Although millions of Americans know Kevin Eubanks as the guitarist on the Jay Leno show, five nights a week as he did for 18 years, to his credit, thankfully Kevin split after that bogus scene that pitted the Leno show against Conan and he got back to making music again. A gifted guitarist and musical stylist, Eubanks returns in style in 2011 with his long awaited solo album, and first for Mack Avenue entitled Zen Food. Anyway, Kevin sounds likes he’s having a musical blast here, partnering with great players including drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith, the McCoy Tyner inspired piano forte of Gerry Etkins and more. The sound on the ten track, all instrumental Zen Food is splendid, upbeat, guitar-centric fusion-jazz with more than a nod to bop jazz. Commenting on his return as a recording artist again after being Jay Leno’s sidekick on the Tonight Show for years, Kevin adds that it’s “not so foreign, because that’s all I used to do. It’s just at a different level. Musically, I’m at a different level, as well as personally. Everything is in a progressive state, with more experience in a lot of areas. It should be an interesting adventure.” A rockin’ jazz experience overflowing with sonic appeal and musical curiosity, Zen Food proves that music is indeed food for the soul. www.MackAvenue.com www.KevinEubanks.com

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