I just spent a few days in New York City. Had a great time. And one of the nights I went to the Blue Note to see the Michel Camilo Big Band. All I can say is that they were incredible.
Part of why I wanted to go to that show was the bass player Anthony Jackson. In this group is plays a 6 string bass. What he calls the “Contrabass Guitar”.
I was a big Al Di Meola fan in growing up, and Anthony Jackson was the bass player on all of Al’s early records. So that’s how I was first exposed to this monster bass player.
But Anthony Jackson has played with so many people. Steely Dan, Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Lee Ritenour, Simon & Garfunkel, Mike Stern and so many more.
Check out these videos from the Michel Camilo Big Band. While I’m pointing out the bass player in the group, Michel Camilo the leader and piano players is phenomenal. The whole big band is right on.
Michel Camilo Big Band – “Not Yet”
Michel Camilo Big Band – “Just Kidding”