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Kevin Eubanks Being Replaced on The Tonight Show Could it be? I just heard it tonight on one of the entertainment "news" stations that Kevin Eubanks may be with Jay Leno when he returns to The Tonight Show, but only for the first few shows, being replaced by Darius Rucker of Hootie & The Blowfish. It was further suggested that Kevin wanted to pursue other goals, such as... touring, lol.
Though according to this blog entry over at FoxNews, it's just a rumor: http://entertainment.blog...ector-guy/ Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Darius replace Kevin Eubanks. Kevin is a competent musician, but his music bores me to tears, lol.  | |
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yeah give up a paid gig on the tonight show to be a 52-year old indie artist...on my way to the coffee house now to secure a seat by the latte machine | |
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Fury said: yeah give up a paid gig on the tonight show to be a 52-year old indie artist...on my way to the coffee house now to secure a seat by the latte machine
I think there is trouble in paradise.....  will ALWAYS think of  like a "ACT OF GOD"! N another realm. mean of all people who might of been aliens or angels.if found out that wasn't of this earth, would not have been that surprised. R.I.P. |
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The bigger question is: Would Darius Rucker do something like this??? I don't see that happening. He's on a hot streak with his own career as a country solo artist. Eubanks is nothing short of a minstrel show, and a puppet. He has no personality. But that fits Leno's group and probably a lot of his hard core audience.....all 2 dozen of them. | |
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Darius Rucker as his direct replacement makes no sense if true.
He doesn't play competent enough guitar and has no experience leading a band of this type. Unless they plan on revamping the whole unit and having Darius as vocalist/straight man. I can understand Kevin Eubanks wanting to pursue other interests. He's had the gig since '95, and if wise, banked some cash. Musicians used to call these "Golden Coffin" gigs back in the day. It was the type of gig that would pay well enough to keep you there, but you'd die musically. Yes folks, there are musicians that would play for less money to enjoy what they're playing. Not everybody wants to be a Pop-star/celebrity type. Music for adventurous listeners tA  Tribal Records"Ya see, we're not interested in what you know...but what you are willing to learn. C'mon y'all." | |
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Fuck a Kevin Eubanks.  | |
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Timmy84 said: Fuck a Kevin Eubanks.
As wack as Magic Johnson was as host of his own short-lived show, as least Shelia E. was entertaining. Kevin Eubanks was never entertaining with Jay Leno. | |
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TonyVanDam said: Timmy84 said: Fuck a Kevin Eubanks.
As wack as Magic Johnson was as host of his own short-lived show, as least Shelia E. was entertaining. Kevin Eubanks was never entertaining with Jay Leno. And Branford Marsalis said he didn't want to sit there playing boring music forever, but he did it for three years. He seemed to be very disparaging when he made that statement. He almost seemed arrogant about it. | |
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I think the "band-leader" role on The Tonight Show (and most other late night shows followed suit) was altered during the Johnny Carson era. It was then that the band leader (referring to Doc Severinsen) was expected to not only handle the show's musical duties but also be Carson's secondary joke-butt after Ed McMahon.
This continued during Jay Leno's tenure. As Jay had no side kick (ala McMahon) the full role fell onto Branford Marsalis. From a 1995 article... "It's not my idea of wonderful musical creativity," he told music magazine BAM. "we play the music exactly the way they (the show's producers) want, but we're laughing the whole time." "They seem uncomfortable with us because, as long as everybody toes the line in mediocrity, it's cool," he said. Marsalis, 34, also spoke about his relationship with host Jay Leno. Unlike the easy banter between David Letterman and longtime bandleader Paul Shaffer on "The Late Show With David Letterman," Marsalis and Jay Leno's relationship often seemed strained. "I was thrown under a microphone and expected to have a rapport with a man I really didn't know. It takes time," Marsalis told the magazine. ...in Jet Magazine Another 1995 article... It all started when a "Tonight" show producer called him at 11 one morning asking for a short composition to accompany a skit by two. "Are you joking?" Branford replied. "No way. Music isn't like a punch line." Then he thought for a minute. What the hell: "I'll have it ready by 3." A major chord at the top. A triangle. A majestic trumpet flourish with trombones in counterpoint. Program the horns on a computer, tympani on a sampler. Hook it all up to a MP-C60 sequencer. He delivered it at 3:30. That was a good day in the gilded cage. He loves rising to occasions, like when they had to nail some klezmer music