Funk Filharmonik

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
OriginHuntington, New York, United States
Genres
Years active1985–present
Labels31220 Music
Associated actsTower of Power

History

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 Steve Finkelstein and trombonist and singer, Ozzie Melendez.[4][5] Melendez has recorded with Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Jennifer Lopez and Lita Ford.[6] Finklestein had worked with Ben E. King, Donna Summer 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
  • 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
  1. New York Times, December 17, 2010 - A Celebration With a Little Harmony and a Lot of Funk By TAMMY LA GORCE
  2. Good Times, November 17, 2015 - Page 15 Long Island Spotlight Funk Filharmonik
  3. Billboard, February 14, 1988 - Page 32 Artists & Music, NOTAS, (Continued from page 30)
  4. New York Times, December 17, 2010 - A Celebration With a Little Harmony and a Lot of Funk By TAMMY LA GORCE
  5. 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
  6. The Huffington Post, May 18, 2017 - Musician to the Stars, Ozzie Melendez, Finally Takes Center Stage, Dustin Fitzharris
  7. University of Arkansas, Jan. 29, 2018 - 2018 Black Music Symposium: Shaping American Music, Meet the guest artists
  8. Long Island Exchange, October 22, 2009 - Funk Filharmonik: 24th Anniversary Funksgiving at Club Funk in Huntington
  9. Horn Driven Radio, December 4, 2008 - Funk Filharmonik New CD
  10. All lossless- Funk Filharmonik - Everybody Get Down (2008), Invited musicians:
  11. Brown Paper Tickets - The one and only FUNK FILHARMONIK @ KJ Farrell's Live Music (w/ guest TROY RAMEY)
  12. New York Times, November 19, 2015 - Things to Do on Long Island, Nov. 20 to 29, 2015, Music and Dance
  13. Ticketfly, Tuesday, March 26, 2013 - The Cutting Room Presents: Funk Filharmonik
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