I just got back from doing my fourth show playing percussion for Ms. Aretha Franklin.  The show was here in Syracuse at the M&T Jazz Festival and the paper said that there were 40,000 people at the show.  Perhaps a bit exaggerated but definetly 25 to 30 thousand, people were as far as you could see. 

The show was fantastic and very surreal.  Her band sounded great and all of the local guys held their own.  Ms. Franklin brings drums, bass, guitar (her son), piano, three singers, and a conductor.  Then they hire trumpets, trombones, saxophones, two percussionists, and one synthesizer. 

I played the latin percussion stuff and Rob Bridge played tympani and vibes.  My setup was two congas, bongos, windchimes, cymbals, shakers, and effects.  It was great because I didn't read any charts, just played.  The was it should be. 

This will certainly go down as one the best shows I've ever gotten to be a part of.  I will always remember almost having a heart attack after finishing my conga solo on "Killer Joe."

Josh