Mo Pleasure, Earth, Wind & Fire / Michael Jackson / Janet Jackson / Bette Midler

Mo pleasure is a veteran multi-instrumentalist who has played with some of the very best. We cover off some big milestones in Mo’s career, in addition to his great insights on the challenges of being a musical director. Lots to enjoy in this one as always.

To listen / watch:

Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):

Mo’s musical upbringing

Auditioning for, and joining the Ray Charles Orchestra

Mo in action with the Ray Charles Orchestra, 1986

The importance of feel versus chops

Ray Charles mixing it up each night setlist-wise

Playing with Najee

Mo Pleasure loved George Duke, and the feeling was mutual

Joining Earth Wind & Fire

Mo ripping it up on keytar with Earth Wind & Fire

Mo with Earth Wind & Fire on the Arsenio Hall Show, 1993

Mo’s approach to the Musical Director role

Auditioning for Janet Jackson thanks to Paul Mirkovich

Mo’s go-to keyboards with Earth Wind & Fire

Mo’s Janet Jackson rig

Playing 2nd keys role with Michael Jackson

Mo in action with Michael Jackson – Jam

Playing keyboards with Ringling Bros Circus

Playing with Roberta Flack

Mo’s album – Elements of Pleasure

Audio Caviar – Transoceanic

Playing piano and being MD for Bette Midler

Working with Mary J Blige

Working with David Foster

Working with Chaka Khan

Tag a Keyboard Player: Jesus Molina, Cory Henry

Desert Island Discs: Gratitude – Earth Wind & Fire, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Tokyo ’96 – Keith Jarrett, A Brazilian Love Affair – George Duke, Cosmic Slop – Funkadelic. Honourable mention to Barber’s Adagio for Strings.

Mo in action with Stevie Wonder (amongst many others) at the White House

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