Inside MusiCast

12/14/2024

IMC Classic Hidden Gem. “Please Don’t Fall In Love.” Average White Band, 1978. Groove, and a little more groove. E

Classic performance from 'Average White Band'.Taken from their appearance on 'The Old Grey Whistle Test', first broadcast in 1978.Newly restored in HD.Subscr...

12/13/2024

If you ignore or miss this one its entirely up to YOU!
I will defenitely not miss this one!
Phil Collins "Drummer First".This is Phil’s story, told in his own words. Premiering December 18, only on Drumeo.

Phil Collins has, all the way from Genesis, Brand X, SOLO and everything else he's laid his hands on, defined for me what music is all about. I still remember when our paths randomly crossed on a street in Stockholm in the early 80's during the Genesis recording of the album "Duke" at the Polar Studios. I only realized afterwards that I had just walked past Collins, Rutherford and Banks.
Funny thing is...the three of them "refused" to leave space for me on the sidewalk as they chose to stroll in a way that occupied the entire sidewalk. I had to step out into the street with the risk of being run over by passing cars.😂
In hindsight, it's a small sacrifice to be a part of musical history
Phil Collins is a LEGEND, and so is Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks

This is Phil’s story, told in his own words. Premiering December 18, only on Drumeo.Written and Directed by: Brandon ToewsFeaturing: Nic Collins, Chad Smith,...

12/13/2024

IMC Christmas Song Of The Day: “On Christmas Morning” - Kenny Loggins w/The Winans (1992)
The song ON CHRISTMAS MORNING was written by Kenny Loggins & David Foster back in 1989 and was part of a David Foster holiday special that was broadcast only in Japan that featured Kenny’s initial performance of this beautiful composition.
Kenny would deliver a rousing live performance of this song, accompanied by the gospel group The Winans, as part of their holiday special broadcast in the U.S. in December of 1992.
The first studio version of ON CHRISTMAS MORNING was first released on Kenny’s holiday album titled DECEMBER in 1998, followed by Michael McDonald’s version that was included on his 2001 Christmas record called IN THE SPIRIT.
While each rendition has its own vibe & feel, my favorite has always been this version featuring the Winans, with everyone gathered around the piano and delivering such a soulful take on this holiday gem.

-SG-

"The Winans' Real Meaning of Christmas" television special - 1992

12/13/2024

NEW PODCAST EPISODE! Inside MusiCast welcomes John Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM!

The NAMM Show. It’s become the pinnacle event that brings the music industry to the Anaheim Convention Center every January. The heart of the event is a trade show, showcasing the latest products from music and technology companies from around the world. But when 75,000 attendees converge onto the convention floor next month, it becomes a four day ecosystem of education, connection, and joy. John Mlynczak is the President and CEO of NAMM, and we’re pleased to welcome him to Inside MusiCast to share insights and history about this incredible event.

Catch this new interview with John at www.insidemusicast.com or on a variety of podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, iHeart Radio, Audible, SiriusXM, Castbox and more!



https://www.insidemusicast.com/musicasts/2024/13/12-john-mlynczak

A candid chat with NAMM President and CEO, John Mlynczak.

12/12/2024

Anyone heading to the NAMM Show next month? Even if you can't make it, we have the next best thing - a new podcast episode featuring NAMM President and CEO, John Mlynczak coming tomorrow! This is going to be such a fun and insightful chat with John about the past, present, and future of the music industry, and how the NAMM Show is such an important event that brings the industry together every January to showcase new products and technologies.

Catch this new episode tomorrow at www.insidemusicast.com.

12/12/2024

IMC Christmas Song Of The Day: “Love Is The Answer” by Michael McDonald. (2016)
Yes, I KNOW that “Love Is The Answer” is not a traditional holiday song… But back in 2016, Michael McDonald & his band worked up this incredible version that they performed on tour as part of their evening of Christmas music, along with chosen hits from Mike’s discography.
One of the added elements that made this so special was the local gospel choir that would join them onstage each night. Longtime featured vocalist in Mike’s group, Drea Rhenee’, would coordinate with various choirs in the cities they would play and rehearse them at sound check before each show. The results brought goosebumps every night.
The video quality is not the greatest, but this is the only recorded evidence of this timeless classic delivered in Mike’s unique way, with all of the passion and soulful message for a holiday season.

-SG-

Todd Rundgren's "Love Is The Answer" performed by Michael McDonald live at the King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne Florida, December 21, 2015.No c...