on a first take. He's at his best under pressure. Unfortunately it was rarely like that with Leno. Television producers think they are working in the most creative and pervasive medium of them all. If you're on this show, they told Branford, you're going to sell a zillion records. He learned it doesn't work like that. Television watchers don't buy records. They're watching, they don't have time to listen. You can't do both at the same time. As far as the musical skill level was concerned, he figures he could have played the "Tonight" show when he was a high school junior. One of the guys in Doc Severinsen's band, which he replaced, told him: "You're going to love this job. You can play golf all day." If you play golf all day and milk the cash cow in the evening when are you going to play music? Musicians play music, he's a musician. The "Tonight" show producers' promises of "artistic freedom" faded with the ratings. (A lot of people did not think Jay Leno is a funny man.) The band was playing stuff like the "Flintstones" theme and Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein." Branford went on leave. ...http://www.culturekiosque...mile19.htm And finally, a 2002 interview that pretty much sums it up... Toward the end of the 1990s, Columbia Records named him creative consultant. The company's press release at the time said that he would be "instrumental in shaping the creative direction of our jazz department." The arrangement was terminated prematurely, as was the arrangement to lead Jay Leno's Tonight Show band earlier in the decade. "People think I'm crazy," he said. "They always ask me: 'What's going on? You get these high profile jobs and then you quit all the time.' To me, it's simple. I'm going to do exactly what it is I agreed I should do when I signed the contract. All I ask is that you do your end too. But a lot of people seem to go into these contracts with no idea of fulfilling them. First they say what they think you want to hear, and then they go and do what they want and figure if you get angry they will pay you some more money and you'll shut up." ...http://www.culturekiosque...salis.html =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= My take here is that there may be something similar going on with Kevin Eubanks. Both musicians had established their musical credibility long before showing up on The Tonight Show. Maybe both felt, at some point, it was time for some musical integrity. Music for adventurous listeners tA Tribal Records"Ya see, we're not interested in what you know...but what you are willing to learn. C'mon y'all." | |
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"Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced." - James Baldwin | |
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Associated Press: NEW YORK – Jay Leno's longtime bandleader, Kevin Eubanks, may not play very long once the Leno troupe returns to "The Tonight Show."
NBC said Tuesday that Eubanks has expressed interest in personal touring and recording. The network says he will be part of the show when it reoccupies late night March 1, but his continued involvement is uncertain. The 52-year-old Eubanks, whose duties include comic sideman to Leno as well as guitarist, has been a fixture since Leno took the reins of "The Tonight Show" in 1992. He became musical director when Branford Marsalis left in 1995. Eubanks was also part of "The Jay Leno Show," the NBC prime-time flop that just ended. Leno is returning as "Tonight Show" host, a job he held for 17 years until giving it up to Conan O'Brien last May. | |
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theAudience said: Darius Rucker as his direct replacement makes no sense if true.
He doesn't play competent enough guitar and has no experience leading a band of this type. Unless they plan on revamping the whole unit and having Darius as vocalist/straight man. I can understand Kevin Eubanks wanting to pursue other interests. He's had the gig since '95, and if wise, banked some cash. Musicians used to call these "Golden Coffin" gigs back in the day. It was the type of gig that would pay well enough to keep you there, but you'd die musically. Yes folks, there are musicians that would play for less money to enjoy what they're playing. Not everybody wants to be a Pop-star/celebrity type. Music for adventurous listeners tA Tribal RecordsSurely...you jest! Where are they hiding such a noble creatures? The Smithsonian? Area 51? 
I knew from the start that I loved you with all my heart. | |
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There's a time and place for everything and maybe to Mr. Eubanks thinking, it's time to move on.
It's not as if Mr. Eubanks was living hand to mouth before he was hired as bandleader for 'The Tonight Show'. Along with his own projects the man has been a noted session player. If Mr. Eubanks has decided to leave 'The Tonight Show', I look forward to seeing him play and creating some music. I've always liked his guitar playing.
===== [Edited 2/17/10 9:01am] | |
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Eubanks is a solid guitar player! He can run the circuit. He might not be selling out stadiums or Opera Houses, but he'd attract people to festivals and State Theaters easy.
He should do American Idol as a Judge! 
