Lenny Pickett SNL Band Leader & Bill Holloman Emmy winning Sax player blow away the crowd to Shotgun

Here at Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT the star talent of Lenny Pickett, Bill Holloman, David “Lefty” Foster with the Mohegan Sun All-Stars kick off the night and get the crowd dancing to the classic Junior Walker tune “Shotgun”.

Lenny Pickett renowned American saxophonist, composer, and musical director, best known for his powerful tenor saxophone work. Born in 1954, he gained fame as a member of the horn-driven funk band Tower of Power in the 1970s. Pickett is celebrated for his incredible range, circular breathing technique, and expressive solos. Since 1985, he has been the musical director of the Saturday Night Live band, where his signature sound is instantly recognizable. In addition to performing, Pickett teaches at New York University, sharing his knowledge with future generations of musicians. His influence spans jazz, funk, pop, and beyond.

Bill Holloman, an accomplished American jazz and blues musician known for his exceptional skills on both tenor saxophone and trumpet. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with notable artists such as Nile Rodgers' Chic, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and guitarist Danny Gatton. Holloman has graced the stage multiple times at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and has contributed to recordings or performances with Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Elton John, and Diana Ross. His work extends to television, earning an Emmy Award for the HBO Sports documentary "Legendary Nights."

David "Lefty" Foster is a prominent figure in Connecticut's music scene, known for his role as co-founder of the legendary Shaboo Inn nightclub in Willimantic, which operated from 1971 to 1982. Following the club's closure, Foster established the Shaboo All-Stars, an ensemble that later became known as the Mohegan Sun All-Stars when they became the house band for Mohegan Sun Casino in 1999. The band has performed regularly at the casino's Wolf Den and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2020, Foster was inducted into the New England Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the region's musical heritage. #livemusic #bluesmusic #saxophone

David ONeil ‪@BluesPlateSpecial‬