We combined both vibes on this recording—the kind of Latin vibe of Los Angeles and the straight up swinging vibe of New York." "But we also got the benefits of seeing the East Coast down and dirty and Hollywood down and dirty too. Eubanks expands on the project, "Of course, we all came up through New York," says the guitarist who broke in with Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers during the early '80s. Together these great musicians bring out the best in Eubanks' six-string prowess and ignite his searching instincts throughout the sessions in Los Angeles and New York. Smith's East Coast counterpart on this bi-coastal session is the swinging Jeff "Tain" Watts, a force of nature on the kit who combines with bassist Dave Holland, Philadelphia-based pianist Orrin Evans and New York trumpeter Nicholas Payton. Joining Eubanks on this outing is longtime collaborator and former Berklee College of Music schoolmate, drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, who fuels the West Coast outfit alongside seasoned session bassist Rene Camacho, percussionist Mino Cinelu and saxophonist Bill Pierce. And once again, his distinctive fingerstyle approach to the instrument is in the service of the tunes that run the stylist gamut from burning swingers, to thoughtful ballads, to Latin-tinged tracks and some enjoyable Philly funk. On this newest offering, Eubanks explores the chemistry he preserves with musicians based on the two opposite coasts and historically, the two styles of jazz. Eubanks brings his vast experience, unique right hand technique (choosing not to play with a pick) and his ability to meld styles under the jazz umbrella to his 2017 album, East West Time Line. Eubanks took New York by storm, starting out in straight ahead jazz clubs, followed by progressive albums for contemporary jazz giant GRP Records and legendary Blue Note Records, frequent collaborations with cutting edge bassist Dave Holland, on "The Tonight Show" he played with seemingly every meaningful musician across all genres.
Philadelphia-born guitarist, composer Kevin Eubanks has been building a creative catalog and playing style since his 18-year tenure as the guitarist and music director of TV's, The Tonight Show Band ended in 2010.