Kevin Eubanks wants a break from 'Tonight Show'
Jay Leno's longtime bandleader Kevin Eubanks is planning at least a part-time split even as Leno reclaims his Tonight Show, reports USA TODAY's Gary Levin.
"Kevin has expressed interest in pursuing personal touring and recording opportunities," the network said in a statement. "However, he will return to the show" on March 1, when Leno resurfaces in late night, and whether and when he exits for good has yet to be determined.
Conan O'Brien's bandleader and drummer Max Weinberg took leaves of absence to tour with Bruce Springsteen. Eubanks has been Tonight's bandleader since 1995, but began his tenure in 1992, when Leno replaced Johnny Carson, as a guitarist under Branford Marsalis.
Kevin Eubanks, the veteran bandleader to American late-night television personality Jay Leno, confirmed reports on Wednesday that he will, at least temporarily, leave the ''The Tonight Show''.

According to an NBC spokesperson, "Kevin Eubanks has expressed interest in pursuing personal touring and recording opportunities."

Eubanks has been the bandleader for the show since 1995. He furthermore followed Leno in his move to the primetime slot last year, when Leno hosted a short-lived talk show. This was until the new host Conan O'Brien left ''Tonight'' after only seven months following a contractual dispute. 

''The Tonight Show'' is slated to resume this March with Leno reinstated as host. For now, Eubanks is expected stay with Leno for the show's return and for an indefinite period of time following. It is yet to be made clear if Eubanks is willing to permanently abdicate his position and whether his entire The Tonight Show Band will go with him once he leaves. 


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