12/12/2024

The other night in Seattle, I had the chance to see and experience the music of saxophonist Sam Greenfield. Was completely blown away as I was transported to my younger days of the late 70’s and early 80’s and listening to my favorite instrumental jazz artists. The energy in the room was electric as Sam and his band took us all on a magic carpet ride of Fusion Funk, Soul, West Coast, and Japanese Jazz Fusion!

Sam, known for his work with band “Thank You Scientist,” has also toured with Cory Wong from Vulfpeck, Joss Stone, and Dave Koz. The music was solid, and Sam’s passion for sharing the appeal of instrumental music was clear. I mean, didn’t we all enjoy that back in our day!! So glad there are these incredible young people keeping this music alive!

Here’s one of the tunes I captured.
Sam and this incredible band are definitely worth checking out!

Loretta

12/11/2024

IMC Christmas Album Of The Day: A Christopher Cross Christmas (2007)
Christopher Cross brings his unique approach to all the these holiday songs with such reverence and grace. The music throughout the album carries a forthright, honest and reflective tone. It’s very tough to bring something new to a holiday album, but Christopher does it with these songs, his first ever self-produced project. The instrumentation is mostly just Christopher on acoustic guitar, Danny O’Lannerghty on stand up bass and Michael Omartian on grand piano. This jazz combo really gives the music an intimate feel and Cross’s voice has never sounded better. The strings are arranged and conducted by Chris Walden.
The album starts with an accapella version of “Silent Night” that’s performed mostly without lyrics but with beautiful stacked harmonies. Next is a fantastic version of the Vince Guaraldi & Lee Mendelson classic from the Charlie Brown Christmas’ “Christmastime Is Here” followed by the Mel Torme/Robert Wells standard “The Christmas Song”. “Does It Feel Like Christmas” is a gorgeous song and one of two original Cross compositions on the album composed with longtime writing partner Rob Meurer. Other songs included are “Little Drummer Boy” (w/guest Kenny Edwards on Mandolin), “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, “A Dream Of Peace At Christmastime” (The other original song), “Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep” (written by Irving Berlin), “Do You Hear What I Hear”, “The Best Christmas” (a new re-recorded version from composers Steve Dorff & George Green), “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (with Tollak Ollestad on Harmonica) & “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”.
This collection of songs was originally rush released only on Christopher Cross’s website and on iTunes in December of 2007 and his been released with different covers and titles over the years.
Check out the simple elegance of this beautiful collection.

-SG-

12/10/2024

Toto, Christopher Cross, and Men at Work dates for the States! Who’s in?

12/10/2024

IMC Christmas Album Of The Day: "Home For Christmas" by Andreas Aleman (2014)
Swedish recording artist Andreas Aleman has been collecting accolades since his 2009 debut album THIS IS LIFE introduced us to his amazing voice and soulful delivery. Immediate comparisons to his influences Michael McDonald & Ray Charles only solidified that he was on the right path. His second album in 2012 titled IT'S THE JOURNEY picked up where the previous left off, showing extraordinary artistic growth as a producer, songwriter and performer.
Most artists would continue this established ascent, but not Andreas Aleman. He dreamed BIG... Like a CHRISTMAS ALBUM, but not just any Christmas album...
Andreas Aleman, along with co-writer Brian Hobbs, composed a completely new collection of nine holiday songs called HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. Not only have they stepped up to the challenge, but they've delivered a wealth of new seasonal music.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS has a little something for everybody on this assemblage of compositions that includes Soul, Jazz, Latin, Gospel, R&B, Blues and Pop. The emotional colors of the music runs the spectrum, from the fun, upbeat energy on songs like "Home For Christmas", "Santa's Looking For A Bad Girl" and "Happy New Year (Dance All Night)" to the pensive mood created on "Beneath The Christmas Moon" to the heartfelt, message of gratitude behind "Simple Things". The spiritual center of the album has to be Andreas's incredible duet with Michael McDonald on the song "Celebrate The Season". This mid-tempo track (also featuring Bernie Chiaravalle on guitar) builds into a gospel celebration, complete with choir, and blends these two magnificently soulful voices into a dream pairing of profound results. The remaining songs include the delicate ballad "It's Christmas", the beautiful duet "Christmas Every Day" (featuring fantastic songstress Cooper Phillip) and the message of promise "Always (God's Song)".
Contributing musicians are Andreas Aleman & Brian Hobbs - Keyboards, Jonas Oijvall - Hammond B3, Bernie Chiaravalle, Mikko Paavola & Andreas Rydman - Guitars, Tom Beimel & Lars-Erik Dahle - Bass, Christer Sjostrom - Drums, Pablo Cepeda - Percussion, Stockholm Strings, Anna Dagar & Hannah Elstrom - Strings, Wojtek Goral - Sax & Flute, Jonas Lindeborg - Trumpet, Staflan Findin - Trombone & Andreas Aleman, Pelle Ankarberg, Lars-Erik Dahle & Teresa Perell - Backing Vocals. The Gospel Choir on "Celebrate The Season" comprised 37 amazing voices, including Jerry Lopez, Lenny Lopez, Jamie Hosmer, Tony Davich, Tyriq Johnson & Lannie Counts from Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns. The project was produced by Andreas Aleman.
The entire collection carries a touching, passionate thread throughout that makes this an album that is something to be treasured for seasons to come.

