Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/13061
LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM 45 our brand has become synonymous with our passion, instinct & integrity. we design & create emotionally magnetizing spaces that sell. identit y h o me .co m Fin d u s o n a ffo r d a b le effi cien t r es ults + fun part, and of course the folks who come out — they are always ready to party and have a good time as I recall — so here we come! LBM: Tell us how this tour came together with you and the very talented Jonathan Butler, featuring Sheila E. DK: Jonathan and I have been great friends for years and have done lots of touring together. He's just one of those people who exudes music and creativity — coming from South Africa, he has so much spirit and zest for life — it's very inspiring to be around. We wanted to spice it up this summer so we asked our friend Sheila E. to join us, and thankfully we caught her at a good time — the woman is busy! She adds a whole different dimension to the show, amazing percussion, wonderful singer and songs… but when she sits down behind the drums, watch out! We've been having a blast this summer and can't wait to bring the show to Long Beach… basically it's our one and only home turf tour date. LBM: You also did a stint on radio for 94.7 The Wave. What are some exciting things you got to do while working on the radio? DK: I think working with the amazing Pat Prescott as my co-host was the single best thing I can point to. She is my other sister and I have learned so much from her, in front of the mic and otherwise. Also, during my six years as the morning show host, we got to interview so many luminaries — from Quincy Jones to Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald to Benson — and the list goes on and on — everyone came in at one point or another. I was a kid in a candy store. LBM: What is it like being the bandleader on the The Emeril Lagasse Show and how does this differ from other bands you've played in? DK: Being in a television band is a whole other thing altogether, as you are basically serving the TV audience first. So, it all needs to be about creating the right energy, and making the studio feel good so the magic can happen. Emeril is a big music lover (and a great drummer by the way) in addition to being an unparalleled chef. It's the best-tasting show to do on TV. We had an awesome band too — with Jeff Golub and Philippe Saisse in addition to two great NYC players, Skoota Warner and Conrad Korsch. We all had a ton of fun, and ate like kings! LBM: Last September you received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. What does it mean to you to have a star there for everyone to see? DK: It's pretty surreal. And the location is amazing — right outside the front door of the Capitol Records tower on Vine St. (where the Beatles are, for cryin' out loud!) I spent my last 20 years as a Capitol artist, so it was extra special. A ton of folks turned out for the day — friends, family, fans, other artists. It kinda felt like my funeral, but I was alive and could enjoy the fun! And the coolest thing is that it's there in the sidewalk for anyone to see, anytime and hopefully there forever! If you go, you might find me there — shining the thing, making it look nice. I use Windex. LBM: Thank you again for your time — it is very much appreciated. What can we expect from you in the near or even distant future? DK: Very excited about a brand new album coming out this Fall, entitled "Hello Tomorrow". It was produced by the legendary Marcus Miller and Grammy winning producer John Burk. All done live in the studio with the cream of the crop musicians — it's filled with great energy and really cool songs, great guests like Boney James, Lee Ritenour, Keb 'Mo, Sheila E. and Jonathan Butler, plus some surprises — the great Herb Alpert makes a guest cameo on a new rendition of his hit song "This Guy's In Love" — it's super cool. After 20 years of doing it, this album marks the beginning of a whole new chapter for me, hence "Hello Tomorrow". And with all the changes in our lives — it's time to really embrace the unknown — it can be a bit scary, but very exciting too. n Photo courtesy of Lori Stoll.