Dean Parks – Guitar

WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG?
It was playing lead guitar in a surf instrumental band in Burleson, Texas … at a Dairy Queen.

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH JAMES?
The first time I worked with James, or at least his band, was the MusiCares Person Of The Year Tribute show in 2006. I was called in at the last minute to try to emulate his acoustic guitar parts for all the guest Artists singing JT songs in his honor. And all in the wrong keys. James only sang a couple songs at that show but in 2012 I joined the tour for a couple months playing electric guitar and pedal steel.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR?
That was with Sonny & Cher on their “comeback” tour in 1969. Which led to their TV show and actually led to my moving from Texas to Los Angeles. My first big studio gig in LA was on that show.

WHAT ONE SPECIAL ITEM DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE ON TOUR?
Guitar picks?

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SHOW ROUTINE?
Eat, and get dressed.

WHY DO YOU ENJOY TOURING WITH JAMES?
The music first of all. And James is one of my guitar mentors. Listening to him was one of the ways I learned to play acoustic guitar. To have an inside-track view of his technique is a great thing. And the band is stellar. Plus the vibes are good.

Chad Wackerman – Drums

WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG?

I was 10 when I subbed in a band that my father was playing in. I got to play the first set while Dad was at a teachers meeting. Very fun.

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH JAMES?
I think it was in Dec. of 1999. It was a last minute orchestra gig. James was called to fill in for Pavarotti (who cancelled because illness) for an orchestral show in San Francisco. The call came to me from Jimmy Johnson the night before and I stayed up most of the night before learning the tunes. It was a bit of a scramble but it ended up being really fun.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR?
Frank Zappa ‘You Are What You Is’ tour. 1981/1982. That was life changing.

WHAT ONE SPECIAL ITEM DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE ON TOUR?
2 things really. Drumsticks and an iPad keep me busy.

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SHOW ROUTINE?
After dinner I usually warm up a little, playing rudiments on a practice pad. I try to get loose before a show.

WHY DO YOU ENJOY TOURING WITH JAMES?
James and his band are all incredible people and incredible musicians. I really feel honored to play with James and the band.

Michito Sanchez – Percussion

WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG?
My 1st gig was at a Latin Supper Club in West NY, New Jersey called “El Liborio” around 1975. I was 14 years old. I was so lucky to be playing with Cuban music legends Facundo Rivero and Rolando Valdez. I played every Friday and Saturday night including the floor show. Awesome times!!!

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH JAMES?
I believe it was May of 2011 when I was asked by Luis Conte and Jimmy Johnson to sub for Luis while he attended his daughters wedding.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR?
My 1st tour or touring experience was with Nell Carter (from the “Give me a break” TV show) She was an amazing singer and had an awesome band. Many of who are still working and playing at a very high level.

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SHOW ROUTINE?
Pre-show or after sound check/dinner routine has always been the same for me. I go for a walk and enjoy a short cigar and a coffee.

WHY DO YOU ENJOY TOURING WITH JAMES?
Touring and working with James has always been on my Bucket list! For me it’s an honor sharing the stage with James and this band of absolutely amazing Musicians!!!

David Lasley – Vocals

WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG?
November 1976 Atlantic Studios, NY – Garland Jeffery session. JT, Arnold, Lynn Pitney, and I all sang backgrounds. David Spinozza Produced.

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH JAMES?
Dallas,TX summer 1977

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR?
Summer 1977

WHAT ONE SPECIAL ITEM DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE ON TOUR?
Bible, Darlene Love CD and blank journal.

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SHOW ROUTINE?
My daily routine is a good breakfast, spiritual devotion reading and a long, fast walk. Midday go to fedex/post office (if needed), shop, stay hydrated, ALWAYS have my day-sheet in my back pocket so I know my call times, if luggage call, do that, try to see a little of Oprah and the weather channel, get on bus, sound check, light dinner, put false eyelashes on and beat my face (just kidding), try to clear my mind, dress early for the show, sing some Dionne Warwick or Shelby Flint (something that has high notes).

I don’t do vocal warm-ups I just sing along with the girls, do show, intermission bathroom break or meet and greet, take bags to bus, finish show, remove earphone monitors, run like hell (if it’s a hit-and-run), warm milk and crackers on bus, little conversation, head for bunk, fall asleep watching Victor/Victoria. Next city, I go to my room, call family and give room number, beep in for messages, pay a couple bills, then more milk and hopefully more sleep.

_{Photos: Eric Korenman}

Jim Cox – Piano

WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG?
Playing honky-tonk piano in pizza parlors and restaurants in and around Oroville, California while I was still in elementary school.

WHEN DID YOU START WORKING WITH JAMES?
We met when James recorded “Sailing to Philadelphia” with Mark Knopfler. I first toured with James in 2014.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR?
I played piano and conducted for Leslie Uggams in 1979. The first rock tour I did was with Mark Knopfler in ’96.

WHAT ONE SPECIAL ITEM DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE ON TOUR?
A bathroom scale.

WHAT’S YOUR PRE-SHOW ROUTINE?
Weather permitting, I usually try to walk around outside the venue and see the folks arrive.

WHY DO YOU ENJOY TOURING WITH JAMES?
What’s not to love? We’re getting to perform one of the greatest songbooks ever with a band and crew second to none, and James is singing and playing at the top of his game. The crowd always loves the show, but nobody’s having more fun than the people on stage.