When The Tonight Show with Jay Leno resumed production March 1st, there were some notable changes, including a new set (redressed from The Jay Leno Show - which will be there until 2011 from reports), and new announcer (Wally Wingert, who was the announcer for The Jay Leno Show).
Shortly before the first broadcast, it was announced that bandleader Kevin Eubanks, who replaced Branford Marsalis as bandleader during the first tenure, and led the band for The Jay Leno Show, would be leaving shortly after the premiere to go onto other things. Since then, there has been speculation as to who will replace him. Websites have been abuzz with rumors and suggestions, and while we probably won’t have to wait much longer for confirmation, it just seems to keep coming.
To that end, I have recently found a site that has put up four suggestions as the next bandleader, and I would like to know where you stand on this:
I voted for John Pizzarelli. While George Benson seems to be the favorite - and, maybe, the most obvious - Pizzarelli seems to be the one who stands out more for me.
Who would you pick of the four? Vote at the link, and then voice your opinion.
Oh, and for those who are interested, I started a poll thread a while back as to who should succeed Jay when his current tenure ends. Voice your opinion there as well:
To be honest, I’m not sure who I would pick. Although I am familiar with the names of some of the suggested artists, I would have to listen to their music again in order to become truly familiar with all of them. Perhaps I’ll do some research later and then proceed to post in your adjoining poll.
By the way, as far as possible successors go, what about “Doc” Gibbs?
I remember coming across one article where the writer suggested Randy Newman - I kind of liked that idea, but I’m sure that’s not going to happen, or if Randy would even consider it.
Bill - I’m pretty biased here due to the fact that Randy Newman has composed so many scores for animated films, but his style seems more appropriate for that medium of entertainment. Heheh.
