Funk Filharmonik is a long-running a funk and soul outfit from Astoria, New York which has been together since the mid-1980s. The group contains former Tower of Power members. Individually and collectively the group has performed and recorded with major artists.
Funk Filharmonik | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Huntington, New York, United States |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Labels | 31220 Music |
History edit
The group was formed in Huntington in 1985.[1] The original name for the group was Funk Philharmonia. Their first show was on November 21, 1985. They are one of the longest-running groups from Long Island.[2] In the late 1990s, there were two former Tower of Power members in its lineup.[3] Two of the founding members were drummer Lee Finkelstein and trombonist and singer, Ozzie Melendez.[4][5] Melendez has recorded with Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Jennifer Lopez and Lita Ford.[6] Finkelstein has worked with Ben E. King, Donna Summer, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and the Tower of Power.[7] Members of the group have worked with and recorded with artists such as Tito Puente, Willie Colon, Freddie Hubbard, Jonathan Butler, Marc Anthony, Lionel Hampton, and the Brecker Brothers.[8]
In 2008, they released their album Everybody Get Down.[9] Guest musicians on the album included Barry Danielian, Carl Fischer, Jillian Armsbury, Tim Lawless and Ted Kumpel.[10]
In April 2015, the group was appearing with Troy Ramey at K.J. Farrells in Nassau County.[11] In late November 2015, the group was appearing at The Rockville Centre in New York.[12]
Members edit
- Tom Bowes – Lead Vocals
- Ozzie Melendez – Musical Director, Trombone & Vocals
- Lee Finkelstein – Drums, Band Leader
- Brent Carter – Lead Vocals
- Ron Fox – Trumpet
- Vinnie Cinquemani – Trumpet
- John Scarpulla – Tenor Sax
- Dave Lavender – Guitar
- Chris Karlic – Baritone Sax
- Jack Knight – Bass
- Greg Schleich – Keyboards
- Steve Finkelstein – Percussion[13]
References edit
- ^ New York Times, December 17, 2010 - A Celebration With a Little Harmony and a Lot of Funk By TAMMY LA GORCE
- ^ Good Times, November 17, 2015 - Page 15 Long Island Spotlight Funk Filharmonik
- ^ Billboard, February 14, 1988 - Page 32 Artists & Music, NOTAS, (Continued from page 30)
- ^ New York Times, December 17, 2010 - A Celebration With a Little Harmony and a Lot of Funk By TAMMY LA GORCE
- ^ Long Island Press, July 4, 2015 - Feel The Love Supreme! Coltrane Day Celebrates The Jazz Great’s Legacy & Hopes For His Huntington Home - Spencer Rumsey
- ^ The Huffington Post, May 18, 2017 - Musician to the Stars, Ozzie Melendez, Finally Takes Center Stage, Dustin Fitzharris
- ^ University of Arkansas, Jan. 29, 2018 - 2018 Black Music Symposium: Shaping American Music, Meet the guest artists
- ^ Long Island Exchange, October 22, 2009 - Funk Filharmonik: 24th Anniversary Funksgiving at Club Funk in Huntington
- ^ Horn Driven Radio, December 4, 2008 - Funk Filharmonik New CD
- ^ All lossless- Funk Filharmonik - Everybody Get Down (2008), Invited musicians:
- ^ Brown Paper Tickets - The one and only FUNK FILHARMONIK @ KJ Farrell's Live Music (w/ guest TROY RAMEY)
- ^ New York Times, November 19, 2015 - Things to Do on Long Island, Nov. 20 to 29, 2015, Music and Dance
- ^ Ticketfly, Tuesday, March 26, 2013 - The Cutting Room Presents: Funk Filharmonik