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Home , Anton Fig, Black Thought, Bobby Rosengarden, Captain Kirk Douglas, Doc Severinsen, Earl Gardner (musician)

JAN/FEB 2010 ISSUE MMUSICMAG.COM JAN/FEB 2010 ISSUE MMUSICMAG.COM

or more than four decades, we’ve turned on TV late at night to see F talk-show hosts joking about the latest scandal and celebrities hawking their new films. But more discerning listeners know that when they tune in post- primetime, they’re also hearing some of the best in the business—masters of precision who can tackle any genre and pick up the slightest cue. Since the halcyon days of and ’s Tonight Show band, house bands have punctuated hosts’ antics, musically introduced guests, played in and out of commercials and composed original scores for sketches—all in a night’s work. It’s time to shine a spotlight on the aces behind the music.

PAUL SHAFFER AND and the CBS Orchestra THE CBS ORCHESTRA CBS/Late Show With The Late Show With David Letterman to CBS in 1993. Shaffer initially resisted group jibed with not only the format of BANDLEADER: Paul Shaffer (keyboards) adding horns to , as it would affect With O’Brien, but also CuRRENt LiNE-up: (percussion), Felicia Collins (), Sid McGinnis (guitar), Will the versatility that became the quartet’s the emerging 1990s swing revival. And, Lee (bass), (trombone), Alan Chez hallmark. “Horns meant and as O’Brien had hoped, it recalled an older (trumpet/flugelhorn), Bruce Kapler () more complex voicings,” he notes. “But the generation of late-night TV in both sound NotABLE foRmER mEmBERs: , players I chose are masters of flexibility.” and look. “I wanted our band to sort of be Conan O’Brien with and the , , The shift was successful, and in both an homage to the classic TV bands—[former Tonight Show band incarnations Shaffer and his band have Tonight Show bandleader] Doc Severinsen When David Letterman landed an NBC proved highly influential on future late-night in particular—and they always dressed up. late-night show in 1982, he turned to a man bands. “I’ve been watching Paul Shaffer So it seemed like the natural thing to do,” who knew something about late-night TV since he had a four-piece in the ’80s,” says Weinberg said at last year’s 2009 Rock and comedy: Paul Shaffer, who played keyboards Live! bandleader Cleto Roll Hall of Fame induction. in the Night Live band from 1975 Escobedo III. “He’s my childhood hero.” Like many house bands, they often serve to 1980. That proved crucial, as unlike as unsuspecting straight men for O’Brien’s most current TV bandleaders, Shaffer also MAX WEINBERG AND bits. La Bamba, with his trademark fedora, serves as Letterman’s second banana—the BAND is an easy target for O’Brien’s silliness. (A Ed McMahon to his Johnny Carson. “Paul is running joke is that he can’t read music; The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien essential,” says Letterman. “It’s a long trip, an older sketch involved “dumbing down” BANDLEADER: Max Weinberg (drums) and Paul is the funny flight attendant.” CuRRENt LiNE-up: (guitar), Mike current events for the trombonist.) Letterman’s NBC show provided a Merritt (bass), Mark “The Loveman” Pender “People don’t realize how much work bridge from Carson’s classic model to (trumpet), Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg it is,” says Weinberg. “I never did. I figured today’s looser late-night offerings. In his (trombone), Jerry Vivino (saxophone), Doc just showed up at 5 and started to play.” recent memoir We’ll Be Here for the Rest of (keyboards), James Wormworth (percussion) The job got even more hectic for Weinberg Our Lives, Shaffer recalls Letterman asking in 1999, when Springsteen reunited the E him at their first meeting if he’d be OK with Max Weinberg started his career as a Street Band for a tour; he’s juggled both leading a quartet—a sharp contrast to the member of ’s E Street jobs ever since. MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Tonight Show’s orchestra. “I’d love it. Four Band, playing on iconic albums like Born to In 2009, Weinberg and company made pieces is what I do best,” Shaffer recalls. Run and Born in the U.S.A. But when he ran the move from to “We could turn on a dime. With four pieces I into Conan O’Brien on a street corner a few with O’Brien when he took over as host of The top-flight musicians in TV’s greatest house bands could still do all the Motown and soul covers years after Springsteen dissolved the band, the Tonight Show. But aside from adding I’ve been learning my whole life.” he had a different pitch for the ’s percussionist Wormworth, their approach have to be ready to play anything, anytime Shaffer also reveled in breaking new TV : jump . O’Brien, who remains much the same. ground stylistically, forgoing was looking for a variety-show feel, was “We have our unique sound whether standards for an R&B/rock hybrid that took intrigued, and Weinberg assembled a seven- we’re in California or New York. We’ll BY KATIE DODD its inspiration from the and ’70s. piece band for the audition. By the second always reflect an East Coast muscularity,” That sensibility has remained, even as the song, they were hired. says Weinberg. “We continue to do what band doubled in size with Letterman’s move The energetic sound of Weinberg’s we’ve done for 16 years, which is to create Paul Drinkwater/NBC

