There is a buzz echoing through the music scene and the sound is as appealing to the mind as it is to the ears. One of the most talented groups of musicians currently playing together -THE RINGERS, featuring Jimmy Herring, Wayne Krantz, Michael Landau, Keith Carlock and Etienne Mbappe, first debuted in early 2013 for a very exclusive tour on the east coast. The tour proved quite fulfilling for the iconic five-some, bringing together their varied backgrounds of Rock, Funk, Jazz, Blues and African styles.
Now, this group of super-talent will once again hit the road; announcing a U.S. tour for early 2014. Starting on January 18th, The Ringers will make two special appearances at the Sunshine Music & Blues Festivals in Florida and among other performances, will join American jam-band, moe, as Special Guests on a select number of dates (see below for itinerary details). In addition, thee band has also announced that it will allow audiences to record the live show as long as the venue permits.
The Ringers line-up will temporarily alter this time around as drummer, Keith Carlock, will be staying close to home, with his expectant wife. Dynamic musician, drummer, Gary Novak, will take his place for these tour dates. Carlock, who recommended Novak to fill-in for him, offers these supportive words,
"Unfortunately, I will not be able to join my band mates on this January/ February tour. My wife and I are expecting our second child to arrive during that time, so I will be staying home for that! I look forward to joining Jimmy, Wayne, Mike, and Etienne again as soon as possible! "
- Keith Carlock
The original concept behind The Ringers was to bring five guys together, not to just perform as a super-group, but to work “as a unifying artistic force, one where people put music ahead of their egos to collectively create great music.” These five veteran musicians will perform together on new Ringers material written exclusively for this band, as well as each individual’s solo material, covers tunes chosen by the players and brand new tunes each artist will debut for the live audience. The Ringers are also planning to record an album of originals, for release in 2014.
Jimmy Herring, as the founding member of The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Project Z and Jazz is Dead, in addition to playing with everyone from The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead to Phil Lesh and Friends, and Béla Fleck, has made his indelible impact on the music world. He currently serves as the lead guitarist for the very popular American Band, Widespread Panic and released his second solo album, Subject To Change Without Notice, last year.
Wayne Krantz released his tenth album, Howie 61, last year to glowing critical praise. Krantz has played with Randy Brecker, Leni Stern and Steely Dan, among others. Through a succession of highly lauded solo recordings, Krantz has continuously evolved as an artist - pushing himself in new and exciting directions. Revered for his forward-thinking approach to improvisation (brilliantly documented in his 2004 book An Improviser’s OS), Krantz has fearlessly branched into new areas, while consistently skirting the edges of jazz, rock and fusion.
Musician and composer, Michael Landau, is a prolific session guitarist and performer who has played on hundreds of records since the 1980s, some session highlights include: Pink Floyd, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. He has toured with Robben Ford, the Steve Gadd Band, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and his own project The Michael Landau Group. With many recordings under his name, the latest being ‘Organic Instrumentals’, his music flows intensely ranging from spooky ballads with beautiful improvisation to intense Rock ‘n’ Roll with vocals.
Bass player, Etienne Mbappe, is best known for his years with the Zawinul Syndicate. In the 80’s he was the masterpiece of the jazz fusion band Ultramarine which incorporated jazz with elements of African and Caribbean influences. He also played with Ray Charles on his last album and is currently a member of John McLaughlin’s 4th Dimension.
Gary Novak, an amazing drummer, began his career at the young age of 10, playing in his famous pianist father’s (Larry Novak) trio in Chicago. Novak has recorded and/or toured with such musical luminaries as Chick Corea, Alanis Morrisette, Allan Holdsworth, Andrew WK, Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, David Sanborn, George Benson and Anita Baker along with many more.
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THE RINGERS Tour Itinerary:
