Oli Rockberger and Justin Vasquez

[bbass75]

Janek,

I was just curious, how did you meet Oli and Justin and how did you end up having them on Live at the 55 Bar? Really unique sounds and approaches! Also if you could explain why you chose the players on your albums and what you look for in a musician to be in your band, that'd be great too. Thanks for everything.

James

[janekbass]

I met Oli in Boston year and years ago, and we've played together many times since we met. He's now an important part of my touring band, and will be on the new album in 2010. I met Justin in Texas on a record date about three years ago and knew he was a bad dude from the little playing I got to hear back then on the album. We connected a number of times after the record date and then around the same time Justin hired me to Produce his debut album (Tryptich) and I hired him to play on Live at the 55bar. It was just a really good hook up musically and socially, and the playing on the album speaks for itself. That horn section was just incredible on every gig we played together.

And now Justin is being a band leader in his own right with his new album which is really great to see. I would highly recommend checking out his gigs and his music if you get a chance!

Easy,

Janek