Von Babasin's Musical Odyssey

[URANUS - THE RH FACTOR - ONOFFON]

(The RH Factor opens the 1988 Long Beach Jazz Festival - from left to right, keyboardist Jim
Yeager, Von, drummer Jimmi Marcos, guitarist Robb Howell, and percussionist Elpidio Cobian
- photos on this page by Renee Buccelli)

"I feel the Long Beach Jazz Festival was one
of the highest points of my career, so far.
It was the biggest stage I'd ever played on,
the largest and best crowd I'd ever played
for, and the best billing I'd ever played
with in a concert setting. I had the extreme
pleasure of meeting one of my personal
influences, Stanley Clarke. I admire him
on the level of my father; he's a gracious,
tremendously talented man who has been
able to effect an artform with his style
and innovation. What more could one ask
of life? There are few that have both the
ability and opportunity to make that happen,
in whatever field of expertise is theirs."

The RH Factor's personnel had to adapt slightly to appear in a jazz format
since they were mainly known for their high-powered rock fusion sound.
For this concert, Von asked Elpidio Cobian, an excellent Cuban percussionist,
to help lend a latin-based rhythm section to the fusionist drumming of Jimmi
Marcos. They were also joined by studio keyboardist, Jim Yeager, who had
performed previously with the guitarist, Robb Howell. The blend was a
strong, straight-ahead fusion of jazz, latin and rock that was warmly received
by the audience at the Rainbow Lagoon that weekend. Here was the bill:

As you can see, The RH Factor was the only group to perform both days.
There were two people who were totally responsible for giving them this
incredible opportunity to play. First was Al Williams - an extremely
talented drummer who booked them on the bill unauditioned, more out
of his respect for Harry Babasin's name than anything. Without Mr.
William's consent, it simply would not have happened. The other person
involved was the band's road manager at the time, R.J. Cobb. He also
served as the stage manager for the festival and was in the position to
approach Mr.Williams on behalf of the band. But, of course, Von did
not start his odyssey at the 1988 Long Beach Jazz Festival.
Let's go back a few years to trace the path to ONOFFON.

[Von Babasin page - Harry Babasin page - Movie/Video page]