"The Meeting" was formed in 1983 when producers George Wein and Darelen Chean put together "The Playboy Stars of the 80's" for that year's Playboy Jazz Festival; the all-star group consisted of keyboardist Patrice Rushen, drummer Ndugu Chancler, electric bassist Alphonso Johnson and tenor-saxophonist Ernie Watts. Since the four musicians had similar interests, rooted in jazz but very open towards funk and r&b, they have since stayed together on a part-time basis as a regular band. Rushen and Chancler, who have known each other for many years, also often team together for club gigs in the L.A. area. The Meeting has recorded sets for GRP and Hip Bop. The latter CD (from 1995) has Freddie Ready Freddie Washington in Johnson's place on bass. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi