Moments in Time: Jeff Porcaro Stories

MOMENTS IN TIME: JEFF PORCARO STORIES By Robyn Flans This second volume on the life and music of legendary drummer Jeff Porcaro contains stories and insights from dozens of music business luminaries as well as dozens of never-before-seen photographs. Jeff Porcaro had attained legendary status in the music world by the time of his passing; at only 38 years old, he had become one of the most recorded drummers in music history. Musicians, producers, industry people, and fans alike held Porcaro in the highest esteem. As a session musician, he had an uncanny ability to not only create the perfect drum part, but to play it with a feel that was sought out by the biggest artists of his time. In this, her second book about Porcaro, author Robyn Flans explores the life and work of the drumming legend through the eyes of people who knew him, worked with him, and loved him. Upon the release of the biography Jeff Porcaro: It’s About Time, the author received many messages from people who worked with Jeff that had wished they contributed. Gathering these stories together into a collection of memories has created an even more complete picture of Porcaro the person and the musician. A long list of luminaries, including Paul Young, Felix Cavaliere, Steve Porcaro, Eliott Randall, Paul Anka, Jeff Baxter, Gregg Bissonette, Bernard Purdie, David Foster, Eric Carmen, Bobby Colomby, Les Dudek, Jim Messina, Michael Omartian, David Garfield, Stan Lynch, Don Henley, Ivan Neville, Brenda Russell, Randy Goodrum, Elliot Scheiner, Pino Palladino, and Rick Marotta join childhood friends and early bandmates to give a window into how Jeff grew to greatness, and what it was like to play with him at the height of his powers. With a foreword from legendary Steely Dan producer Gary Katz, the book contains dozens of never-before-seen photos from Jeff’s early years through his time with Boz Scaggs and Toto, and an updated, complete discography of Porcaro’s staggering body of work. This intimate portrait is a collection of memories from those who were privileged to share space with Jeff Porcaro in those Moments in Time. “Knowing the drumming community as well as she does, Robyn has the unique position to get heartfelt insights into my brother Jeff, not only as a drummer, but as a person, and his value to the team while making records and playing live. These stories from other drummers, many Jeff’s own heroes and co-workers, are eye-opening to say the least–reminding us not only of his ability behind a drum set, but also just how much fun it was to be around him.” – Steve Porcaro “I have to say I LOVED reading Robyn’s new book on Jeff. I wanted more. She fully captured Jeff’s spirit, sensitivity, disregard, aloofness, casual genius, humaneness and generosity. It has real heart. She took me to those sessions even though I wasn’t there–I felt the beat–I felt Jeff’s pain–I felt his brilliance–I felt the reverence which we all still feel for him today, so many decades later. He was a one-off; his brilliance will live on with this book! Bravo to you, Robyn.” – David Foster “Wow, wow, wow! The amazing stories about Jeff from some of my best friends and favorite musical legends are gonna blow your mind. The great Robyn Flans did it again–she gets the right people to talk about Jeff, asks the right questions and lets the magic begin! Just the Abe Laboriel, Sr. and Stan Lynch stories alone are enough to make you feel like you really knew Jeff personally. I’m so honored that I got to be Jeff’s friend.” – Gregg Bissonnette Also available: IT’S ABOUT TIME: Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music by Robyn Flans

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• Pages: 368