The man The Boss calls "The Minister of The Big Beat" talks about his departure from O'Brien, his Big Band turn and what's next for Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Q: How is your health post-heart surgery?

It's very good. I knew this was something that I would have to deal with eventually. It was hanging over my head for 26 years and I finally had it done. It was a genetic condition that had to be repaired. Leaving Conan

Q: Was it difficult to extricate yourself from a great, long running gig with Conan?

Not at all. I quite enjoy at this point having free time. I've been working constantly since I was 8 years old. I need a break.

Q: What do you miss about O'Brien's show?

I really haven't thought about it. I think the people I became close with. You work with them for 17 years, you get close. Professionally, from time to time, I grew fond of doing the comedy. That was a great outlet.

Q: Is doing a Big Band tour a lifelong dream?

It was certainly something I had dabbled with on television. It's something that I still do from time to time. It's the final date of our winter tour. That'll be it for awhile. These guys are great. Todd Bashore, our alto sax man, his family is from the Chapel Hill. It'll be special for him and for the people to check out a 15-piece band that's a swinging muscular band. It's a roadhouse-barreling-freight-train of a swing band.

Q: How do you approach Springsteen songs?

It's never karaoke. There are dedicated arrangements for to the two Springsteen songs we'll play Friday night.

Q: What's Bruce's reaction to your Springsteen covers?

You know I haven't spoken to him about it. I don't know if he heard it. He would enjoy it.

Q: What's next for Bruce and the E. Street Band?

I don't know. I hope we do something again. I'm sure the planets will align and we'll get together when he has some songs he wants to go out and sing. When we perform, we strive for a certain level of excellence. We're there to play

Q: When you think of the E Street Band, you think of New Jersey. How difficult was it leaving for Los Angeles with 'The Tonight Show?

I'm good with it. I'm used to traveling all over the place. I do prefer living on the East Coast. Despite the snow we've had, I like the East Coast.

Q: What's next for you?

Playing Friday night. I don't plan too far ahead. When "The Tonight Show' ended, I learned that when one door closes, another opens, and here I am.

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