-SG-

12/10/2024

For our listeners in the States: Tears for Fears will perform live on the season finale of The Voice Tuesday night!

12/09/2024

IMC Christmas Album Of The Day: SOMEDAY AT CHRISTMAS by Samuel Ljungblahd & Ole Borud. (2012)
Samuel & Ole hail respectively from Sweden and Norway and both singer/songwriters have backgrounds that include deep influences in the classic Motown/Philly/Stax catalogs of the late 60’s and 70’s. They pay tribute to those influences on their incredible holiday album.
Both artists have recorded spiritual R&B infused albums over the years and performed throughout the CCM circuit in Scandinavia. What they’ve accomplished together on this project is just extraordinary. Sure, you may find one that has well produced renditions of the songs we’ve all come to love through the years, but when was the last time you heard completely new arrangements of the classics that takes them through a whole new door?
SOMEDAY AT CHRISTMAS grooves hard while being a respectful and truly soulful celebration of the holiday in every sense. It kicks off with a rousing version of “O Come All Ye Faithful” like you’ve never heard before. The Hammond B3, harmonies, horns and aggressive bass line lay it DOWN, setting the tone for this collection. Another subtle but fantastic detail is how most of the songs transition right into the next track with no break. This album practically demands that you let it flow, and flow it does, into the musical introduction of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” with its tip of the hat to Marvin Gaye. Just when you think the track should start to fade, it launches into the downbeat of the most original version of “Silent Night” you didn’t think was possible. Both Ljungblahd & Børud trade lead vocals seamlessly while keeping the listener consistently impressed. But the album isn’t all covers; Ole Børud collaborates beautifully again with lyricist Jackie Kavan on his mid-tempo groove of “God Gave You Christmas”. Samuel Ljungblahd delivers the very funky Al Green vibe found on “Christmas Is Here” and weaves a spiritual coda, “Hail The Newborn King” to the end of “We Three Kings”. Other outstanding tracks are Harry Connick Jr’s “I Pray On Christmas”, the album title track “Someday At Christmas” and the beautiful cover of the Richard Page and Walter Afanasieff modern classic “I Always Cry At Christmas”.
Special mention must go out to producer Ruben Dalen who is also behind these incredible arrangements along with Frode Mangen. The horns were arranged by Andreas Andersson. Musicians on the project are Ruben Dalen on drums, Martin Windstad on percussion, Frode Mangen on keys, Endre Hareide Hallre on bass, Hallgrim Brattiberg on guitars, Andreas Andersson on saxophones, Mikael Sorensen on trumpet & Staffan Findin on Trombone.

Check out SOMEDAY AT CHRISTMAS below and add some soulful grooves to your holiday vibe.

-SG-

12/08/2024

It's that time of year where our IMC staff chooses their Album of the Year Pick! This is not easy...can you pick only one? Coming December 20th. Stay tuned.

12/06/2024

Inside MusiCast Pick of The Day; “Imagination” by Al Jarreau from the album “High Crime”

Revisiting something Jay Graydon said in respect to the Yacht Rock documentary and his working with Al Jarreau.

By the early 1980's Al Jarreau had cemented his place as a legend in jazz and R&B, but 1984’s High Crime saw the Grammy-winning vocalist boldly step into new territory. Produced by Jay Graydon, this album masterfully blended pop, jazz, and R&B into a seamless and sophisticated crossover. While the project nudged Al into a more technically digital sound, which initially felt like a departure from his natural vibe, the result was nothing short of iconic.

“Imagination,” is not only a personal favorite of mine but also one of Jay Graydon’s own favorites.

