Just two years after she first picked up the instrument in her native Australia, Tal Wilkenfeld commenced studies at Los Angeles Academy of Music. She split college for New York City wherein she sat in on local jam sessions and quickly built her reputation as a top player. An invitation by Allman Brothers Oteil Burbridge and Derek Trucks to join the band on stage at their annual Beacon Theater residency led to widespread exposure and an impressive audition tape which she sent to Jeff Beck. Within months of that performance, Tal waxed her debut slab Transformation (2006) and was on the bandstand with Chick Corea. She later joined Beck’s band for several tours, one of which is captured on the incendiary Live At Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.
Wilkenfeld quickly rose to the top echelons of her profession, which is where she sits now, collaborating with the crème de la crème of rock, jazz, and pop artists including Prince, Herbie Hancock, Warren Hayes, Corinne Bailey Rae, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, The Roots, Wayne Krantz, David Gilmour, Macy Gray, Ryan Adams, Pharrell, Buddy Guy, Jackson Browne, Todd Rundgren, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, and Dr. John to cite a very select few. Tal’s weapons of choice are Sadowsky basses, and EBS amplifiers.
Her solo bow entitled Transformation (2007) is a 21st Century jazz-fusion masterpiece.
Tal’s sophomore slab, Love Remains (2019) was a surprise to her “bass only” fans as she emerged as a formidable singer-songwriter, drawing influences as diverse 70s Laurel Canyon and 90s alt-rock!
Tal Wilkenfeld Sound & Vision…
Tal with Jeff Beck at Ronnie Scott’s “Nadia” https://youtu.be/drAv2FoYji8
“Transformation” https://youtu.be/iBKChtJ2AeU
“Corner Painter” https://youtu.be/sJuO_HKrVPQ
With Kevin McCormick helming the bass chair, as well as serving as co-producer and co-composer; Melissa Etheridge emerged as a world class artist by way of her stunning self-titled 1988 debut, and such acclaimed slabs including Brave and Crazy (1989), Never Enough (1992) and her massively successful Yes I Am (1993).
McCormick is a groove master on the 4 and 5 string and plies harmonic extensions which fortify the soloists, singers, and their songs. Among Kevin’s weapons of choice include Guild and Fender Precision basses.
McCormick’s resume is impressive and expansive, collaborating with artists including Nils Lofgren, Jackson Browne, Robben Ford, John Mayall, Keb’ Mo, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Experience Hendrix, The Rides with Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepard, and Barry Goldberg – to cite a very select few.
Kevin McCormick Sound & Vision…
Nils Lofgren “Attitude City” https://youtu.be/pc2nROPVUvQ
Jackson Browne “Naked Ride Home” https://youtu.be/4my0i08lCNg
Kevin slappin’ and poppin’ with Melissa: “Brave and Crazy” https://youtu.be/N4K_Z3AR69o