The Logan Sheppard Band, The Baked Potato, Studio City, CA., August 20, 2019 – Live Review

The Logan Sheppard Band, The Baked Potato, Studio City, CA., August 20, 2019

Those who have followed the career of drummer Logan Sheppard know him best for his days within the ranks of the pop rocking Love Past Blue as well as for his tremendous support of the Autism Rocks benefit show each and every year. Now 18 years of age and playing like a seasoned veteran, Logan is ready to rock the world with his thunderous talents. And what a treat it was to see The Logan Sheppard Band take over the iconic Baked Potato nightclub in Studio City, and packing the entire place to the rafters! All this, and Logan and Company were playing one of the most difficult and exciting music genres in existence – namely JAZZ! And this would turn out to be a night to remember for both the top notch musicians and their very supportive audience.

Dedicating the very first song to his Musical Director Fred Dinkins (whose own credits include working with the likes of Deniece Williams and Stanley Clarke), Logan and his band launched into a set of jazz standards that was nothing short of magical and profound. Included in the band were students from the Musicians Institute who played their hearts out, sending the room into the stratosphere of pure auditory bliss. Logan is such a compelling drummer, and his passion and artistry was inspiring to witness.

Among the highlights of the show was a vibrantly euphoric vocal performance from Alexx Daye, who has worked with Patti LaBelle, Vesta Williams, Christina Aguilera and Ne-Yo. Travis Carlton also shined with his exquisite bass tapestries, his own vast credits including performances with his legendary dad Larry Carlton.

World class performances were delivered all the way around, featuring the participation of Mitch Forman on keysboards, Alex Sill on guitar, AJ Asano on trombone, Christopher Astoquillca on sax, Ryan Buchanan on trumpet, Daniel Kinney on sax, and Jay Nelson on sax. Towards the end of the set, Logan dedicated the Stevie Wonder song Higher Ground to his mom and dad, and the entire band took to the stage to deliver an absolutely rapturous rendition of the classic tune.

The Logan Sheppard Band will be returning to The Baked Potato on October 15th for an encore performance. Be sure to make your way out to Studio City and support the dreams and vast talents of Logan Sheppard and his superb jazz collective.

(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)

Check out Logan Sheppard’s Official Website:
https://www.drummerrock.com/