“We Went West” is a unique recording with Stix Hooper and Friends that showcases, not only musicianship, but the irony that all of these outstanding artists ‘went west’ maintaining their friendships and sharing the camaraderie, synergy and creative freedom in this kindred approach to music and interpretation. It’s also a striking example of the influence and impact, that America’s indigenous art form, Jazz, has on the global community. Stix Hooper & Friends: Stix Hooper, Drums/Percussion; Houston, Texas Charlie Shoemake, Vibes; Houston, Texas Eugene Maslov, Piano; St. Petersburg, Russia Luther Hughes, Bass; Cincinnati, Ohio Ron Eschete, Guitar; Houma, Louisiana Jamelle Williams, Trumpet; New Orleans, Louisiana Paul Viapiano, Guitar; Buffalo, New York (Track #2) Eugene Maslov – Piano; St. Petersburg, Russia Luther Hughes – Bass; Cincinnati, Ohio Ron Eschete – Guitar; Houma, Louisiana Jamelle Williams –Trumpet; New Orleans, Louisiana Paul Viapiano – Guitar; Buffalo, New York (Track #2) Iconic drummer and Jazz legend, Stix Hooper, launched his illustrious career by founding the world famous Crusaders, the iconic jazz instrumental group, and has performed and recorded with many of the “who’s who” in the music world. Stix is a composer, producer, an entrepreneur, a recipient of many national and international awards and citations, and is considered to be one of the world’s top drummer/percussionists.