He had a shot at fronting Velvet Revolver, the rock supergroup featuring former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum. But Ian Thornley balked when the band's manager asked if he'd consider putting down the guitar and just singing.

With more than 20 years together and a dozen records under their belts, Nathan East and the members of Fourplay show no signs of slowing down. The quartet’s latest release, Esprit De Four, continues the trend of exceptional musicianship and songwriting prowess that’s become a staple of the smooth jazz super group. There are amazing grooves and melodies in "Firefly," "All I Wanna Do" and the beautiful "Put Our Hearts Together," which was written as a tribute for the people of Japan following the devastating tsunami.

Some have it tougher and more painful than most. And some take that pain and create something kick ass. When Danielia Cotton faced the death of her unborn twins, and her own mortality, she could have shut down. Instead she dug deep and came up with a collection of songs that screams survival. This woman ain’t goin’ down without a fight!

Chuck Loeb is more than just a guitarist. He’s the consummate musician. In a career that spans four decades, he’s proven himself to be a versatile composer, arranger and producer in a wide range of musical styles. In 2010, Loeb joined the smooth jazz super-group, Fourplay, joining musical giants Nathan East (bass), Bob James (keyboards) and Harvey Mason (drums).