'Phrenology'

The Roots are currently the house band for the The Late Late Show with Jimmy Fallon.

When it was first announced, it seemed odd. Typically talk show bands are comprised of a "name" like Paul Schafer (Blues Brothers), Max Weinberg (E Street Band) or the black guitarist from Leno's show. Then there's a band of players and session guys that need a gig.

I would suspect The Roots could continue to record and tour with relative ease. Instead, they have a straight gig.

How much do house bands make? That show is in New York, so you assume the band lives in that area, but I assume it'd be in one of the outlying boroughs becase they're not making enough for Manhattan, are they? Is the guitar player from The Roots making $80,000? $40K? $100K?

Do they record and gig enough to make extra cash and still get to tour a little?

How much does the guitar player from the Dave Letterman show make, or the bald trumpet player from Conan make?

I guess they work a couple hours a day and get enough time to record and gig to make up whatever they're making from the TV show. Still, seems like a large commitment because it really reduces your amount of time on the road, or in the studio.

Then again, you have the perfect venue for rehearsing new material.