Recording Artists who've inspired...

Sting

An incredibly distinctive voice, prolific songwriter & amazing performer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-pEOUbr9yo
Brand New Day (live)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flWP28y2cyw

Englishman in New York

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLdJwzSbM-E
Fragile (live)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k58Fjy3VYz8
Sting with Bruno Mars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjyTzFgifj8
Symphonicity, behind the scenes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1Yknu35lqQ
In studio with Chris Botti

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9ifRmEQozw

Interview, Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNMIW9S2McY&feature=relmfu

Interview, Part 2

Chris Botti

Chris' big break came when Sting invited him to join his band. Because of that tour, he is now the biggest selling jazz artist in the business.

The first clip is from the live DVD in 2005 that was filmed in LA. Amazing musicians:

Billy Childs on grand piano is scary good around the 1:00 minute mark
but stick around for Billy Kilson's drum solo at the 4:00 mark. Inspirational.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xu99euHAUM "Why not"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8NN4fpdm40 "Emmanuel"

Live with Boston Pops orchestra and Lucia Micarelli in 2008. Pure magic and soulful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZWRp4UqyRo Cinema Paradiso, with Yo Yo Ma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7JEUetg8lE Studio clip w/ Yo Yo Ma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVmMR_nS24M&feature=fvsr Interesting interview

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIZVQ1j6P9s&list=PLZjH-YZ-tOTgUQ5uqE3BD6bPtAJi92UJ3 Longer interview, more in depth.

Michael McDonald

What can you say about Michael McDonald? He's it, in the music scene. The voice, the soul, the groove...he's what we aspire towards and has set the bar WAY high, musically and vocally.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyWmtoZZ5x0 What's goin' on w/Billy Preston.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHQqQxYkV1M Michael's prayer to Jesus (Peace)

http://michaelmcdonald.com/michaelMcDonaldVideosPage.html Video collection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJC7RfQcmuw&feature=fvwrel Interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drxzy2rPI-c Another interview Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UTAxR27wT4 Another interview, Part 2

Level 42

A musicians band, for sure. (Possibly, my favorite) Funky, edgy, tight, soulful. All driven by the incredible bass playing and lead vocals of Mark King. Funkified!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQcGfRT4Tt0 2010 Jazz Festival

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kgeV4KatWA Instrumental & bringin' it!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt7mtdLha-c Lessons in Love (80's)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-dx9xe44W0 Something about you (80's)

Toto

First time we heard "Hold the line," all musicians & singers knew there was a "new band in town." Studio cats, no less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdSqPPRPI1o Rosanna, live. 2003

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GWnveEXNro Toto in concert. 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ZaSINRDGM Africa live in Amsterdam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gd5KYGoOu4 Behind the scenes, on the road/studio. Documentary.

Rascal Flatts

Well crafted tunes, great stories, killer hooks. Gary Levox has a one in a million voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk1bstD4nY8 "Changed"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuL0SJiAOcM "Take me there"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do32g82qilk

"Bless the broken road"....this song is how I feel about my wife, Denise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBdqbmZLUs Interview

Earth Wind and Fire

Every band loves to cover Earth, Wind and Fire songs. Groove & feel-good vibe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XOY7lsBVpo Let's Groove tonight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jLGa4X5H2c Boogie Wonderland

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCOOP0bbGfs Old interview

Kenny Loggins

Kenny Loggins has had a wonderfully, long career because of the two gifts he possesses: A pop voice like no other and great songs. A winning combination.

This is my favorite clip with Michael McDonald back in 1992:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmHrlKaOBYc What a fool believes

'Leap of faith' live is pure magic. Every musician backing him up is world class

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvhVSgqgAu0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRtdbTjRUrQ&feature=related Recent interview

Bryan Adams

Bryan has the perfect pop voice. Edgy, powerful, heart-felt, with a great range.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFD2gu007dc Everything I do (special edit)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7b37l_B4vI&feature=channel Heaven. Simple and magical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NydeOSeDFHA&feature=fvwrel Recent interview

Daryl Hall

Having been raised on Hall & Oates, and playing all their hits...(and they had over a dozen!) ...like most, I became a huge fan of Daryl Hall's voice and songwriting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr-jCrpbMrw&feature=related
"Cab driver" Love, love, love this song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOE1-2Fza5Q
I like this version of "I can't go for that." To me, it's funkier than the original w/a better groove.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I5Ljkh05Yo Rachael Ray show: Story telling and interview

Daryl's new TV show: http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/

Andrea Bocelli

Once in every generation, there comes a few "special voices." Andrea...is just that: special. Immediately puts you in the soul-zone. Close your eyes, take it in.

