Episode #15
Episode #15
Recording Date: March 19, 2004
Location: Star City Recording, Bethlehem, PA
Musicians:
Chuck Loeb – Guitar
Jeff Kashiwa – Saxophone
Chico Huff – Bass
Anton Fig – Drums
Tracy Silverman – Electric Violin
Edgardo Cintron – Percussion
Demetrios Pappas – Keyboards
Songs:
Come Together BUY
Little Sunflower BUY
Tombo in 7/4 BUY
There’s not much more to say about Chuck Loeb that hasn’t already been said. He is certainly one of the premier jazz guitarists on the scene today. Besides having a successful solo career as an artist, composer, producer and clinician, he is also currently a member of the jazz supergroup Fourplay with Nathan East, Bob James and Harvey Mason, Sr. Chuck is the kind of musician who raises the bar for everyone he plays with. I so enjoy working with him.
Once I was able to secure Chuck for the gig, I again reached out to NYC-based drummer Anton Fig (The Late Show with David Letterman) to see if he might be available. Much to my delight, he was. Anton is also a tremendously versatile player, as he has to be on his Letterman gig where he performs with so many different kinds of musicians. He, too, is just so easy and fun to work with…and a real pleasure to feature on our program.
Chuck Loeb
Next, I added Jeff Kashiwa on saxophones, along with Chico Huff on bass, Tracy Silverman on electric violin, Demetrios Pappas on keyboards and on percussion, Edgardo Cintron. Jeff was someone I had on my radar for a while, so I was thrilled when he agreed to join us. It was a great and diverse group of A-list musicians. I couldn’t wait to hear what they would come up with in the studio.
Chuck kicked the session off with no real rehearsal. He and the guys just sort of fell into what became a very nice 17 minute, 1 take version of The Beatles’ classic Come Together. It featured memorable solos from Chuck, Jeff, Tracy and Demetrios.
Jeff Kashiwa
Next, I think it was Jeff who suggested Little Sunflower. Again, with no real rehearsal to speak of, the guys kicked into this famous jazz standard. We recorded just a single take of this song that again featured terrific solos from many, including Chuck, Jeff, Demetrios and Tracy.
We then took a short break to listen back to some of what we just recorded. After the break, Tracy suggested the somewhat challenging Tombo in 7/4. He proceeded to lead the group through 15 minutes or so of general rehearsal through the changes and the basic form. Together, they then all put together a nice, tight head arrangement.
When it was all over, it was another great afternoon of some fresh, inspiring new music.
– Tom Emmi / Producer
