Behind the Notes: A Rollercoaster Through the Music Industry with Ben Phillip

When Lee Finkelstein lays down a beat, it's not just rhythm—he's telling a story, painting a landscape. It's a philosophy I, John Simeone, share wholeheartedly. Our recent conversation took us on a tour through the world of drumming, where we unpacked the essence of what it means to truly play for the music. Lee, with his wealth of experience across genres, emphasizes the idea that serving the song trumps personal showmanship. We riff on the camaraderie between drummers, the joy found in simplicity, and the magnetic pull of a groove that unites a band. 

The heartbeat of our episode pulses with discussions on live performance and the wisdom Lee shares gleaned from playing with legends like the Blues Brothers band and stepping in for David Garibaldi with Tower of Power. As we explore the shifting tides of the music industry, we offer nuggets of advice for up-and-coming drummers striving to stay relevant. Join us as we share stories of triumph, the humbling moments of our careers, and the lessons that resonate beyond the stage. It's a rhythmic ride that speaks to the core of every musician's spirit.

Lee has recorded, performed with and backed up Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Grover Washington Jr, Eric Gale, The Oregon Symphony Orchestra & Randy Brecker, Isaac Hayes, Eddie Floyd, Bette Midler, Blood Sweat & Tears, Russ Freeman, Julio Iglesias, Frankie Paul, Johnny Winter, Steve Cropper, Lou Marini, Will Lee, Paul Shafer, John Tropea, Leon Pendarvis, Alan Rubin, Saturday Night Live, Dave Valentine, Cornelius Bumpus, Anthony Jackson, Mary Wilson, Daryl Hall, John Oates, Hudson River Rats, Joey Ramone, Vaneese Thomas, Mario Cruz, Jens Wendelboe, Don Blackman, Oz Noy, Buzz Feiten, Neil Jason, Deena Miller, Dave Fields, Jay Prince, Bill Heller, Cosmic Oven, Derretub Snub, Hadrian Decree, Red Flannel Hash Band, Small Talk/Jim Small Band, The Paper Bag, Timberwolf, Yasgur's Farm, Jim Pin Band 5+2-1, Eclipse, Funk Filharmonik, The Zen Tricksters, Major Domo, Chick Singer Night NYC, Jonny Rosch, Bobby Harden, Stevie Cochran, Ed Palermo Big Band, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Wycliff Gordon, Marc Ribler, Jack Daley, JT Bowen, Southside Johhny, Bowling For Leftovers, Dead On Live, Felix Cavaliere and The Rascals, Felicia Collins, David Spinozza, Vernon Reid, Corey Glover, Bill Murray, Chris Noth, Ben Vereen, Friends of the Brothers, the Royal Scam and Paul Sorvino.   

As a young drummer, tapping rhythms on school desks and dreaming of the big stage, I never imagined I'd be trading stories with a Broadway legend like Bill Lanham. Yet, here we are in a heart-to-heart, delving into the thrills and spills of his career, from the electrifying beats of Les Misérables to the high-stakes world of live theatre drumming. Billy's family tapestry is woven with threads of classical piano and doo-wop vocals, a heritage that beats strong in his passion for rhythm and sets the stage for our conversation.

Picture yourself in the orchestra pit, lights dim, the audience hushed, and the conductor's baton about to fall. Billy takes us behind the scenes of this pressure-cooker environment, sharing the laugh-out-loud mishaps and nail-biting precision required when subbing for another musician. Meanwhile, he reflects on the bedrock role of a drummer—less about the solos and more about the soul, providing the groove that keeps the musical world spinning. It's a testament to the unseen heroes of the band, grounding flights of jazz solos and anchoring the soaring vocals of Broadway stars.

It's no secret that the music industry's rhythm has changed, skipping beats as seasoned artists navigate the torrent of new talent. Billy and I muse over the evolution from bustling wedding circuits to the intimacy of jazz trio jam sessions with Al Quinn and Dave Segal.  These are the moments that define a musician's journey, where the craft transcends performance and becomes a shared heartbeat between artist and audience. So, slip on your headphones and prepare to be swept up in the rhythms of a life rich with music, as I sit down with Bill Lanham, a drummer whose story beats with the pulse of Broadway itself.

