Zawinul Legacy Band
Keeping the Music Alive
Meet The Members
Created to honor Joe Zawinul’s groundbreaking work as a composer and performer, the Zawinul Legacy Band reignites the music of Weather Report and Joe Zawinul’s group the Zawinul Syndicate in electrifying performances around the globe.
Going beyond a ‘tribute’ band, the incredible musicians who form the core of the group have first-hand experience performing and recording with Joe Zawinul and Weather Report, giving them invaluable insight into the creativity and energy infused in performances of Joe’s music.
Created by Joe’s son, Tony Zawinul, as the official ensemble for Joe’s legacy, the Zawinul Legacy Band has welcomed new players who embody the spirit of Joe’s music. The group’s virtuosic performances evoke and honor Joe and the original Weather Report and Syndicate shows. The Zawinul Legacy Band remains the only authorized ensemble to recreate this magic while evolving with their updated sound, catching the attention of audiences everywhere.
The Zawinul Legacy Band is supported in social media by over 220,000 Facebook fans across the Joe Zawinul, Weather Report and Legacy Band pages.
The Zawinul Legacy Band 2.0 line-up consists of:
Percussionist Robert (Bobby) Thomas Jr
Bobby was a member of Weather Report and The Zawinul Syndicate. After his time playing with Joe Zawinul, Bobby continued to play with other great musicians like Stan Getz, David Sanborn and Carlos Santana.
Keyboardist Scott Kinsey
Keyboardist Scott Kinsey has been one of Joe’s most successful students from the “Zawinul school of keyboards” and collaborated with the Zawinul Syndicate on several projects as keyboard programmer. Scott went on to play with Jazz Fusion band Tribal Tech, and contributed to motion picture soundtracks, most notably Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve.
Saxophonist and Flute player Katisse Buckingham
Katisse has performed and/or recorded with Yellowjackets, Prince , Dr. Dre, Airto & Flora Purim, Billy Childs, Vanessa Paradis, Herbie Hancock, Poncho Sanchez, Dave Douglas, Andy Summers, Pete Yorn, Colin Hay (Men at Work), Lionel Richie, Amos Lee, Brian Auger, Lennie White, Roy Ayres, Simon Phillips, Ricky Lawson, and other notable musicians. He has also played on numerous films (including the “jazz flute” scene in the Will Ferrell film, Anchorman).)
Bassist Hadrien Feraud
Being the youngest member of the Group doesn’t stop Hadrien Feraud from being widely known as a talented bass player throughout the world. At 29 years old Hadrien has already played with many renowned musicians like Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Jada Pinkett Smith, Matthew Garrison and Scott Kinsey.
Drummer Mike Baker
After playing with Joe in the Zawinul Syndicate, Mike moved on to become the Music Director and Drummer for Whitney Houston. He’s also been able to work with other great musicians such as Elton John, Sting, Missy Elliott, Christina Aguilera, Usher and others.
Legendary musician Joe Zawinul was one of the most influential jazz musicians of the twentieth century. He was a pioneer in the use of electronic musical instruments, bringing the electric piano into the mainstream, and possessed an unparalleled ability to make the synthesizer an expressive musical instrument.