Joan Baez and Band 1990

1990-91' I played with Joan Baez, 2 US tours and 1 European tour...my old buddy Bob Babbitt (Funk Brothers) passed away this week. So sad. Bob was the ultimate bass player, just his approach to bass playing was remarkable and memorable...playing on hit records from his Motown days "Sign, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder, to Marvin Gaye, to "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladis Knight and the Pips...and on and on, more than you would imagine. And what a nice guy and a character, just fun to be around...we're all going to miss him and his amazing bass lines will live on for generations to hear.

The rest of Joan's band was Rick Shlosser on drums, Jamie Fox on guitar, and myself on keys. Joan Baez was a pleasure to work for and with...we had such a great time...and her voice is a national treasure, here in the US, but also all around the world.

Bob Babbitt you will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to Ann and the rest of your family and all your many friends....love ya Bob!

Francine Reed and Java Monkey Swiss Tour 1996

1995 or 96' - Francine Reed took Java Monkey on tour with her to Switzerland - we played Ski Resorts for about 2 months. 5 or 6 different resorts plus Lucern...Great trip! Here we are playing in either Davos or Arosa, in their dining room/foyer area. Francine Reed (vocals), Marvin Taylor (guitar), Michael Bastedo (sax), Sean O'Rourke (drums, subbing for our regular drummer Bryan Cole), and me, Steve McRay (keys/key bass)