Reflecting on the track, Jay remarked how “Imagination” encapsulated everything he aspired "High Crime" to achieve. Anchored by Nathan East’s funky, dynamic bassline and Jerry Hey’s crisp horn arrangements, this song provides the perfect canvas for Al’s vocal brilliance. Jay’s subtle yet impactful guitar and synthesizer work elevated the track, adding a modern edge while respecting Al’s organic artistry.

Al’s ability to turn his voice into an instrument shines in “Imagination.” His vocal delivery is rhythmic, almost percussive, drawing listeners into his creative world. Since it was first released, I’ve often tried to mimic his vocal agility, amazed by his seamless transitions and inventive style. For me, this track is more than just music—it’s a showcase of what happens when artists break down genre boundaries and fully embrace their creativity.

"High Crime" marked a key moment in Al’s career, and “Imagination” stands out as one of the album’s highlights. With its mix of jazz and pop influences, it’s an essential track for anyone exploring Al’s music.

This album and this song remain a testament to the teamwork of Al Jarreau and Jay Graydon’s creative synergy. Nearly four decades later, it continues to inspire musicians and captivate listeners, proving that great music transcends time and genre.

What a great way to end the week!!
Enjoy!!
Loretta

Provided to YouTube by RhinoImagination · Al JarreauHigh Crime℗ 1984 Rainbow Bridge, Inc., Courtesy of Rainbow Bridge, Inc.Vocals: Al JarreauArranger, Writer...

12/06/2024

IMC followers in Scandinavia...you don't wanna miss this !
Amazing tribute gig coming up at Fasching in Stockholm on January 24th, 2025. Musical Director Sebastian Robertsson has gathered an amazing cast of musicians !

Click the link to secure your ticket.
https://www.fasching.se/en/back-to-the-80s-the-music-of-huey-lewis-and-the-news/ #2025-01-24T20-00

See You there :-)
(Mik)

Join us on a journey back to the 80s as we pay tribute to one of the greatest bands from the American West Coast: Huey Lewis and the News.

12/06/2024

Join us next week for a VERY informative chat with NAMM President and CEO, John Mlynczak. We talk history too...yesterday, today, and tomorrow...of tech and music trends. Don't miss this fun talk! Coming December 13.

Q: Have you been to NAMM? What brought you to NAMM?

NAMM Show John Mlynczak

12/05/2024

IMC Pick of the Day: “Broken Wings” by Mr. Mister from their 1984 LP; "Welcome To The Real World"

Revisiting the Yacht Rock documentary got me thinking about one of the defining albums of the mid-1980s: "Welcome to the Real World" by Mr. Mister. It’s a record that masterfully combines lyrical depth, captivating melodies, and innovative production.

Produced by Paul de Villiers, Paul had also worked with our IMC friend; Casey Young, synth wizard and keyboard programmer who worked below the stage as Keyboard Technician and Synthesizer System Designer on the YES 90125 tour and is heard on "9012Live - The Solos' album. Recognizing Casey’s ability to craft expansive and unique soundscapes, Paul brought him into the "Welcome to the Real World" after sessions had ended to add what has since been referred to as “fairy dust” to the tracks.

Casey’s signature style—creating BIG synth sounds, atmospheric effects, and distinctive vocal enhancements—is especially evident on “Broken Wings.” The song exemplifies the band’s innovative sound and remains a shining example of 80s production done right.

The album’s success was monumental, with Welcome to the Real World reaching #1 on the Billboard charts and spawning three Top 10 hits: “Broken Wings,” “Kyrie,” and “Is It Love.” Both “Broken Wings” and “Kyrie” climbed all the way to #1, earning Casey platinum and gold records for his contributions.

I’m highlighting “Broken Wings” as today’s Pick because it truly showcases Casey’s artistry. The track stood out in the mid-80s for its hauntingly beautiful lyrics and uplifting message. It provided comfort and encouragement to listeners, and it still resonates today with its timeless quality.

If you haven’t revisited “Broken Wings” in a while, it’s worth listening with fresh ears. Maybe you can even detect Casey's work.

The entire album is more than just a hit from the past—it’s a piece of musical craftsmanship that continues to inspire and uplift, embodying the smooth sophistication of the Yacht Rock era.

Loretta

Provided to YouTube by RCA Records LabelBroken Wings · Mr. MisterWelcome To The Real World℗ 1985 RCA Records, a division of Sony Music EntertainmentReleased ...