On the Road with Whitty..

This year has been a real year of growing and learning. I've been out playing with many great players and wanted time to reflect on some great fun we've had. The Warren Hill band (Andre Berry-bass, Dave Hooper-drums, Ronnie Gutierrez-percussion, and Randy Jacobs- guitar) have been a great bunch of guys not only to play with but to hang out with.

There is a real camaraderie when we play. Each guy wants to play great and really cares about the music. Everyone gets there chance to shine in the show with Warren Hill. He is very good to the players and makes sure everyone can “do their thing”. Warren himself is a mind-boggling sax player and really is on the top of my list as a player. He can play the soulful stuff as well as be-bop as well as just about anyone.

With the guitars and saxes tour last year I was able to play with and make friends with the 6'10 Wayman Tisdale. It's always a fun hang with Tis and you NEVER know what to expect…he is crazy! In a good way. I also have had the pleasure of working with Mindi Abair and Jeff Golub. Not an ounce of ego and I guess I have really learned there is a difference between a “gig” and a “show”. The people always go nuts and it's because of these artists great stage presence.

Also this year I was fortunate to be on the Smooth Jazz Cruise in the Caribbean . I was blessed to play with Brenda Russell, Everette Harp, Paul Jackson Jr, Euge Groove, Warren Hill, Jeff Golub, Jeff Kashiwa, Dwight Sills, Rayford Griffin, as well as the Warren Hill band…Killer!

Recently I was fortunate to play with Mac Davis the legendary country songwriter and singer. It was cool to get back to my red-neck roots I didn't even realize were there! Mac is about the funniest guy on stage. His jokes actually made me cry from laughter…seriously!

MY GEAR ..

If you are wondering about my gear for you tech heads, I use a Yamaha Motif ES8 with a Korg Triton Studio or Classic. I bring my sounds on disk and load them before the show. The only sampling I had to do last year was with Mindi for a couple of funky patches that were critical to the tunes. At home and LA gigs I use my General Music Promega2 which to me has hands down the best piano sound for a non sampler. I also use a Korg Triton and a Nord Electro for Organ. I first used the organ on the Jimmy Kimmel Live TV show when I filled in for Jeff Babko. I was blown away by the authenticity or the organ and clav.

The most important thing about the road is to stay flexible and have something to do in all the downtime. Especially the sound check. How is it that I can set up and not sound check in a club gig, and on the road the sound checks are 3 hours!

Well more from me later..

Whitty