Nathan East

When Daft Punk went to make Random Access Memories, the seeking of Nathan East was one of the smartest moves they made. East provided basslines on nine of the album's songs, including "Get Lucky," a number two Hot 100 hit. The album won the Grammy for Album of the Year and shined a little mainstream light on him as well as several other unsung session musicians who have been active for decades with little recognition. There's a nod here to the French duo on the smooth disco-funk tune "Daft Funk," but otherwise, East's first solo album plays it straight to those who have avidly followed the musician's career, from his earliest session work in the late '70s through his albums with modern jazz group Fourplay. East calls upon a large cast of fellow session veterans, as well as several stars who have benefited from his recorded and live work. Unsurprisingly, this is a loose, superbly played set with the feel of a celebration. It kicks into full gear with a rollicking instrumental version of