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news that Kimmel was getting a show and as the leader of the year out.” to ask his parents to support him during . But the partnership After 17 years, Eubanks bandleader audition. “And bring your horn,” seemed strained from day one, and Marsalis and his band jumped at the he added. left—not particularly quietly—in 1995. chance to change up their The family atmosphere would become Into his place stepped Kevin approach with the move to ABC/Jimmy Kimmel Live! ABC/Jimmy one of the hallmarks of Kimmel’s show. Other Eubanks, a mellower but no less seasoned primetime for The recurring characters include his uncle, Frank who had played with Slide Show, which airs at 10 p.m. Potenza, Potenza’s ex-wife, Aunt Chippy, Hampton, and , EST. “We needed a new and his cousin, Sal Iacono. It makes for a among others. Eubanks’ low-key vibe proved theme terribly bad,” says casual, inclusive vibe that guests often pick a perfect foil for Leno’s antics (showcased Eubanks. “Remember, I up on. “One of my favorite guests is Don in the long-gone “Beyondo” sketches, which have to play it every single Rickles, because he always messes with featured Eubanks talking to a floating Leno night!” the band,” Escobedo says. “My dad and I head; and the still-popular “”). The earlier hour also

are Latin, and he makes some jokes. He’s After taking the bandleader mantle, required more vitality. “The Justin Lubin/NBC always a fun time.” Eubanks called Smith, Moore and Etkins, music goes more towards While the Cletones are always game for with whom he’d studied at the Berklee getting the people to dance,” comedy bits, when it’s time to pick up their College of Music, and asked them to join says Eubanks. “I think this Cleto and the Cletones instruments, they’re all business. the band. With a stable of accomplished show needs a different kind of “We’ll play to Foo Fighters to jazz players, Eubanks’ band quickly carved energy—a more physical kind of music that complements and supplements David Letterman together. So when Kimmel polka,” says Escobedo. “You have to be a niche for itself in late-night TV. energy. Get ’em up, get ’em moving, the comedy on the Tonight Show, and keep landed his own late-night slot in 2003, he ready for anything.” By their nature, the mediums of jazz and get that energy into the show and get that reaching for as many different types of music immediately called Escobedo, who was on television might seem at odds. The musical feel into people’s homes at 10 p.m.” as we can play from night to night.” the road with Marc Anthony, and asked him AND genre is marked by improvisation, innovation to be his bandleader. THE PRIMETIME BAND and a resistance to rules. TV music, on the THE BAND tapped longtime friend and fellow Canadian CLETO AND THE CLETONES Escobedo, who had also worked with other hand, not only has to appeal to the Saturday Night Live , who assembled a horn-centric Jimmy Kimmel Live! Kimmel on ’s The Man Bandleader: Kevin Eubanks (guitar) masses, but also has to adhere to strict bandleader: (keyboards) group inspired by Junior Walker’s energetic Bandleader: Cleto Escobedo III (saxophone) Show, didn’t think twice. “In your 20s it’s Current line-up: Gerry Etkins (keyboards), limits in time and scope. But Eubanks and Current line-up: Katreese Barnes R&B sound. Rounding out the rhythm section Current line-up: Cleto Escobedo Jr. awesome to be on the road all the time,” (saxophone), Vicki Randle his band have always risen to the challenge. (keyboards), Ron Blake (saxophone), Alex were keyboardists Paul Shaffer, getting his (saxophone), Jonathan Dresel (drums), (percussion), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (drums), Foster (saxophone), Earl Gardner (trumpet), says Escobedo from the Kimmel Live! set. A few years after percussionist Vicki Randle late-night start, and Cheryl Hardwick, who Jimmy Earl (bass), Toshi Yanagi (guitar), Derrick Murdock (bass) James Genus (bass), Valerie Naranjo joined the roster, Eubanks got the idea to would play with the band for a total of 20 Jeff Babko (keyboards) “In your 40s, it’s really appealing to be Former memBers: , Stan (percussion), (drums), Lenny have the accomplished vocalist sing during years. Shore composed the opening and and have a steady gig.” Sargeant, Lee Thornburg Pickett (saxophone), Jared Scharff (guitar), commercial breaks and bumpers—a twist the closing themes, which have endured for the Hosts and bandleaders often take years to Not content with just one saxophonist Steve Turre (trombone) audience loved. better part of the show’s tenure. build a familiar rapport. Jimmy Kimmel and named Cleto, Kimmel persuaded his The passing of the Tonight Show torch from notable former members: Paul Shaffer, “You have to be able to deal with giving As Saturday Night Live’s cast of Cleto Escobedo III had it instantly, thanks friend to lure his father, Cleto Escobedo Johnny Carson to Jay Leno in 1992 was G.E. Smith, Steve Ferrone, , the music up for the good of the show, David Sanborn characters has changed over the years— to a friendship that dates back to their Jr.—who gained fame in 1960s soul group watched with rapt attention by millions. So with some notable ups and downs–so has childhood. Growing up in Las Vegas, Kimmel Los Blues—out of retirement. The younger it’s no surprise that, musically, Leno came the band’s. But for the bulk of the show’s and Escobedo used to stay up to watch Escobedo called his dad to give him the out swinging by appointing jazz heavyweight history, the SNL band has maintained that exuberant, horn-heavy sound. One of the most visible members of the band for his 10-year tenure, G.E. Smith was partially responsible for the band’s move to the main stage set in 1986. (They had previously played from the rafters.) The current line-up is an egalitarian group, with Pendarvis, Pickett and Barnes sharing musical director duties. Over the years, the band has provided back-up for some memorable host musical performances: singing “Sea Cruise” in season one, belting out Dreamgirls’ “I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” in , and Kate Winslet Host Kate Winslet backed by the singing (and tap dancing) to Fred Astaire’s Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC “Pick Yourself Up” to prove the show was truly “live” the week after ’s playing the music that best suits the show,” In 1975, was creating lip-sync snafu. Eubanks says. “Where I come from, we vow something singular on late-night TV—a live They’re also called upon to provide to serve the music. In TV, you vow to serve featuring comedic sketches original music for sketches when necessary, the show. You need to have a slow-burning interspersed with performances by popular a gig that usually flies under the radar. Kevin Eubanks and most of the former Tonight Show band moved to The Jay Leno Show in 2009. intensity that stays consistent year in and artists. To head up the music portion, he But in 2007, Barnes earned headlines for Paul Drinkwater/NBC