All I remember from Branford was a night where every time Jay threw a joke, Brandford was responding "Yes, boss. Shore thing, boss." It was obvious he wasn't happy. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Still it's nice to know, when our bodies wear out, we can get another -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- |
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ernestsewell said: The bigger question is: Would Darius Rucker do something like this??? I don't see that happening. He's on a hot streak with his own career as a country solo artist. Eubanks is nothing short of a minstrel show, and a puppet. He has no personality. But that fits Leno's group and probably a lot of his hard core audience.....all 2 dozen of them.
A minstrel, huh? Creatively muted, sure. But minstrel? I guess I don't see it that way at all. | |
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...
Before taking the tonight show gig Kevin was regarded as one of the brightest young Jazz guitarists around, a fluid musician who, like Wes Montgomery played amazing jazz guitar without a pick! He was definitely one of my heroes, and I'd be glad to see him getting back down to brass tacks musically. He's never stopped recording and playing, but touring's been limited because of the Tonight show gig... There just isn't much to do in that Late Night talk format, as a musician...The Roots really don't have that much to do on Jimmy Fallon... Kevin Eubanks with Marcus Miller - "Moments Aren't Moments" (1986) ... [Edited 2/18/10 11:31am] " I've got six things on my mind --you're no longer one of them." - Paddy McAloon, Prefab Sprout | |
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Kevin is part of a "machine" to make Leno look good. Don't equate Kevin with being useless. Just like Prince Band members they are there to make Prince look good. It is all good,no harm no foul. 99.9% of everything I say is strictly for my own entertainment |
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This just in from CNN.com
NBC confirmed online reports today that Kevin Eubanks, Jay Leno's affable bandleader, will step down from his post sometime after original installments of "The Tonight Show" resume in March.
Eubanks told the Peacock Network he wants to try other things, a network insider said, though it's still not clear when he'll abdicate his late night gig (or whether the entire band will go with him). For now, he is expected to be present for Leno's much-talked about return to "Tonight" on March 1. Eubanks' potential replacement and the band's status is one of many logistical issues confronting Leno, as he and executive producer Debbie Vickers prepare for their next chapter in late night. One thing's for certain: he and his staff won't return to "The Tonight Show's" old sound stage on the Burbank lot, much less take over the fancy new digs that were built for Conan O'Brien in Universal City. Instead, Leno will tape "Tonight" from the set of his short-lived primetime show, also in Burbank, though the look of the place is sure to change. NBC has yet to decide, in the meantime, what do with O'Brien's old sound stage -- though it could accommodate, say, a multi-camera sitcom (NBC's developing five, in fact, for the 2010-11 season). Once back on "Tonight," Leno will likely stick with the brief opening segment where he high-fives members of the audience, not to mention running gags like "Headlines." NBC is not ready to announce his first guest (Jerry Seinfeld occupied the chair when Leno premiered in primetime just four months ago). Promos for Leno's return are expected to start airing this week during the Winter Olympics -- though the comedian got a nice boost by participating in a promo for CBS' "The Late Show" with David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey that aired during the Super Bowl. The low-cost spot ended up upstaging most of the other commercials that cost millions to produce and air. [Edited 2/17/10 13:37pm] | |
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I hope they get Sheila E. to replace Kevin. She was great as the band leader last time-to bad the show she was on stunk. 99.9% of everything I say is strictly for my own entertainment |
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kewlschool said: I hope they get Sheila E. to replace Kevin. She was great as the band leader last time-to bad the show she was on stunk.
Won't happen. | |
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ernestsewell said: kewlschool said: I hope they get Sheila E. to replace Kevin. She was great as the band leader last time-to bad the show she was on stunk.
Won't happen. Your probably right. He will probably use the Drummer as his muse and a new guitar player will be standing in back with the band. 99.9% of everything I say is strictly for my own entertainment |
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kewlschool said: ernestsewell said: Won't happen. Your probably right. He will probably use the Drummer as his muse and a new guitar player will be standing in back with the band. Vicki Randle should do it. | |
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The more I think about it, the more I can see why Kevin would want to move on, as opposed to just hanging around and allowing NBC to dictate his next move. Then there's always the possibility that Kevin could come up with a Grammy Award winning CD, and truly tour to some extent, particularly if it included guest artists/producers. He's got name recognition, which is a big part of it. It just may suit Kevin well to move along, and take firmer control of his own career path. I would check him out if he ever came to NY. | |
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theAudience said: Darius Rucker as his direct replacement makes no sense if true.
