Jeff Lorber Fusion were in Melbourne for a week-long residency at Birds Basement. It was the band’s first ever tour of Australia (although bass player Jimmy Haslip has been here several times with other artists). AM editor Greg Phillips sat down with main man and fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber (keyboards) and bass great Jimmy Haslip (Yellow Jackets, Robben Ford) for a wonderful in-depth chat about their music and gear. The band also features Gary Novak on drums and Patrick Lamb on sax. Some of you may not know Jeff’s music but it’s been sampled by Jay-Z, Lil Kim, Notorious B.I.G. and many other hip hop acts. Australian Musician experienced the Jeff Lorber Fusion show during the week and found it to be a perfect lesson in virtuosity, improvisation, listening and the sheer joy of playing and sharing musical ideas on stage with like-minded musicians.
Jeff Lorber Fusion’s current album is Step it Up
For more information visit www.lorber.com
Jimmy Haslip information www.jimmyhaslipbass.com
Birds Basement www.birdsbasement.com