Embark on an auditory expedition with me, John Simeone, as I sit down with the inimitable saxophonist Jeff Lange, whose musical tales are as rich and varied as the notes that flow from his sax. Picture, if you will, a young Jeff grappling with the strings of a guitar and the keys of an accordion before the saxophone’s siren call captured his soul. Our conversation dances around the mirthful realities of club date gigs, where the glamour of jazz intertwines with the joy of weddings and corporate shindigs, all while debunking the mystique surrounding those unsung heroes of the squeezebox.

Turn the page to a chapter where the classroom and stage cross chords, and Jeff and I reminisce about the educators who moonlighted as gigging pros, leaving their indelible grooves on us. Jeff's own odyssey from the echoes of private school hallways to the rhythm of public education unfolds, revealing how networking in music can be as serendipitous as a perfectly timed key change. Amid the sharing of these anecdotes, we honor the craft of teaching, the ebb and flow of musical styles, and the fondest memories of those lessons that transcended notes and clefs.

As our session nears its coda, Jeff and I muse on the symphony of life changes post-retirement, finding solace in the jazz haunts of Stony Brook and the company of fellow musicians. We transport you through the soundscapes of a versatile career that's skipped from rock gigs to Broadway's spotlight, all while savoring the idiosyncrasies of aging in music. Jeff's journey, peppered with laughter and learning, invites you on a nostalgic riff through the joys, challenges, and sheer unpredictability of a life dedicated to the art of sound.

Remember the time our mate Chris snuck in a shrimp cocktail on stage, despite explicit instructions to the contrary? Yep, that’s the kind of deliciously eccentric characters you’ll meet as we take a nostalgic journey down music industry memory lane. Join us and our special guest, Ben Phillip, as we reminisce about our band days, our beloved band leader Gus, and our encounters with local sensations like Jimmy Cherry.

Let's take you on a tour of the music world that goes beyond the mic and the applause. Hear stories about our friend John Tobacco, a vocalist who could easily mimic Fagan, and the challenges we faced in trying to balance making a living with our musical passions. We'll share insights into the sometimes harsh realities of the music industry, including the frustrating focus of some clubs on drink sales over quality performances.

The world of music has evolved, and we're here to bring you up to speed. From the influence of agents like Jack Morelli in securing gigs to his son Jake's rise as a renowned guitarist, we'll discuss it all. We'll also delve into the role of the studio, the importance of a great drummer and the power of music to touch hearts. So tune in, kick back and let the memories flow as we explore the past, present, and future of music.

Ever dreamed of jamming with some of the music industry’s most celebrated icons? Picture yourself backing up the likes of Chaka Khan and Patty LaBelle? Brian Dunne, a renowned drummer, is living that dream, and he's here to share his incredible journey. As he walks us through his early days of jamming with his brother to his experiences with world-famous artists, Brian’s tale is a testament to the power of dedication, practice, and an unwavering passion for music.

Navigating the unpredictable music industry is no easy feat. Imagine waiting on tenterhooks to find out if you'd be called back for another gig or dealing with overzealous fans. When we shift gears and delve into Brian’s career progression and his experiences in the Long Island drum scene, it’s clear that camaraderie and support can make all the difference. His candid tales reveal the exciting and sometimes challenging life of a professional drummer and the importance of friendship within the industry.

In an industry steeped in tradition but continually evolving, understanding the fundamentals of drumming and their application to different musical genres is key. Brian sheds light on the evolution of drumming, the rise of modern drummers, and the impact of technology on the music industry. Whether you are a seasoned drummer seeking inspiration or a newbie fascinated by the world of drumming, this conversation with Brian Dunn will leave you with newfound insights and a renewed passion for your craft.

Fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey into the past with Sal Randazzo, a renowned trombone player who shares with us not only the nostalgia of the early days in an assortment of bands, but also his sage insights and hilarious tales from a fulfilling career in the music industry. We present you with an episode that promises you laughter, learning, and some good old music nostalgia. We reminisce about the days without showcases or song sheets to adhere to, the million-dollar wedding gig, and the idiosyncrasies of the legendary drummer, Buddy Rich, all while navigating the current challenging band scene.

