NATHAN EAST – NATHAN EAST (JAZZ/POP)

Bass player to Eric Clapton, Phil Collins and Toto as well as to his own group Fourplay, East steps out on his own with an eclectic and exciting mix of jazz funk and soul. It’s obvious East has chops, but the album proves beyond a doubt he has tasteful soul. As band leader on this project, he expertly integrates the styles and chops of people like the late Ricky Lawson on drums; Jeff Babko, David Paich and Greg Philliganes on keyboards; and Ray Parker Jr. on guitar through interpretations of classics such as the Steve Winwood/Blind Faith classic, “Can’t Find My Way Home” and the reimagined version of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke.” East even collaborates with guitarist Michael Thompson on the song “Daft Funk,” a nod to his contributions to the Grammy-winning Daft Punk album in 2013.