KIKI EBSEN’S GIFT

For parents, rebellion is not what we want to see in our children. However, we will experience it at some point. For Buddy Ebsen, his daughter, Kiki’s venture into rebellion would ultimately lead her into a future full of musical success. Kiki Ebsen decided to ignore her father’s request to pursue a career as a jazz singer and instead, chose to find her own way, indulging in the pop music world. Her talents as a singer/songwriter were undeniable and proved to get better with time. A future in entertainment was Kiki’s destiny. After all, she grew up in the limelight of her father’s success as an actor. After he passed, Kiki began to reflect on the desires of her father and, eventually, fulfilled the desires of his heart. As an expression of love for her father, she honored him with the “Scarecrow Sessions.” It is precisely the type of project that would have made her father proud. Over the years, Kiki has been evolving as an artist and has found her voice. She recorded “Scarecrow Sessions” in her own time, in her own voice, and in her truth. Working with David Mann to produce this project helped shape it into a masterpiece of songs that everyone can relate to. Additionally–making this recording even more incredible–were musicians Chuck Loeb, Henry Hey, John Patitucci, and Clint de Ganon.

Kiki and I talk about “Scarecrow Sessions,” set for release on September 30th:

 

KIKI

Funky Bass Man John Dillard

Sitting in the studio with John Dillard, I realized the magnitude of his talent. He’s smart, creative, original, and constantly evolving. His peers revere him as “an asset”, and “one of the funkiest.” John is humbled by those accolades, and works hard to exceed what’s expected of him. Having been influenced by great artists like Jaco Pastorius, and Marcus Miller, John knows how to infuse multiple styles of playing into his own. He contributes to the local music scene in Charlotte, NC, and was fortunate enough to work on the 2012 pilot track for the Golden Globe Award Winning show Homeland. While collaborating with other artists on various projects, and being the musical director for Stephanie Mills, he’s also stepped into his own spotlight. John is working on his solo project “Let’s Ride” that is scheduled to be released later this year.

My live video interview with John.

 

John Dillard
John Dillard