Spin That 45

  Originally featured on Inside MusiCast  From the album Bang! Zoom Released in 1995, this song never fails to move me, not only as a music lover, or a freaky fan of the great Bobby McFerrin, but the message is so profound. It's obvious he is singing to his beloved wife, Deb. How many women out there would love to hear these words from their men when they feel like they are not a priority? Bobby recognizes it and reconciles it with these beautiful lyrics. Profound lyrics wrapped up with some gorgeous music by some of the most incredible people in the biz: The Yellowjackets; Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy, Bob Mintzer and Jimmy Haslip, as well as Paul Jackson, Paulinho Da Costa, Judd Miller and Scott Wendholt. Totally an All-Star line-up. Such a beautiful song. I love the groove, every facet, every instrument. And those gorgeous subtle scats done the only way that makes Bobby McFerrin who he is. I just want to lap up every note, turning my stereo up or headphones just t...

  Originally featured on Inside MusiCast This fantastic family trio completely blows my mind and makes me want to try harder to be a great blender as well as vocalist. They are so soulful. They play their vocals like fine tuned instruments. Their enunciation is incredible while digging deep for those soulful jazz tones. And let's talk about the crew. Dan Huff setting the tone with smooth cool guitar, then changing to a scratchin' like he's channeling the early 70's and adding some sexy smooth jazz strings there. LOVE! His brother David Huff on drums with Terry McMillan (Renegade Gentleman w/Larry Carlton) on percussion and producer and engineer; Mark Heimermann on keys. Mark is known for his work DC Talk, Amy Grant, Chris Gaines, Garth Brooks, Charlie Peacock and more. The slamming bass is provided by the late Jackie Street. It's hard to believe this was released in 1996. It sounds so fresh. What a groove!!

  Originally featured on  Inside MusiCast  as  my Pick of The Day Anyone who is familiar with Michael Omartian is aware that he's not only responsible for producing a multitude of hit songs, but he also held a world record for being the only producer to have scored number-one hits in three decades consecutively, the ‘70s, ‘80s and '90s. From the beginning of his career, and working with Top A-list artists i.e. Christopher cross, Al Jarreau, Amy Grant, The Imperials, Rod Stewart, The Jacksons, Trisha Yearwood and so many more, he has always walked a faith-based life alongside his wife of 47 years, author Stormie Omartian - known for her "Power of a Praying _______" book series. The two of them have released their own albums respectively. Every now and then I dip into these albums and I’m completely blown away by the talent that is forever engraved on these tracks. "End Times” is definitely one of those that I keep coming back to because it's THAT GOOD! The...

  Originally featured on Inside MusiCast This past January at NAMM in Anaheim, I had the pleasure of meeting one of Soul's most renowned drummers; Mr Aaron Smith aka The A-Train! He was by himself, just drumming away on his kit . . . people walking by and not really knowing who he was. But I did!! That's the man whose iconic drumming can be heard on what is ranked number 169 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time . . . "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" by The Temptations. It was true honor to have met him. I felt like a groupie!! His music was not only part of my childhood but my new wave days with Romeo Void and so many CCM favorites like "Lie Down In the Grass" by Charlie Peacock. And he continued to be part of my adult-life soundtrack with several tunes like this one; "Waiting In Vain" by IMC's fav; Lee Ritenour with the beautiful rich vocals provided by Maxi Priest who had a fantastic hit with "Close To You...

  Originally featured on Inside MusiCast From their 2004 release, "So Natural' this tune is one my favorites on this album. Latino CCM's Salvador rock out on this track. Co-produced by Chris Rodriguez, you get the feeling you're listening to something from the late 60's, like early Santana. Salvador keyboardist; Chris Bevins lays down keys as if he's Gregg Rolie! It's so high energy, you'd almost think you're listening to a live recording. Which was the objective of this song as well as the entire album. Vocalist & co-founder; Nic Gonzales said in an interview years ago; "Salvador built its reputation on playing live, and we hope that it sounds like it's live because every sound-every loop, every instrument-is played by one of the guys in the band. There's no computer tricks; everything was made by a hand playing an instrument. That was really important to us." From it's cool flat twangy "let's jam" intro, to ...