinarily talented musician, and for he and I to have a friendship is a plus factor. You can witness his talent in the recently released MOOG FEST DVD. (That's Jordan on the cover.)
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Emo chats with Jordan Rudess
at Foundation Room/House of Blues
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Jordan, Emo & Rusty Anderson
of Paul McCartney's Band
at Mari's birthday bash
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Photo credit: Mari K.
