Jackie's Groove

Shele Sondheim is a guitarist, songwriter, producer, lyricist,  arranger, and music business entrepreneur. He is the CEO of CSM Words and Music, an international music production and publishing company.

Andrew Ford is a bass player, composer, arranger, producer and educator. He has performed with legendary artists in almost every major genre of music, while also having a Masters degree in Education. He has shared the stage or studio with Al Jarreau, Whitney Houston, David Crosby, Barry Manilow, Robben Ford, Chaka Khan, George Duke, Gladys Knight, James Ingram, Israel Houghton, Dianne Reeves, Peabo Bryson, Patti Austin, Lynne Fiddmont, Christopher Cross, Jerry Butler, Michael McDonald, David Pack, The Emotions, Phil Perry, The Stylistics, Brenda Russell, Larry Carlton, Oleta Adams, Jeffrey Osborne, Melissa Manchester, Jeff Lorber, Deniece Williams, Johnny Hammond, Greg Adams, Randy Crawford, Norman Brown, Graham Nash, Boney James, Paul Brown, Kirk Whalum, Michael Paulo and many others. Andrew has completed 5 bass instructional videos for truefire.com, covering everything from blues to r&b, walking bass, reggae, and overall groove. He has taught bass or done seminars at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood

British singer-songwriter Julia Fordham continues to enchant audiences around the world with her extraordinary vocal range and heartfelt songs. From 1988’s Happy Ever After — her first release and an international hit —  and throughout all 15 albums, her unique voice and exquisitely crafted compositions strike an everlasting chord.A luscious contralto that she wields with an almost operatic command, it is one of the most strikingly beautiful new voices to be heard in pop. – New York TimesAt 14, Julia started writing songs and performing at local folk clubs. Soon after, she was invited to be a guest singer with the UK’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra, which sparked a lifelong love of the genre. On her highly acclaimed second album, Porcelain, two original jazz songs “For You, Only For You” and “China Blue” were featured along with the hits “Manhattan Skyline” and “Lock and Key.”In 1992, “Love Moves” (from her third album Swept), was chosen as the theme song for The Butcher’s Wife, starring Demi Moore, and becam

Kevin Ricard’s versatility and musicality are the most important things he brings to each recording or performance. He brings a sense of groove to Rock, Jazz, Pop, and R&B styles, and adds authenticity to Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian styles. Whether it’s the Brazilian groove of Sergio Mendes, the timeless music of Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie, or playing with legends like Steve Winwood, Kenny Loggins, or the late, great Celia Cruz, Kevin shows he can move smoothly between diverse styles and why he’s in constant demand. Kevin's long list of recording credits includes Joe Zawinul, B.B. King, Natalie Cole, Wayne Shorter, Marc Anthony, Kenny Loggins, Juan Gabriel, Queen Latifah, Enrique Iglesias, Jill Scott, Take 6 and numerous others. Kevin has also performed on a number of movie scores including The Hangover, The Pink Panther 1 & 2, The Great Debaters, Traitor, Speed, The Adams Family Values, A Bugs Life, Woman On Top and many more. Kevin's professional television career includes being a member of th

Jamie Wollam is a drummer who has toured with some of the most talented musicians on earth including, Tears for Fears, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Tommy Shaw(Styx), Fee Waybil(The Tubes) and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello’s solo project, The Nightwatchman."I started playing drums at the age of 13 after I saw KISS in concert at the Forum in Los Angeles. I was instantly mesmerized by Peter Criss and knew that this was what I wanted to do. My first teacher was my Uncle Rob and I began playing to records by Kiss, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Dio, Journey, Cheap Trick, and Aerosmith. At the age of 18, I attended P.I.T (The percussion division of the Musician’s Institute) in Hollywood, CA. I graduated with honors in 1989. Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey, Steve Houghton, Chuck Flores, Toss Panos, and Richie (Gajate) Garcia are some of the greats I had the honor of learning from. I followed up with studying Gary Chester’s, The New Breed, concepts with Victor Loyo of Luis Miguel. My education was so

One of the most versatile and cosmopolitan saxophonists in pop, soul and contemporary jazz for nearly 35 years, Michael Paulo has added his distinct saxpertise to a virtual who’s who of artists, including Al Jarreau (Paulo’s longest term touring association), James Ingram, No. 1 Smooth Jazz Trumpeter and guitarist Rick Braun and Peter White, Oleta Adams, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Carl Anderson, Bobby Caldwell, Johnny Mathis and more. 