With David Foster, Chris Botti and orchestra:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW9OLOVd_tE

Interview with David Foster:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RJ3424B5DUInterview

Israel Houghton

Israel Houghton is well known in Gospel circles: Great songs/amazing voice:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmEV-hS-kUI&feature=related
"Moving Forward" (powerful song about Jesus and redemption)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N7d3A39rls
"Just wanna say" Up tempo Praise tune

Wynonna Judd

Wynonna is that rare blend of funk & soul...with a huge heart, that she shares with us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmAMti3NeLY "No one else on Earth"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmpiWLiQkxo "Testify to love"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxt5TsmEZaY"No "I can only imagine"

Justin Timberlake

J.T. does it all: Singer, songwriter, producer, dancer, actor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVBE8fLJnEQ New tune. Suit and Tie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM7FSEDY7nY&feature=related "Summer love"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6Rha7f_uow "Drink you away"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyJdt6Q2Y-Y "What goes around...comes around"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hOYHu3ZRj8 Interview, 2006....

Lou Gramm, Foreigner

Lou Gramm's rock voice...well, no one can touch it. He's in his own lane.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xhcnz_foreigner-i-want-to-know-what-love_news

Urgent
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHnNIoNUZig

I want to know what love is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8OHnbKJeYE

Interview with Lou on God. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8OHnbKJeYE

Steely Dan

Musicians love Steely Dan. Why? Songs, chords, studio players, clever lyrics, etc.

Kid Charlemagne: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylr2D4Pwn58

The making of Aja, behind the scenes. A classic song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9MusH-QijY

2nd Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4tMuXyRfPI

Mark Farner, Grand Funk Railroad

Mark's a personal hero to many of us. Got that killer, 1st tenor voice and a line of hits with Grand Funk Railroad but more importantly, he's an outspoken advocate for America and the Gospel, without all the religious rhetoric.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4wh7i248C0 Quick clip showing vocal range.

Closer to home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyF5J7au1jE Blast from the past 1971

Close to home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nnTCh-PX8I 30 years later, same song

Love from above: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICnIzTckbHE Contemporary Christian

Interviews: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FieLUu5DZl0&playnext=1&list=PLCD459750ED08F6BA

Go West

Love Go West. Peter Cox and Richard Drummie team. Peter has one of the coolest voices on radio. Here's the before (80's) versions and then new live clip:

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02QumJDiQZI Faithful
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9s9vmrJkV8&ob=av2e We close our eyes
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4YhZiv5JxM King of Wishful thinking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymVacmx8JNc&feature=related New live clip

Phil Collins

Every working band owes a debt of gratitude to Genesis and Phil. Great songs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egJR3K6UIJY
Farewell Tour - Drums and "Take Me Home"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJOOj23X7BE Recent interview

Pat Metheny

My Mom turned me onto Pat Metheny years ago. (Got my dad hooked too) Part of the Kansas jazz scene, initially.

This is my favorite song of his called: Have you heard. (live version)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWQq1W7NFiQ

Dirty Loops band

Every once in a while...a voice comes along plus amazing musicians...Scary good singer.Stevie Wonder meets Brian Mcknight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nsqh9jHkHlM

Stevie Wonder

The one, the only: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjihmOB4Bo8

Superstition in the studio

Overjoyed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-_nePbPhek

Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDXicJ_pUTI

Steve Winwood

Billy Joel said Steve Winwood is his favorite singer. Hard to disagree...Tone, range, versatility.

Back in the high life again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adw772km7PQ

While you see a chance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j6g_uUhH2c

Valerie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbKNICg-REA

Higher love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z-fE1l9SZ4

Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHXBfj2-za8

Billy Joel

Way cool guy who'd be the friend of choice to hang out with shooting pool over a beer. The every man, earthy. Songwriting genius, prolific w/storytelling at its heart.

Pressure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyv905Q2omU

While the night is still young: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3ogFWISPuw

The original piano man....older interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11g5yyd7a7g

Interview, Actors studio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl2JqQWjPHI

Bryan Duncan

Bryan's a good friend. The poster child for FSWB (funky suburban white boy) Dove winner.
First tenor, too. (Jerk monkey) "Joy is a singable thing:" (I dare you to not get your groove on)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR5V9Aw_n3o&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLC50F97A939470368

Blue Skies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO5TVMp3g6g&list=PLC50F97A939470368

After this day is gone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk4HkZfcUBA