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Keiko Abe is linked to the marimba the way Isaac Stern is linked to the violin, or Yo Yo Ma to the cello. She has given master classes at leading music conservatories in North America, Europe, and Asia.In addition, she has recorded extensively on the Denon label, and has received numerous awards, including being the first woman inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. Abe is a Professor of Music at Toho Gauken School of Music in Tokyo, maintains a full schedule of composing and touring, and has released more than 20 recordings. 

For more than 25 years Chuck Ainlay has been one of the most demanded sound engineers in the American music scene, having worked with the world’s top artists and producers. His success in the American country-scene lead to several Grammy awards as well as the ‚engineer of the year’ title in 1996 and 1997, the ‚engineer with the most top 10 hits’ in 1998 and TEC awards nominations in 1999 and 2000. His close cooperation with Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler resulted in two successful Dire Straits albums, and later he was responsible for the music production for two successful motion pictures ‚Wag the Dog’ and ‚Metroland’. 

Thundering bass lines, not to mention Michael Anthony’s instantly recognisable backing vocals, play a crucial role in the unique sound of high-octane rockers Van Halen, a band that has been Michael’s musical home since their formation in the mid ‘70s. 

Carter Beauford is a truly ambidextrous drummer who plays left-hand lead on a right-handed kit à la Billy Cobham. He’s famous for his distinctively intricate hi-hat patterns, yet, like Cobham, he can groove, and like Dennis Chambers he has a great ‘pocket’. And what’s more, he’s a pretty mean vocalist as well! 

“These are the men who put brass music on the map: with their unbeatable blend of virtuosity, spontaneity and humour, they brighten the rosters of concert halls, international festivals and orchestra series throughout the world. Their numerous recordings, frequent television appearances and tireless efforts in the realm of music education have resulted in vast new audiences for the Art of the Canadian Brass." (Source: Washington Post) 

When he was young, Mickey Curry dreamed of being a top session player, like his heroes Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd and Jim Gordon. He’s achieved that aim, playing with many top artists over the past twenty years. But during that same time he’s also maintained a high-profile and fulfilling gig with Canadian rocker Bryan Adams.  

With recording, performance and co-writing credits as varied as Eric Clapton, Babyface, Al Jarreau and Phil Collins, Nathan East has deservedly gained a reputation as much for musical versatility as his profound skills on bass. Few players are in more constant demand. 

Few guitarists have extended their playing horizons like Rik Emmett. From rock and blues, through jazz and fusion, to folk and classical, his long and flourishing career underlines his ability as one of the world’s most accomplished and versatile exponents of the instrument.