Steve Gadd – Drums

WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG?
My first gig was an appearance on the Mickey Mouse Club in California, 1957. (Editor’s note: In Steve’s 1957 appearance on the Mickey Mouse Club he both tap danced and performed a drum solo!)

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH JAMES?
My first job with James was a recording session in the mid 1980s.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR?
My first tour was with the School Band of America in 1961

WHAT ONE SPECIAL ITEM DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE ON TOUR?
Running gear.

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SHOW ROUTINE?
Going to the bus and taking a nap.

WHY DO YOU ENJOY TOURING WITH JAMES?
I like touring with James because the music is great and the hang is fantastic.

_{Photos: Spencer Worthly, Michael Drazdzinski}

Luis Conte – Percussion

WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG?
1st gig at Club Chez Pico, in mid LA. I was 18. I think I made 25 bucks that night; I thought I was the coolest dude.

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH JAMES?
First worked with James in 1998 in the Live at the Beacon Theater concert.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR?
1st tour with “The Hues Corporation” (they had that hit song “Rock the Boat”). I was 21.

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SHOW ROUTINE?
Eat and chill.

WHY DO YOU ENJOY TOURING WITH JAMES?
Touring with James is great. He is a great guy, the music is beautiful and everyone on the tour super-cool. It is a great band.

_{Photos: Michael Lutch, Eric Korenman}