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PREMIERE ISSUE

JOHN FOGERTY Tracy Leeds/NBCTracy His dream comes true co-writing the Emmy-winning “,” Rumors that had persuaded The spontaneous feel that has made performed by and host Justin hip-hop’s The Roots to be his house band The Roots a critically acclaimed live act Timberlake. At their request, Barnes wrote when he succeeded Conan O’Brien at complements the “anything-can-happen” a ’90s-style R&B melody, and the actors Late Night in 2009 were met with almost vibe that Fallon has tried to cultivate as his provided the instant-classic lyrics. universal disbelief. Why would the group put show’s identity. Already some Roots-themed EXCLUSIVE A new way to play “You have to be patient with comedic a successful touring and recording career on segments are hits, such as “Slow Jam the talent, because they’re under so much hold to play little more than bumpers? News,” and “Freestyling With the Roots,” pressure to be funny,” says Barnes. “So it’s The Roots were candid about the in which Fallon selects random audience ORIANTHI a balance of allowing them to come up with motivation behind their decision. “It members and a musical style and challenges ALICIA the material, not getting in the way of being enabled us to survive,” says bandleader the band to improvise a rap. This is it funny, and working with them to make the Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson. “This would While other late-night bands have material funny.” basically match or surpass what we would released albums together only occasionally, make touring 200-plus days out of the year. KEYS The Roots continue to record. Last June + THE ROOTS And this allows us to be home.” on the show, they debuted the first single, Fallon was surprised and thrilled that Late Night With Jimmy Fallon “How I Got Over,” from their forthcoming How exploring classic PERFECT LIVE SOUND Bandleader: Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson they agreed. “They’re amazing—they can play 11th album. Industry insiders are curious to (drums) anything,” he says. “From punk to soul to see how the band’s high profile on a show sounds pointed her Current line-up: Tariq “” surf music.” that averages 1.7 million viewers per night TV’S BEST BANDS Trotter (rapper), (bass), James Most house bands back musical guests might translate to record sales. to the future “Kamal” Gray (keyboards), Frank “Knuckles” on a handful of occasions per year at most. “I think Roots fans might hear a Walker (percussion), “Captain” Kirk Douglas But in less than a year, The Roots have played (guitar), Damon “ Gooding Jr.” Bryson with dozens of guests, including , difference in this album,” ?uestlove says. (sousaphone), (keyboards) 50 Cent, Smokey Robinson, Incubus, Carly “There’s a chemistry that we’ve only Simon, Christopher Cross and Q-Tip. previously put on the stage.” M

HOUSE BAND HALL OF FAMERS Doc Severinsen and the NBC Orchestra The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson

In the same way Johnny Carson set the standard for late- night hosts, his band provided a blueprint that today’s TV house bands strive to match. Trumpeter Doc Severinsen took over as bandleader of the NBC Orchestra in 1967 (having predated Carson as a member of the Tonight Show cast from 1952 on). Former bandleader had already NBC begun to assemble a top-notch jazz band, poaching instrumentalists like trumpeters , , (many provided by legend ) of standards such as Cole percussionist , trombonist and Porter’s “Begin the Beguine,” Mercer Ellington’s “Things Ain’t drummer from high-profile touring and recording What They Used to Be” and Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust.” gigs in big bands. When Carson went off the air in 1992, so did the NBC Severinsen followed that approach, luring trumpeter Snooky Orchestra, though they shortly embarked on a popular U.S. tour. FIGHTING THE Young and (briefly) , who called “the Severinsen retired to Mexico in 2006, where he formed a , El world’s greatest drummer.” Under Severinsen’s guidance, the Ritmo de la Vida, that tours the States periodically. He also owns ‘LOUDNESS NBC Orchestra became known for its full-bodied arrangements Severinsen Custom Trumpets. WAR’

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 3232 JAN/FEB 2010 VOLUME 01, ISSUE 01 PERIODICAL $5.95 U.S. / $6.95 CANADIAN

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