Legendary Interviews
Jeff Golub
Jeff Golub is a contemporary jazz guitarist with 11 solo albums and 3 CD's as the leader of the instrumental band "Avenue Blue". Before becoming an instrumentalist, Golub worked as a sideman to a number of very successful rock and pop artists.[1]
He's arguably best known for his work with Rod Stewart, whom he played with from 1988 until 1995 performing on 4 albums and 5 world tours as well as recording the live DVD "One Night Only" live at Royal Albert Hall.
Born in Copley, Ohio, outside of Akron, Jeff started playing by emulating 60's blues rock guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, etc...Then, following up on the artists that these musicians cited as their inspiration, he delved deeper into the blues listening to Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and anyone named King --B.B., Albert, and Freddie.
Golub was in his teens when he first heard a Wes Montgomery record. This moment set him on a whole new course which led him to study atBerklee College of Music in Boston. While in Boston he played in The James Montgomery Band. From Boston Jeff moved to New York in 1980 where his first major gig was with rocker Billy Squier. Jeff appeared on 7 albums and 3 world tours with Billy. He released his first solo recording, "Unspoken Words" for Gaia Records in 1988 but really embraced his role as band leader and instrumentalist with the release of "Avenue Blue" in 1994 for Mesa Bluemoon/Atlantic records.
Jonathan Butler
Born in Cape Town, Butler was the youngest of 12 children. He discovered a gift for music early in life and began singing and playing guitar at age seven. As a child, he traveled all over South Africa performing with a troupe of 100 children, getting a first hand look at the country’s disturbing dichotomy---devastating poverty and extreme affluence that existed under Apartheid.
Butler signed his first record deal as a teen and became the first black artist played on white South African stations. “That was 1974 and it was a song titled ‘Please Stay,’” Butler recalls of the historic tune, which won a Sarie Award, the South African equivalent of a Grammy. “Back then I was with an independent label called CCP Productions.”
Larry Dunn - Of Earth Wind & Fire
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With his funky keyboard playing, Larry helped transform Earth, Wind & Fire into one of the all-time most successful R&B bands in the world, with sales of more than 100 million albums worldwide, 6 GRAMMYs, 13 GRAMMY nominations, 4 American Music Awards, 32 Gold & Platinum/Multi-Platinum Records & Albums, a Star on Hollywood's Walk Of Fame, induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame (2000) and the Songwriters Hall Of Fame (2010) as well as other industry awards.In addition to playing organ, synthesizer, piano, keyboards, and clavinet with the group from 1972 until 1983, Larry held the position and handled the responsibilities of the band's Musical Director. As one of the key people behind the scene, much of the group's musical success can be attributed to him. In addition, he rehearsed Earth, Wind & Fire for live stage performances and wrote many of the musical segue ways and medleys.Larry had major creative influence in, and is proud of his contribution to such Earth, Wind & Fire classics as: "Shining Star," "Spirit," "Be Ever Wonderful," "Runnin'," "See The Light," "Let Me Talk," "And Love Goes On," "Jupiter," as well as other melodies that will live on in the hearts of fans and popular music lovers alike. |
