arranger
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Memorial to musician and one of a kind human being Mike (Mikee) Palter
9-27-21 Musical legend Mike (Mikee) Palter, died on August 30th Today would be his birthday, in honor of this extraordinary man I am re-running our funny, compelling, fascinating interview. Mike was an American Songbook interpreter, composer, and lyricist,. For over 50 years, with Lynne Jackson Palter, his partner in marriage, business, music, creative processes, and breath, he regaled lovers of music the world over with his magnificent voice, his delicate, rich interpretive bass playing, his wit, humor, intelligence, and professorial love of music. He dedicated his entire life to social justice issues and children’s rights. A humanitarian and activist he received the Paul Re Peace Prize and the first Encore Cabaret Humanitarian Award for efforts on behalf of children, the hungry, and the homeless. Mike and Lynne, with Arthur Hamilton, co-wrote “It’s All Right to Be Afraid” to raise funds for those affected by the Aids epidemic. His life was dedicated to activism, collaborating with Lynne as the musical director of Neverland Theater, and as the co-founder, playwright, composer, lyricist, and musical director of Jazz is a Rainbow, for almost two decades. He is and will always be missed
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Interview with Pianist John O’Leary with La Lucha
John O’Leary was surrounded by music; his mother was a concert pianist and the house was always filled with musicians; professionals and students. But John also enjoyed and excelled in math and science. His family wanted him to become a doctor and he thought he would. He began playing the Tuba in high school and in college double majored in Tuba performance and chemistry. In college he fell in love with Jazz. He changed his major and began to study Jazz Piano. Serendipitously he was placed in a combo with Mark Feinman and Alejandro Arenas, with whom he would one day be part of the oh so popular jazz trio La Lucha. An injury kept him continuing to study jazz piano after graduation. He applied to Graduate school and completed his MA and PhD in Neuroscience. Listen to this thoughtful, serious man talk about the soul searching which finally led to his choice to pursue his dream, a career as a Jazz musician and listen to a cut from his CD Crispr.
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And come see John and La Lucha open the Jazz Club’s kick-off of its 40th anniversary season with the fabulous Shelly Berg Sat, October 26, 2019 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM EDT at Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center
709 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 -
Interview with Musical Director Assaf Gleizner
8-12-19 Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Musical Director Assaf Gleizner, can’t remember when he wasn’t involved in music. At 3½ he picked up a Melodica and played Happy Birthday, and he has been making a life with music ever since. Listen to this interesting, articulate man talk about his early life during which “he ate, slept and played piano,” his time in the Israeli army, his certainty that he had to come to New York, and the remarkable career his talent has allowed him to create. And come see him demonstrate that talent as the Musical Director of “Hollywood Serenade” with The Swingaroos at Florida Studio Theatre
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Interview with Sharon Ohrenstein – Patra
5-13-19 Sharon Leslie Ohrenstein is a renaissance woman. Her extraordinary voice was first discovered in Kindergarten when she was chosen to sing the solo in the Christmas play and has delighted countess audiences since. She is a fine actor appearing in vastly dissimilar roles with authenticity. As a director she has helped actors find nuances which enabled them to be better than they were. And, as a teacher, she has enhanced the experience of the eager students at Roads Scholar for 16 years. Although writing came late in her life, along with her composer husband David, she wrote the book and lyrics to two musicals and two operas; producing, directing, and staring in many (she even made the costume). Listen to this amazing woman talk about her life journey and her current adventure; the creation of Patra a brand new Opera based on Cleopatra’s last days, which was chosen as a workshop production at the prestigious Seagle Music Colony in Schroon lake NY. And click here to donate to its gofundme page to be a part of this adventure. https://www.gofundme.com/patraopera
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Interview with Jazz trumpet and guitar player Randy Sandke
Jazz trumpeter and guitarist. Randy Sandke was playing in local cover bands by the time he was 13. Never expecting to make a living as a jazz musician, he nevertheless continued to play, just because he loved it. And although he had to deal with many twists and turns on the way to his goal, he did in fact make a living as a player and arranger. He played with Michael Brecker, Ken Peplowski, Kenny Barron, Marty Ehrlich, Bill Charlap, Uri Caine. Dan Barrett, Marvin Smith, Ted Rosenthal, and done arrangements for the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra. He was a member of Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks Orchestra , Bob Wilber’s, Bechet’s Legacy, the Widespread Depression Jazz Orchestra, and Benny Goodman’s last band. He recorded on Stash, Jazzology, Concord Jazz, Nagel-Heyer, Arbors and played on the scores for The Cotton Club, Bullets over Broadway, The Curse of the Jade Scorpion. Listen to this thoughtful, gentle man describe a life dedicated to the music he loves and knows so much about and listen to cuts from two of his CD’s and come see/hear him play in this year’s Sarasota jazz Festival
