Throughout his illustrious career, keyboardist David Garfield has played with just about everyone, and on this most recent albums (like his other previous ones), he, well, plays with EVERYONE!
To just give a hint of the artists that are mixed and match here on this two disc 24 song collection, here are just first 6 drummers listed: Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Gregg Bissonette, Gary Novak and Abe Laboriel Jr. Saxists include the late Michael Brecker, then Brandon Fields, Kirk Wahalum, Eric Marienthal and Gerald Albright. I could do this all day, not to mention Marcus Miller, Nathan East, John Patitucii and Alphonso Johnson are just some of the bass players. Get the idea?
The most fun parts here are the tributes and dedications, such as “Hunting Heads” with a funky tip of the hat to Herbie Hancock, or a take of “Teen Town” with the Jaco Pastorius tribute including a chop fest with no less than Patitucci, East, Will Lee, Jimmy Johnson, Jimmy Earl…(pant pant). Likewise Tom Petty gets a nod with “I Won’t Back Down” while a Crusading “Rainbow Seeker” has Chuck Loeb, Miller and Lenny Castro getting soulful with the leader. A workout with Colaiuta and David Paich is a hoot on “Cousin Vinny” with a salute to Tony Williams including a drum fest with Colaiuta and Bissonette along with guitarist Stee Lukather on a jamming “Tune For Tony”. If you’re “in the know”, this album is like a musical edition of Inside Baseball. It also tempts you to wonder who will sit in for any of his gigs; could be a fun one!