George Clinton

The influence George has on music and how he shaped a society is undeniable.

Mothership Connection is one of the few albums I remember what I was doing, and where I was the first time I heard it. Little did I know the impact George, the Mothership, and Bernie Worrell, rest his soul, would have on my musical journey, let alone my life.

Weather Report

My cousin turned me on to Mysterious Traveller at the age of 14, it changed how I listened to music, and challenged my musical boundaries.

A super group that knew no boundaries and exploded those that existed. Joe Zawinul's microtonal/modal approach to synthesizers, Wayne Shorters totally underrated sax playing that made Steely Dans title song Aja history, and Jaco Pastorius changed how the bass is played, was a super group before super groups existed. Rest in harmony Joe & Wayne.

Steve Gadd

The most recorded musician/drummer on the planet. His musicianship and instrument mastery redefined the art of drumming forever. It would be easier to identify the people he hasn't played with versus those he has.

Michael Brecker

The most underated and influential saxophonist since Coltrane and Bird of our era. From helping define funk horns with his brother Randy as the Brecker Brothers in the 70s and 80s, to touring with George Clinton, to fusion, to straight ahead, there hasn't been an instrument defining artist like Michael. May he rest in harmony.

The Police

One of the most successful fusion groups in pop music, and a power trio at that, blending rock, pop, ska, reggae, punk, R&B, into sellable songs is a generational group.

I first saw The Police during the Zenyatta Mendatta tour and witnessed three guys generate so much energy, they could have powered the electric company.

You wanna learn how to craft pop songs, study Sting and The Police.

Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays

There has been no duo in contemporary jazz music as prolific as Pat and Lyle, rest his genius, as composers and musicians.

From avant garde to pop jazz they had one of the most eclectic portfolios in modern music.

A sonic footprint that is recognizable from the first note, to memorable sing/hum along compositions, to musical excellence, few have left foot prints in the sand that time will not erase as Pat and Lyle and the Pat Metheny Group.

Herbie Hancock Chic Corea

These guys defined what it meant to be musical chameleons. Both came from the Miles Davis school of cool, and defined the piano and synthesizers from classical, straight ahead, fusion, rock, to funk.

Take 6

I didn't know the human voice could do the things these guys do.

To play microtonal/modal music is tough enough, but to be able to compose, arrange, and sing microtonal music...SICK, and make it sound soooo good. .

The quintessential definition of harmony...Take 6.

Fav Album -Steve Khan Evidence

The original ,"Worlds Most Dangerous Band" guitarists is a staple in the New York music scene.

Steve plays both acoustic and electric solo quitar, with a third of the songs a medley of Thelonius Monk arrangements, along with Wayne Shorter's Infant Eyes. The meter is studio tight and the arrangements are concerto for guitar.

This album asks more questions than it answers. Crystal clear playing makes technique secondary to the brush strokes of the arrangements.

Prince

I didn't like Prince at first.

The more I learned of the man, and how he and his music evolved. It was hard not to love Prince. His post pop idiom was probably one of the most creative prodigious periods of any one musician/person on the planet.

His embrace of so many different musical genres made him a musical chameleon that you couldn't label his musical genius. A true fusion artists.

He's one of the few to tackle the music industry and win, and became a model for others to follow.

Along with Michael Jackson, there is probably no one more maniacal and obsessed with his craft than Prince.

How many artists have a vault in their home to store their creativity, let alone their clothes. His fashion sense; from zebra g-strings with knee high boots, to french cuff suits...ohhh myyyy...

Rest in Power!

Michael Jackson

Growing up with the Jacksons, and watching this man evolve was influential.

To watch him excel at his craft as a person, musician, singer, dancer, and leader proves putting in the work is a life long journey.

Michael was the epitome of perfection and grace. Learning how he worked brought a new found appreciation for how creativity, hard work, and talent meet to fulfill a vision.

His identity, his music, his songs are cemented in pop culture forever. There will not be another. When one of his songs comes on, there's no question who it is.

No one can sing a ballad like Michael. Rest in Power!