Picture of Jeff Babko
Jeff Babko
Pianist/keyboardist Jeff is a native of Southern California, and has remained on the west coast throughout his career. After graduating from the University of Miami's distinguished Frost School Of Music, Babko began working with international superstar Julio Iglesias on a series of worldwide tours. After leaving Iglesias, Babko began regularly touring Asia and Europe super-drummer Simon Phillips. Soon after, he joined guitarist Robben Ford's band, and later extensively toured and recorded with Larry Carlton. With Carlton, Babko performed for the King and royal family of Thailand in Bangkok's royal palace. Jeff also backed Carlton with Japanese B'z guitar superstar Tak Matsumoto on their Grammy award winning recording. Other tours included Europe with the L.A. supergroup TOTO in 2000, and also with Grammy award winner Shelby Lynne.
 
Television work began with Martin Short's syndicated talk show in 1999/2000, and later on the Wayne Brady daytime show. For the past 15+ years, most significantly, Jeff has been the musical arranger, a composer, and house band member on ABC TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live". He's backed up countless rock, pop and jazz artists on the show, and has produced much of the music for its comedy segments. Always keeping one foot dipped in comedy territory, Jeff has been the touring musical director and accompanist for Martin Short since 2002, and also performs with Mr. Short & Steve Martin, also joined by the Grammy award winning bluegrass group Steep Canyon Rangers.
 
In 2010, Jeff recorded and toured with Sheryl Crow. Another ongoing touring and recording situation has been with James Taylor. In addition to recording albums, Jeff contributed scores to many films.
 
Jeff has five solo albums out under his own name, including 2012's critically acclaimed "Crux"and "El Musico" (2019). His 2007 release "Mondo Trio" with Jeff Coffin and Vinnie Colaiuta is considered a classic "drum fusion" record.
 
If you listen to public radio, you may have heard Jeff as a regular band member on LIVE FROM HERE, with host, mandolin superhuman Chris Thile, throughout the 2018/19 season.
contact:
homepage: www.jeffbabko.com
on tour Click on the logo to see Jeff's tour dates.

 

Discography
Silver Lining
Copenhagen Records 22274
recorded in Tarrytown, NY, Union City, NJ, Memphis, TN, Montclain, NJ, Hollywood, CA, Burbank, CA/USA
Michael Lington, alto sax
Gary Topper, tenor sax
Kirk Smothers, baritone sax
Jason Yasinsky, trombone
Scott Thompson, trumpet
Michael Stever, trumpet
Carl Burnett, guitar
Paul Jackson jr., guitar
Ray Parker jr., guitar
Dave Stewart, guitar
Michael Toles, guitar
Jeff Babko, Hammond organ
Charles Hodges, Hammond organ
Shedrick Mitchell, Hammond organ
Lester Snell, Hammond organ
Barry J. Eastmond, piano, synthesizer, Wurlitzerv Alex Al, bass
Freddie Washington, bass
Leroy Hodges, bass
Steve Potts, drums
Teddy Campbell, drums
Jack Ashford, tambourine
Lenny Castro, percussion

 
Sound Samples
MP3 n/a
Video n/a

 
 

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