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Interview with Grammy Award Winning Record Producer Val Garay
1-21-19 Because his father was a well-known singer and actor and his uncle was a popular guitarist, Grammy Award Winning Recording Engineer and Record Producer Val Garay was surrounded by music during his childhood. But he didn’t even think of making a life with music until he realized that Medical School was not for him. Listen to this charming, thoughtful man describe the ironic journey which led him to create some of pop music’s most iconic records with Kim Carnes, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Eric Burdon, Dolly Parton, Jackson Brown, Elton John, Pablo Cruise, Neil Diamond, Ringo Starr, Kenny Rogers, The Motels, Queensrÿche, Randy Meisner, Sarah Brightman, Nicolette Larson, , Santana, Mr. Big, Reel Big Fish, Dramarama, EZO, Joan Armatrading, and Katrina,
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Interview with Interview with musician, composer, educator, philosopher Steven Miles – 1
9/25/18 In Part 1 of my interview with musician, composer, educator and philosopher Stephan Miles, he talks about his early exposure to music and describes how he know by the time he was two years old that it would be important in his life. In a world where the emphasis is on fast and facile, Stephan was not in a hurry. He was determined to know everything there is to know about the art to which he was planning to give his life – music. Listen to the unorthodox path he took to becoming the not only gifted, but the truly knowledgeable musician he is. This interview takes Stephan through his early training and tells the story of how he serendipitously wound up in what it clearly the perfect place for him – the New College.
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Interview with actor, singer, dancer, musician Kyle Branzel
Actor, singer, dancer, musician, educator Kyle Blanzel realized that he was performer when his 2nd grade costar, Mrs. Claus, sang his line instead of hers and he went on with the show, just like a professional. Years of training and understudying Joe Kinosian, one of the writers of Murder for Two, in the National Tour of the show, made him the absolutely best choice to portray the role/s (12) he is currently playing in the Florida Studio Theater production. Don’t miss this!
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Interview with Paul Helm – Murder for Two
7/23/18 Pianist, singer, director, actor, musical director Paul Helm was lucky. From the elderly babysitter who convinced his parents to give four year old Paul piano lessons, to the choir teacher who “saw something in him,” to the agent who having seen Paul on stage, pursued him until Paul agreed to leave his beloved Wisconsin and make the leap to New York City, Paul has been led to the career which he “loves” and which although often difficult, he “wouldn’t have it any other way.” Listen to this enthusiastic young man talk about his work and don’t miss his delightful performance in the wacky and wonderful musical “Murder for Two” at Florida Studio Theater.
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Interview with Musician Jerry Bilik
5-28-18 Jerry Billik is a composer, arranger, songwriter, conductor, and director of stage productions. Although he downplays his skill and accomplishments Jerry’s career is extraordinary. A musical virtuoso by the age of 13, he has composed more than 50 pieces of music, from popular ballads to marches to his ‘Symphony for Band’. His concert march “Block M” composed for the University of Michigan Marching Band when he was a senior there has been voted by band composers as one of the top 100 marches of all time. He wrote the “M Fanfare” which is still played by the University of Michigan marching band prior to their playing the famous fight song. He has worked with many popular artists, including Danny Kaye, Dick Van Dyke, Leonard Bernstein, Barbra Streisand, and Neil Diamond. He has arranged music for several television series and serves as Vice President of creative development for Disney on Ice, having arranged all the music for the Disney on Ice shows, which he also writes and directs. Listen to this self-deprecatory charming man tell delightful stories of a life spent with music and theater like the ironic reason he taught himself to play piano.
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Interview with the extraordinary Wayne Adams Part 2
12-12-17 Part – 2 In this second part of my interview, Wayne Adams continues to relate his remarkable life. Listen to him describe his delightful meeting with legendary acting teacher Maggie Flannigan; and how his production of Ralph Pape’s Say Goodnight, Gracie directed by Austin Pendleton, resulted in his determination to bring Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company to Broadway; first in the production of True West with John Malkovich and Gary Sinise and then in the Lincoln Center production of And a Nightingale Sang with , Joan Allen. Wayne says “I’m interested in being the human being that I am,” and he reminds us that “life is taking chances, not doing what someone else thinks you should do but doing from yourself honestly according to your own instincts.” Listen and be inspired.