David Romero is a percussionist who has played with several high profile bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, Gladys Knight, Poncho Sanchez’ Latin-Jazz Band, Eddie Levert of the O’Jays and many more.He talks about his experiences and discusses his journey going through receiving a heart  transplant. 

Richie Kotzen began playing piano at the age of five. At the age of seven, he was inspired to learn the electric guitar by the band KISS. He started his career in a band named Arthur's Museum. Kotzen was eventually discovered by Shrapnel Records' Mike Varney, and he recorded his first solo album by the age of 19.In 1991, at age 21, Kotzen joined glam-metal band Poison, co-writing and performing on the album Native Tongue. This album produced two top-twenty singles which Kotzen co-wrote, "Stand" and "Until You Suffer Some (Fire and Ice)".In 1999, Kotzen replaced Paul Gilbert as guitarist in the mainstream rock band Mr. Big, performing on their album Get Over It. He also contributed guitars to their subsequent release Actual Size. The record included the Kotzen song Shine, which debuted at number one on Japanese radio charts. After Mr. Big disbanded, Kotzen released the solo album Change, in 2003. The title track and the song Get a Life were featured in TV commercials throughout Japan.In 1999, Kotzen replaced P

Ann Wilson is an American musician, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the hard rock band Heart. Regarded as one of the best female vocalists in rock music history, Wilson was listed as one of the "Top Heavy Metal Vocalists of All Time" by Hit Parader magazine in 2006.In 1973, her younger sister Nancy joined Heart, and the band moved to Canada. Heart recorded their first album Dreamboat Annie in Vancouver in 1975; it was released in the United States in 1976, with "Crazy on You" hitting number 35 on the US charts. In 1977, Little Queen was released, and in 1978, Dog & Butterfly.To date, Heart has sold over 35 million records worldwide, including over 22.5 million in album sales in the U.S. With Top 10 albums on the Billboard Album Chart in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2010s, Heart is among the most commercially enduring hard rock bands in history. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.Ann Wilson is currently on tour in the U.S.

Rob’s drumming career started at the age of 7 years old when he started studying percussion at The Hochstein School of Music in his hometown of Rochester, NY under the instruction of famed Chuck Mangione drummer Vincent Ruggiero. From there, during his high school years Rob studied percussion at The Eastman School of Music, and music education at Nazareth College. Through all of these years, Rob participated in various concert bands and percussion ensembles.  Top grades for his abilities were the norm. While Rob is schooled in percussion, he is entirely self taught on the drumset. Rob’s influences include Peter Criss, John Bonham, Neil Peart, Tommy Aldridge, Steve Gadd, and Steve Smith among others.Prior to joining Lou Gramm’s band officially, Rob had performed a few drum duties for him. In 2004, Rob recorded drum tracks for several Foreigner songs to be used for promotional purposes. Shortly after he also filled in as practice drummer as needed when Lou’s brother Ben (his drummer at the time) wasn’t availabl

Michael O’Neill‘s services as a guitarist and vocalist have been called upon at the highest levels of the music industry for over 30 years.Starting with his first tour of the U.S. and Europe on the Crusaders “Street Life” tour to his ongoing work with George Benson and Natalie Cole,Michael has played on hundreds of recordings,worked on dozens of World tours,recorded 5 solo cd’s,made numerous television and video appearances,provided hundreds of titles for background music sources.Working with George Benson since 1981,Michael has appeared on “The Best of Benson Live”,George Benson and Al Jarreau cd “Givin it Up”,Benson’s “Absolute Live”and “Live in Montreux 1986″ dvd’s and served as an Associate Producer on Benson’s most recent cd,”Songs and Stories”.Michael has recently entered the arena of television composers as his music can be heard on ” The Real Housewives of Miami”,”The Real Husbands of Hollywood”,”Pregnant in Heels”,”Miss Advised”,”Million Dollar Listing”,”Brooklyn Big Style”,”Wicked Tuna”,Food Paradis

Peter Michael Escovedo III, Emmy nominated Musical Director / Producer, has earned recognition not only as a percussionist, but a producer, singer, songwriter, and television personality.Peter Michael (named after his father, percussionist and original member of Santana, Pete Escovedo) has contributed in countless world tours, recordings and television productions.He has produced television shows, written music for film, theme songs for television, composed, arranged, and produced music for various artists, and is currently releasing a new E. Family cd featuring: Joss Stone, Prince, Earth Wind & Fire, Gloria Estefan, Raphael Saadiq, and Israel Houghton

