any of his other musical projects again. He died October 24, 2008. Other artists who have performed as part of the Rainforest Band include Tony Saunders, Mike Hinton, Vince Littleton, Larry Vann, Michael Warren, Steve Kimock, Karen Baker, Tammy Tambora, and John Popper. A re-launch of the Rainforest Band as a tribute to Merl Saunders took place at the 29th Starwood Festival on July 25, 2009, featuring Merl’s son bassist Tony Saunders, guitarist Michael Hinton, drummer Bill Norwood, keyboardist Mike Emerson (Tommy Castro, Elvin Bishop, Petty Theft), and vocalist Misa Malone. Also appearing were Sikiru Adepoju on talking drum and Douglas "Val" Serrant on steel drum and djembe. Muruga Booker has also formed his own version of the Rainforest Band and recorded a CD (that has not yet been released) in 2010 featuring Badal Roy, Perry Robinson and the final recordings of James Gurley. Discography 1990 - Blues From The Rainforest: A Musical Suite - Featuring Muruga Booker, Eddie Moore, Shakti, Special Guest: Jerry Garcia 1991 - Save The Planet So We'll Have Someplace To Boogie - Merl Saunders & the Rainforest Band 1993 - It's In The Air - Merl Saunders & the Rainforest Band 1998 - Fiesta Amazonica - Merl Saunders & the Rainforest Band Filmography 1997: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia: Deadheads Festival Japan 1997 (Japanese Laser Disc, Video Super Rock series VPLR-70650) 1999: Blues from the Rainforest: A Musical Suite (Mobile Fidelity) DVD References 1990 establishments in California 2010 disestablishments in California American rock music groups American jazz ensembles from California Jam bands American world music groups Musical groups established in 1990 Musical groups disestablished in 2010