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Memorial for Musician, Arranger, Trumpet Player Lew Gluckin
11-14-17 When Lew Gluckin was ten or eleven his father took him to see Trumpet virtuoso Louis Armstrong play and that experience dictated the rest of Lew’s life. He visited a friend who had a bugle and when he blew it, although he didn’t make much of a sound, he thought he could be good at it. He got his first trumpet at around twelve and not only taught himself to play, but over his career taught himself to arrange, copy and compose. Lew says “everybody knew me” and so in addition to the bands he played with, including Larry Elgart, Peter Duchin, Woody Herman, and Art Mooney, he was called on to play Jingles, Broadway Shows, Rock and Roll records and to back up artists like Liza Minelli. Listen to this funny, self-deprecating man talk about the career of a man who never had formal training and played with, hung out with, wrote for or rubbed shoulders with the greatest musicians of our time including Herbie Hancock, Mile Davis, Doc Severinsen, Phil Wood Jazz singer
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Interview with master bassist Mark Nuenschwander
10-10-17 Interview
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10-10-17 Outstanding bassist Mark Neuenschwander is one of the busiest musicians in in Florida and, luckily for us, he sets aside one Monday a month to share his remarkable talent – and wicked wit – to join Al and Billy at 15 So – and accompany the fortunate singers and musicians who perform there. Mark has played with Billy Eckstine, Cab Calloway, Rosemary Clooney, Michael Feinstein, Atlanta Ballet, Tampa Bay Opera, Philharmonia Virtuosi, The Florida Orchestra, Eddie Arnold, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Andrea Bocelli, Herb Alpert, Yanni, Chick Corea, The Moody Blues and the 5th Dimension as well as over 140 national Broadway touring shows He is also respected as an educator/clinician. Ironically Mark never expected to live a life dedicated to music, it seemed to sneak up on him. Self-effacingly, Mark says that he wasn’t born to do this. Continually told how smart he was, Mark believed he had to be an engineer or a physicist or a combination of both, but music just kept getting in the way. Mark’s is the story of a man who kept trying to be what they told him he should be, but who kept bumping his head against what he actually is – until finally realizing and allowing himself to embrace and enjoy the “tremendous” joy of doing what he loves to do and getting paid for it. Listen to this candid man describe his, not a straight line journey, to becoming the musician he always was. And hear his solo on a cut from a CD with pianist Johnny Varro. -
Interview with Jazz Pianist Roy Gerson
9-19-17 Pianist, arranger, educator, contractor Roy Gerson began picking out songs on the piano to amuse his blind grandmother when he was two years old, and he was playing with his father’s friends band when he was seven. His life was filled with music; studying classical music with his teacher and teaching himself jazz by listening to the music in his house and playing with the band. Although he “never had a plan,” it was always clear that music and specifically the piano would have a place in his life. Listen to the way a life that “never had a plan,” evolved into a life dedicated to making music; he arranged for Natalie Cole, and Lionel Hampton. Performed for Dustin Hoffman, Harvey Weinstein, Dan Rather, John Tuturro, Al Roker, Geana Davis, Donna Karen, Jeff Zucker, Patrick Swayze and Tony Bennett who was so impressed he managed Roy and got him his first album – That Gerson Person And hear cuts from tha Gerson Person and his other CD Gerson Swings Disney which includes vocals by Rosemary Cloney, Michael Feinstein and John Pizzarelli
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Interview with Joseph Holt – Fourth of July Concert
6-27-17 Joseph Holt is the Artistic Director of Choral Artists of Sarasota (formerly Gloria Musicae) as well as the Artistic Director of Artists Series Concerts, he is a virtuoso pianist who played all over the world, Before coming to settle in Sarasota Joseph performed with the United States Army Chorus in Washington, D.C., before U.S. Presidents and other dignitaries. He held the position of Associate Music Director for the illustrious Choral Arts Society of Washington for 15 years and led the ensemble in the Family Christmas Concerts at the Kennedy Center. Joe was apparently a hyper active child, who was “scattered all over the place” and “something of a hellion.” So much so that a committee was formed in the church where his father was pastor to pray for “the soul of little Joey Holt.” Hoping that an extracurricular activity would give him an outlet (focus) for all his energy, Joey was given a choice of several activities; little league, cub scouts or piano lessons. Even though his family didn’t own a piano and he had to practice on a paper keyboard, with a little encouragement from his grandmother, a pianist herself, Joey choose piano. And from the very first lesson it was clear that the Joe and the piano were linked. Listen to this still exuberant man describe his amazing career, what’s next for the organizations he shepherds and get a preview of the glorious music you will hear at this year’s Choral Artists of Sarasota Fourth of July concert.