Bass legend Bunny Brunel has performed and recorded with a “who’s who” list of music industry giants. Notables include Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams , Jack Dejohnette, Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Stanley Clarke, Dizzy Gillespie, Ziggy Marley, Gloria Estefan, Larry Coryell, Al Dimeola, Mike Stern, Joe Farrell, Michel Polnareff and many, many more. Besides his work as a performer, he is equally at home in the roles of composer, arranger, producer and designer. As a soundtrack composer Bunny collaborated with Clint Eastwood in creating the main theme (Claudia’s theme) for the award winning film, “The Unforgiven.” He also worked on several TV shows, including the popular series “Highlander.”As a designer, Bunny created a line of electric bass guitars for ESP/LTD and a stunning new Electric Upright Bass. Taking an active interest in helping bass players, Brunel regularly gives seminars on his unique approach to the instrument. He has written several books available through

Kenny Aronoff is one of the world’s most influential and in-demand drummers and percussionists. Rolling Stone, in fact, cited him as one of the “100 Greatest Drummers of All Time” and Modern Drummer has named him #1 Pop/Rock Drummer and #1 Studio Drummer for five years. The list of artists he’s worked with on the road and/or in the studio reads like a who’s who of the music industry, and includes John Mellencamp, The Rolling Stones, The Smashing Pumpkins, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sting, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Pharell Williams, Lenny Kravitz, Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Jon Bon Jovi, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Steven Tyler, Slash, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Garth Brooks, Don Henley, Melissa Etheridge, Keith Urban, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Puddle of Mudd, Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Beyonce, Mick Jagger, Bonnie Raitt, Ricky Martin, Santana, Crosby Stills and Nash, Celine Dion, Vince Gill, The Buddy Rich Big Band and many ot

Rich Redmond is an influential touring/recording drummer/percussionist based in Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California. His versatile, dynamic, and rock solid drumming is the sound behind many of today’s top talents.A musical showman in the spirit of Gene Krupa, Rich has toured/recorded/performed with: Jason Aldean, Ludacris, Kelly Clarkson, Bryan Adams, Joe Perry, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, John Eddie, Pam Tillis, Susan Ashton, Deana Carter, Kid Rock, Lauren Alaina, Trace Adkins, Randy Owens, Marty Stuart, Mindy McReady, Rushlow, Gene Watson, John Anderson, Doc Walker, Jedd Hughes, Patricia Conroy, Earl Thomas Conley, Hank Williams III, Emily West, Jo El Sonnier, Jim Brickman, Lee Brice, Steel Magnolia, The Stellas, Kevin Fowler, Bob Seger, Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Darius Rucker, Kenny Rogers, Jennifer Nettles, Travis Tritt, Shelly Fairchild, Craig Wayne Boyd, Dizzy Reed, Chris Cornell, Kelsea Ballerini and many others.

Richie Cannata has worked with Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, the Beach Boys, Bernie Williams and the list goes on. This New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn then Long Island has music in his blood. Richie Cannata studied classical piano growing up, but it doesn’t stop there. He also studied the clarinet, flute, keyboards, and saxophone with the tenor saxophone being his forte.Richie currently plays with Lords of 52nd Street with former Billy Joel band members, drummer Liberty DeVitto and guitarist Russell Javors.

A graduate of the Dick Grove School of Music, Troy Dexter is a busy Los Angeles-based session player and teacher. His live and studio credits include Kim Carnes, Tower of Power, "The Ellen Degeneres Show," and "Just Shoot Me," among many others. He has recorded three instructional DVDs with Hal Leonard: 50 Licks Country Style, Rockabilly Guitar, and Playing in the Style of the Fender Telecaster Greats.

Sheldon Reynolds is an American guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. He is part of "Elements of Fire", who cover Earth, Wind & Fire songs. He is a former member of Earth, Wind & Fire and of the Commodores. He shared the writing credit for the Earth, Wind & Fire song "Sunday Morning", which was nominated for a Grammy Award for the Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1994.

Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett is an American drummer, songwriter and producer. Since 1979, he has collaborated with Jackson family. Later, he performed with other notable musicians, such as Patti Austin, Elton John, Cameo, Lionel Richie and Madonna.

Richie Gajate Garcia has recorded and/or performed with Christopher Cross, Sting and Phil Collins, as well as worked on film scores for Jennifer Lopez'  "Maid in Manhattan" and Eddie Murphy's "I-Spy," as well as "The Mummy Returns". He has toured with Diana Ross, Don Henley, Patti LaBelle, and Hiroshima.