He doesn't play competent enough guitar and has no experience leading a band of this type. Unless they plan on revamping the whole unit and having Darius as vocalist/straight man. I can understand Kevin Eubanks wanting to pursue other interests. He's had the gig since '95, and if wise, banked some cash. Musicians used to call these "Golden Coffin" gigs back in the day. It was the type of gig that would pay well enough to keep you there, but you'd die musically. Yes folks, there are musicians that would play for less money to enjoy what they're playing. Not everybody wants to be a Pop-star/celebrity type. Music for adventurous listeners tA Tribal RecordsTrue dat..... | |
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Kevin makes it official.
Associated Press: "Tonight Show" bandleader Kevin Eubanks has made it official: He's leaving as Jay Leno's sideman in May after 18 years with the late-night host.
He told Leno during Monday's taping of "Tonight" in Burbank, Calif., that he was ready for a career change of pace, but he didn't announce specific plans. Eubanks called the NBC late-night show his "home" and said it had been "a wonderful experience" working there. Eubanks, 52, whose duties included comic sidekick to Leno as well as guitarist, has been aboard since Leno took over "Tonight" in 1992. Eubanks became musical director when Branford Marsalis left in 1995. In February, NBC said Eubanks had expressed interest in personal touring and recording. His final day on "Tonight" is May 28. NBC did not immediately announce his replacement. "After 18 years of playing America into commercials, I'm gonna go somewhere where I can finish a song," Eubanks said when Leno asked what he planned to do first. Leno, who invited Eubanks to sit with him to make the announcement, called their time together "a pleasure." "You've been a great friend and really supportive. When those jokes die, I got to look to you, man," Leno told him. In an interview afterward, Eubanks said he had no specific plans and was "keeping everything open." Asked about the highlights of his "Tonight" years, Eubanks said it was "just meeting B.B. King, Willie Nelson, all these wonderful musicians that I've grown to be friends with." When he told King he planned to leave the show, the legendary musician expressed suprise but, Eubanks said, "you could see the pride in his face. ... He felt pride, like he had something to do with it. It felt good that I was part of the lineage." So would he like to see another African-American musician take his place? "I want to see a really great band leader replace me. But I wouldn't be mad," he said, with a laugh. Eubanks was with Leno for the short-lived "The Jay Leno Show" in prime-time, then came back to "Tonight" when Leno reclaimed the show from Conan O'Brien in March. O'Brien left NBC rather than move "Tonight" to a later slot to make room for Leno in late night. The turmoil had nothing to do with his decision to leave, Eubanks said. "Nah," he said. "We have a job to do and we do it." Eubanks' announcement came the day that O'Brien announced plans to start a late-night show on TBS later this year. | |
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theAudience said: Darius Rucker as his direct replacement makes no sense if true.
He doesn't play competent enough guitar and has no experience leading a band of this type. Unless they plan on revamping the whole unit and having Darius as vocalist/straight man. I can understand Kevin Eubanks wanting to pursue other interests. He's had the gig since '95, and if wise, banked some cash. Musicians used to call these "Golden Coffin" gigs back in the day. It was the type of gig that would pay well enough to keep you there, but you'd die musically. Yes folks, there are musicians that would play for less money to enjoy what they're playing. Not everybody wants to be a Pop-star/celebrity type. Music for adventurous listeners tA Tribal RecordsAaah, The Dean has returned!  | |
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Kevin's been replaced by Rickey Minor from "American Idol". And while he may be a great musician, this is feeling like the beginning of the end of "The Tonight Show" for me.
Associated Press: 
NEW YORK – "American Idol" music director Rickey Minor is headed for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Minor replaces longtime music director Kevin Eubanks, who on Monday's show made his May 28 exit date official. In an announcement Tuesday, NBC said Minor is expected to debut at "Tonight" on June 7. The current season of "American Idol" ends in late May, after which Minor will continue to consult with "Idol" creator Simon Fuller on various projects, NBC said. Minor has also served as music director of the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards and "The NAACP Image Awards." His 2009 book, "There's No Traffic on the Extra Mile," shares his recollections of collaborating with such performing artists as Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Ray Charles and Beyonce. "We couldn't be more excited," said Debbie Vickers, "Tonight" executive producer. She said the show "has a long tradition of acclaimed musicians in this role, and it's great to now include Rickey alongside Kevin and Branford (Marsalis)." Eubanks has been aboard "Tonight" since Leno took over as host in 1992. He became music director when Marsalis left in 1995, with duties that included strumming the guitar and playing Leno's comic sidekick. In February, NBC said Eubanks had expressed interest in personal touring and recording. | |
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