Adding to the compelling narrative of our musical past, Sal and I delve into the intricate dynamics of the music industry. We reflect upon the pressing need for a structured lesson program, confront our experiences of prejudice against band directors, and discuss how Europe and Japan are still ahead in preserving their music culture. We also explore the story of Richie Scollo who introduced us to the world of cruise ships and coffee anecdotes that continue to bring a smile to our faces. 

Yet, as we look back, we also touch upon the present and future. We talk about Sal's inspiring journey of teaching music for three decades, his retirement, and the experience of hanging out with people two decades his junior. We also navigate the theme of disillusionment, education, and retirement, sharing our experiences, and providing a peek into the life and journey of musicians. Tune in for an episode filled with memories, music, and much more.

Catching up with Ozzie Melendez, our second trombone player, is like being teleported into the heart of the music industry. From his musical beginnings in fourth grade to landing the big gig with Willie Colon's band, Ozzie shares the essence of a musician's journey, and why it’s crucial to seize every opportunity to prove oneself. We swap hilarious anecdotes featuring fellow musician Terry Nigrelli and reminisce about Ozzy's inaugural gig tour in Peru.

Striding onto the bigger stage, Ozzy takes us backstage, revealing his experiences with big band legends like Bruce Springsteen, Mark Anthony, and Blood Sweat and Tears. The essence of a good gig, he believes, lies in preparation and keen attention. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as we compare the club dates of the past to the gigs of today and the unique challenges a trombone player faces.

As we move towards the end of our discussion, Ozzy peels back the curtain on his collaborations with various musicians, the challenges and the opportunities encountered as a free musician, and the four phases of a musician's life. Tune in to be enlightened about the music industry, the evolution of recording music, and how the industry has drastically changed over the past two decades.

Check out Ozzie's publication "Dynamic Flexibility" and his full bio at https://ozziemelendez.com/

Check out our collaboration at 
https://youtu.be/yUqwLFUmg8g

Ready to step into the life of a professional musician? This episode with Terry Nigrelli , a trombone player with Broadway experience, brings you right into the heart of the music world. We journey through Terry's musical upbringing and his dedication to the trombone, a passion that took him from private lessons and music summer camps to eventual professional gigs in diverse musical styles.

But, it's not all standing ovations and curtain calls. We address the challenging side of being a musician - finding gigs, negotiating payment, and making sure you're not being taken for a ride. We even delve into the delicate art of not selling yourself short, and the all-too-common tendency of becoming your own worst critic. We also dive into Terry's career in music education, reflecting on his experiences in different schools and the joys (and sometimes, hilarious mishaps) of club gigs.

Lastly, we turn up the tempo and explore the changing landscape of the music industry, how it influences our performances, and how we adapt. From tempo adjustments and sampling in live performances to understanding the nuances of the tunes we play, every aspect is dissected in detail. We even share our perspectives on non-musicians, peppering in a few interesting anecdotes for good measure. To wrap up, we discuss the role of education in the music industry and reflect on the importance of gratitude and continuous learning. In this episode, Terry and I serve up a symphony of insights, laughter, and shared experiences in the world of music. You won't want to miss it!

In this episode me and one of my longtime musician friends, Dave Clark, discuss the triumphs and hardships of the music industry. Dave is a well known keyboard player/Singer/writer from the Long Island area originally, where he became the replacement for Billy Joel on the "Lords of 52nd Street" band. That band featured all the original members if Billy Joels band at its inception in the 70s. Dave continues do very large venues featuring the music of Billy Joel throughout the United States - good stuff!

In this episode I talk with my old friend John Scarpulla. John has done extensive touring with many well known artists, Tower of Power and Diana Ross to name a few! I've done many gigs with John and he always brings professionalism and integrity to each one, big or small - a talented seasoned musician for sure. This was my first "zoom" interview, so we get cut off before we can share ALL of our old stories, but definitely worth the listen! Thanks John for taking time out for this!