Spin That 45

  Originally featured on Inside MusiCast  Brian James and The Great Unknown is a Seattle based Soul and R&B band that formed in the summer of 2018 by singer / songwriter Brian James. Their debut album "Journey of a Thousand Miles" is a unique blend of sounds that are influenced by Soul, Funk, Jazz and R&B as well as good old AM Radio tunes from the 70's and beyond. So many influences can be heard in this fantastic album; Bill Withers, Al Green, Tower of Power, Bruce Hornsby, Chicago, Gerry Rafferty, John Mayer to name a few. From the moment I heard this album, I was taken aback. The level of musicianship from a band made up of 4 members whose ages range from 26 to 50, is phenomenal. The band members are: Brian James singer / songwriter / vocals / guitars Jim Barnes: keys / bass Tyler Rogers: sax Cyrus Zerbe: drums Recording and producing were done by Bill Simpkins at Alpenglow Sound Studios. Bill has done an excellent job on this production. Not overdone. Just rig

  Originally featured on Inside MusiCast  My last pick has been the most difficult. I thought I had it all picked out and then my friend Kevin Grady played this on his radio station;  The Gospel According to Music . Don't get me wrong, I am in love with IMC Radio. But every now and then, I venture off for inspiration for future Picks here on Inside MusiCast. Matthew Ward  is founding member along with his sisters Annie Herring and Nelly Greisen of early Jesus Movement's "2nd Chapter of Acts," which has been around since they were teenagers in the early 70's. Matthew has an incredibly soulful side to him and it shows on this recording from his first solo project in 1979; "Toward Eternity"  Written by sister Anne Herring, her husband; producer Buck Herring and Michael Omartian this song is like the epitome of late 1970's AM Pop radio. On Guitar are the masters; Jay Graydon &  Ray Parker Jr. Michael Omartian  arranges the most amazing EWF style horn