View this photo Eddie B. with bassist Christian McBride. Not only is Christian one of today's most talented bassists, he's a really cool, genuine cat.
View this photo Eddie B. with music icon Quincy Jones. Obviously, it was an honor to meet Quincy, but what made it even more cool was this picture was taken in the studio where they recorded We Are The World. This cat just emits some really good energy when you're in his presence.
View this photo Eddie B. with Femi Kuti, son of legendary musician/activist Fela Kuti. Femi continues his father's legacy with an outstanding band.
View this photo Eddie B. with saxophonist Kenny Garrett. Kenny has one of the most powerful, original sounds on the scene.
View this photo Eddie B. with one of the coolest and funkiest (in a good way) musicians who's been kickin' butt for over four decades, vibraphonist Roy Ayers. Lionel Hampton gave Roy his first set of mallets when Roy was a kid.
View this photo Eddie B. with Adonis Puentes. Adonis, originally from Cuba, is an outstanding sonero. This cat can sing and always, always has a tight band. His performances are spirited, intense, and guaranteed to make you dance. Check him out at Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill, it's a blast indeed.
View this photo Eddie B. with guitarist Thom Rotella. Thom has major "chops" on the guitar. While he has his signature sound, listening to him reminds me of Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian, Lee Ritenour and others with that crisp, fresh sound.
View this photo Andy Bey is another artist with a proverbial heart of gold. This cat's spirit is so warm and he has such an upbeat vibe. Bey started performing early, eventually recording with the likes of Horace Silver and Gary Bartz. As a teen in the mid-1950's Andy started a band with his sisters called Andy & the Bey Sisters. His powerful baritone voice is just as mellifluous today as it was forty years ago!
View this photo Laurie Pepper is the widow of legendary saxophonist Art Pepper. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Laurie because she is almost single-handedly resurrecting music from Art's discography that was previously unavailable. Most people would have succumbed to the obstacles and stressors of getting control of a deceased musician's work. But, my buddy Laurie is a real trooper, and recently released the third of Art's previously unreleased material: Art Pepper: Unreleased Art Volume III. This volume, along with Volumes I and II is a two-disc set, live performance.
View this photo I was humbled to be able to rap to an icon like organist Lonnie Smith. He's another artist who has been making significant strides in jazz for over four decades, and he only keeps getting better.
View this photoEddie B. with legendary pianist McCoy Tyner. I've admired McCoy's work for over three decades, whether he was leading his own stellar bands or as a sideman. Truly one of jazz's most gracious pillars!
View this photo Eddie B. with pianist John Beasley. We just completed an in-studio interview whereby Beasley talked about his latest releases, "Letter to Herbie," which is an oustanding disc! Beasley treats Herbie Hancock tunes with the utmost care and adds some fresh arrangements on top.
