"To quote one of our musical heroes, this could be one of the best bands you never heard. L'image was the basically last rhythm section of Mike's White Elephant, the launching pad of most of NYC's greatest studio musicians of the 70's & 80's. Originally a quartet featuring Mike, Warren Bernhardt, Tony Levin and Steve Gadd, the group fit gigs in between their busy blossoming studio careers. Luckily, some of them were here in Rochester, N.Y. at the Red Creek and it was a true musical highlight for me as a 15 year old aspiring drummer. Great compositions and simply awe inspiring musicianship made this band a must hear anytime possible, a tad tricky especially being underage and sneaking in the club to listen. The group also once played an outdoor show recorded by PBS and their opening act was Quacky Duck and His Barnyard Friends, a group whose members included the children of both Jerry Lewis and Soupy Sales. We are hard at work to get a copy of this performance, to know that there is an hour long concert by L'image sitting in someones office and it's something that is truly a gem is torture to me. Thankfully 33 years later, the group is finally getting together again and will be recording the album that should have been done back in 1975. Trust me, it will very well be worth the wait."
-Steve Kiener: The Jazz Rabbi
September/October 2008:
Mike, Tony, Steve, and Warren are reuniting to rehearse and record
in Catskill, NY! Stay tuned here for details!
*SPECIAL THANKS TO JAZZ RABBI
FOR UNEARTHING ALL THESE L'IMAGE RECORDINGS!
BIOS:
MIKE MAINIERI
is a vibraphonist most known for his work with the jazz fusion group Steps Ahead.
Mainieri is also a pioneer in introducing an electronic vibraphone, known as a "synth-vibe". Mainieri has recorded with jazz notables including Buddy Rich, Wes Montgomery, Jeremy Steig and many others. He performed for a live album by Laura Nyro, and was featured on several tracks from the Dire Straits album Love Over Gold. He has also released numerous albums and videos as a leader for a variety of labels.
As a producer, he produced three albums for Carly Simon.
http://www.mikemainieri.com
TONY LEVIN
is best-known for his work with progressive rock pioneers King Crimson and Peter Gabriel. Has also been a member of Bruford Levin Upper Extremities, Liquid Tension Experiment and leads his own Tony Levin Band.
A prolific session musician since the 1970s, Levin has played on hundreds of albums, including those of John Lennon, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, Yes and Seal, Sarah McLachlan, The Roches, Todd Rundgren, and Cher. Additionally, he has toured with artists including Paul Simon (with whom Tony appeared in Simon's 1980 film "One Trick Pony"), Gary Burton, James Taylor, Herbie Mann, Goro Noguchi, Judy Collins, Joe Yamanaka, Carly Simon, Peter Frampton, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, Tim Finn, Richie Sambora, and Claudio Baglioni.
Levin helped to popularize the Chapman Stick and the NS upright bass. He has also created "funk fingers", a device for mimicking the sound of hitting the strings with drumsticks (which sounds similar to slap style bass).
www.tonylevin.com
DAVID SPINOZZA
is an American musician (guitar), who worked with former Beatles Paul McCartney and John Lennon during the 1970s, and had a long collaboration with singer-songwriter James Taylor, producing Taylor's album Walking Man.
DR. STEVE GADD
is an American session and studio drummer, notable for his work with Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Al Jarreau, Joe Cocker, Stuff, Bob James, Chick Corea, Eric Clapton, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Eddie Gomez, The Manhattan Transfer, Michal Urbaniak, Steps Ahead, Al Di Meola, Manhattan Jazz Quintet, Richard Tee and many others.
www.drstevegadd.com
WARREN BERNHARDT
Pianist, composer and producer Warren Bernhardt> performs solo and leads his own bands (with whom he's recorded eight DMP albums). He was Steely Dan's pianist (1993-94) and musical director (1994), co-leader of Steps Ahead (1985-88) and is also renowned as an accompanist. As a studio musician, Warren has recorded countless jazz/pop albums and more than 50 feature film soundtracks.
www.warrenbernhardt.com
"He is one of the most brilliant and complete musicians ever! His musicianship is simply superb, of the absolute highest order. He is respected and admired by everyone, both musically and personally!!!"
-Steve Khan about Warren Bernhardt
The new CD is wonderful. As always, you resisted the need to show off and really played for the music. That is why you guys are so much admired. There are some really beautiful melodies on this record. It is a grower. It is maybe a bit "quieter" than what I had expected but it is a record with many layers. Every time I listen to it, I hear it differently. It is deep and very emotional. You did this album for all the right reasons. I have been a dedicated fan of yours for many years. You all are wonderful musicians. I truly hope that this is not the last album we hear from you. Thanks! All the best to all of you. Laurent (P.S. thanks for including my pics in the tagged pics gallery!)
Online Now!
M A M Y K Ô 