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conductor, pianist, chamber music performer, arts administrator, educator and arranger. -
Audio Interview with Eddie Tobin
Multi-genred, very talented pianist/entertainer Eddie Tobin just always loved music. He didn’t take piano lessons until he was in college, he just began to “mess around with it” very early – learning to play the songs he liked. Although a serious jock, he played virtually every sport, he just always loved music. In college he tried to major in Business but soon discovered that he didn’t like it. He did finally major in Music at Miami State but even then he hadn’t decided to make his life as a musician. He just always loved music. Listen to the sweet way he talks about music and his haphazard journey to becoming a professional musician, and hear a cut from his CD Cheek to Cheek. And come to hear him play and sing Sun afternoon at the American Legion 2000 5th ST. W., in Bradenton and Sun evenings at the Surf Shack on St Armand’s Circle, and Mon and Tues at Euphemia Haye, 5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, 941-383-3633, Wed and Friday at Amore also on Longboat Key and on Thursday at Madison’s with the Ventura’s.
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Interview with Dick Hamilton
When I say that Dick Hamilton is a musician, I’m not telling you nearly enough. By the time he was two his mother could control her toddler by simply putting on some music, he would stop whatever he was doing mesmerized. Dick Hamilton simply fell in love with music and immediately wanted to create the sounds he heard. Listen to this self-effacing man describe the way he relentlessly pursued this passion which lead him to a career as a studio musician and composer in Los Angeles. Then listen to a cut – I wish I had the time to play more – from his solo (and I do mean solo) album, called Album Myself on which wrote all the songs and played every instrument;
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Piano, Electric Piano, Guitar, Upright Bass, Keyboard Bass, Drums, Percussion, Flute, Alto Flute, Soprano Sax, Trumpet, Alto Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Alto Flugelhorn, Alto Horn, Trombone, Valve Trombone, Baritone Horn and Moog IIIC Modular Synthesizer (1968 vintage – no computer or sequencing to produce the few (italics mine) instruments he didn’t own such as Tuba and Clarinet. -
Interview with Jazz Pianist Eric Scott Reed
Interview with the talented and engaging jazz pianist Eric Scott Reed who made the seasoned musicians at the Newport, CA Marriott Jazz Party take notice by playing both rapid fire jazz and achingly sweet melodies, like his version of the classic Thelonious Monk tune ‘Round Midnight’ from his tribute album to Monk called The Dancing Monk, which I will play as well original compositions from his CD Stand. Two year old Eric began fooling around with his neighbor’s piano while they were babysitting for him. He was always surrounded by the music his parents loved and his experience with his neighbors piano led him to try to play whatever he heard on the radio or the record player. He would pick out the notes he heard and it wasn’t long before he was playing full songs. His parents finally decided to give five year old Eric piano lessons. Listen to Eric talk about his parents, who although raised poor and black in the south, were able to give him and his siblings love, acceptance, discipline and faith. And in Eric’s case to have nurtured a thoughtful and talented professional musician who is dedicated to sharing the gift of his music in every way that he can.
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Interview with Duncan La Mont Part 2 of 2
July 13 Interview with Duncan La Mont
Although already a very successful musician and composer Duncan La Mont discovered that his first love is songwriting. Listen to how he discovered his skill and his passion for songwriting and hear some of his songs which were recorded by Natalie Cole, Blossom Dearie and Cleo Laine – to name only a very few. Duncan’s story to use his words is nothing less than “Magical and Spiritual.”
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Interview with Duncan La Mont Part 1 of 2
This is the first half of my interview with the much awarded, applauded, and accoladed Duncan La Mont. A boy from the tiny poverty stricken town of Greenock, Scotland, who expected to spend his life working in the mines, and although he tried hard to avoid it, found himself playing with Henry Mancini, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Benny Goodman, Paul McCartney. Listen to remarkable way Duncan was pushed into accepting and using his prodigious musical gifts. Hear his wonderful music and his disarming sweetness.
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