Bay Area Roots, Global Sound: The Legacy and Return of Back 2 Basics

From the culturally rich streets of Berkeley to some of the biggest stages in the world, saxophonist Eddie Mininfield—known professionally as Eddie M—has built a career that embodies versatility, soul, and longevity in modern music.

Born and raised in Berkeley, Eddie M began playing saxophone at just seven years old, eventually studying music at the University of California, Berkeley before graduating from Berkeley High School in 1979. By the early 1980s, he had already begun carving out a place among music’s elite, touring and recording with icons such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, and Stevie Nicks. Eddie’s first major breakthrough came on the legendary Purple Rain Tour alongside Prince and Sheila E.. He also contributed to Prince’s album Around the World in a Day, cementing his place in music history early in his career.

Parallel to Eddie’s rise, drummer and multi-instrumentalist John Paris was building his own legacy. Born in Trenton into a deeply musical family, Paris developed his craft early before relocating to the Bay Area, where a vibrant music scene shaped his artistic direction. That same scene would ultimately connect him with Eddie M—an encounter that would evolve into a lifelong musical partnership. Paris went on to perform and record with a wide range of legendary artists, including Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills, and Kelly Clarkson. In 2001, he joined the iconic band Earth, Wind & Fire as their drummer, contributing to multiple albums and global tours.

In a recent Zoom interview, I had the opportunity to sit down with both artists and revisit the journey that brought them from Bay Area teenagers to global performers.
When asked about his early influences, Paris reflected on an unexpected beginning.

Rodney: “John, who were your influences growing up?”
John Paris: “I originally wanted to play sax but moved to drums. I cite Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson as influences.”

The conversation turned to their unique career paths—paths that interestingly crossed in opposite directions.

Rodney: “How did you both end up working with Prince’s and Earth, Wind & Fire’s camps?”
Eddie Mininfield: “It’s funny, because I started out working with guys from Earth, Wind & Fire, and John was working with Prince. Then we sort of switched camps.”

That fluidity between two legendary musical worlds speaks to their adaptability and high-level musicianship. Naturally, the conversation turned to one of the most iconic collaborators in their journey.

Rodney: “How did the Sheila E. connection happen?”
Eddie Mininfield: “Sheila pretty much had her band together, but she was auditioning for other musicians. We went in—and we were hired.”

Decades after those early milestones, both artists have returned to their roots through their duo, Back 2 Basics (B2B)—a project grounded in authenticity and musical fundamentals. I was introduced to Eddie and John through their longtime promoter and celebrity booker, Cece Vance, who has worked with them for over 30 years. Our connection deepened when I realized we shared history at Chaton Studios, where I once worked alongside engineer Otto D’Agnolo—the same studio where they recorded with the late Wayman Tisdale.

Back 2 Basics blends R&B, funk, soul, and smooth jazz into a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary. Their debut single, “After the Game,” pays tribute to Tisdale, while “Manhattan Blue”—produced by Derek ‘DOA’ Allen—highlights their refined, genre-blending style. Looking ahead, the duo hinted that there’s much more on the horizon.

Rodney: “What can we expect from the upcoming Back 2 Basics project?”
John Paris: “We’ve just released four singles already.”
Eddie Mininfield: “We’ve got another one coming—but we can’t say who the special guest is yet.” (laughs)

With decades of individual success behind them, Eddie M and John Paris are proving that evolution in music doesn’t mean abandoning your roots—it means refining them. Back 2 Basics isn’t just a reunion—it’s a reminder that true musicianship never goes out of style.

John and Eddie’s website to purchase their music and booking is https://www.sovibeentertainment.com/back-2-basics

About the writer- Rodney K. Jackson is a record and film producer best known for co-writing and producing the global hit “Finally” for CeCe Peniston and as co-creator of the sci-fi political thriller The Write-In, blending music industry success with cinematic storytelling.