Rooted in Texas Funk, Alabama Gospel, New Orleans Jazz, and Nashville Soul, Philip Lassiter is an 11-time Grammy award winning horn/string arranger, and former section leader/arranger of Prince and the New Power Generation. In part 1 of this exclusive interview Phil goes back to his childhood to discuss, growing up with church music, teaching, having an open mindedness in music, becoming an arranger and composer, and finding his way to working for Prince. Currently based in Amsterdam, he has quickly garnered respect as the go to arranger and trumpet player for iconic artists such as: Kirk Franklin, Ariana Grande, Timbaland, Roberta Flack, Jill Scott, Rodney Darkchild Jerkins, Hamilton w/ Barack Obama, Cece Winans, Kelly Rowland, Fantasia, Anderson Paak, Yelawolf, Queen Latifah, Al Jarreau, Fred Hammond, The Isley Brothers, Marsha Ambrosia, Ledisi, Johnny Lang, Donald Lawrence, Anthony Hamilton, Richard Smallwood, Karen Clarke, Dorinda Clarke Cole, Bebe Winans, Ricky Dillard, Anita Wilson, Natalie Grant, James Fortune, John P Kee, Anthony Brown, Myron Butler & Levi, Regina Belle, Cory Henry, My Morning Jacket, Lee Ann Womack, Big & Rich, and more. He has performed on stages around the world such as the Essence Festival, Montreaux Jazz Fest, Jam Cruise 2020, United Center Chicago, North Sea Jazz Festival Curacao, Bonnaroo, Titan Stadium, The World Cafe in Philadelphia, Arsenio Hall, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon. At age 6, he unwittingly met his first love – the piano – and began belting out Amazing Grace like no other kid in Mobile, Alabama. Being the son of a preacher – a man “who sweated every ounce until he was red in the face” – Philip learned how to captivate an audience and he’s taken that spirit on his own unique mission ever since. A stint in St Louis brought the beauty of big band noise and an ear for improvisation. College in Florida harnessed his gift on the trumpet, provided inroads into Salsa and Merengue, and refined his natural ability as a Jazz Pianist. Eight years in Dallas under the wing of some of the most talented musicians and producers in the world. Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Bernard Wright, Bobby Sparks, Snarky Puppy, Erykah Badu, and many others further expanded his notoriety in the gospel and funk industry. Several more years in Nashville further diversified Lassiter’s musical portfolio. While there, he worked with the legendary producer Tommy Sims and performed in numerous awards shows such as the Dove Awards and The Stellars. It was also in Nashville that he formed his 14 piece Soul/Funk band Philthy which is representative of his working relationships with the best players and performers in Nashville, New York, and L.A. including American Idol superstar Elliott Yamin and Dutch-Caribbean sensation, Josephine Rojer. Philthy has been imbued with the soul of a musical saviour and the manic energy of a deliciously decadent devil. With the humor and lyrical flow of Slim Shady before the music biz ate him up, Philthy could be the lovechild of Andre 3000 and Aretha Franklin, with James Brown laying down the blessing. It's a high energy live show that can't be missed. Website: https://philthyfunk.com/home
INTRO
2mins - Developing a sound and working with major artists
3mins30s - A love of music that developed in childhood in a church background. 'I learned to read music in school, but I learned to play in Church.'
6mins - Music programme at St Louis with wind ensembles, marching and jazz bands. 'That was really a big step for me...'
7mins45s - Listening to Christian versions of what was on the radio. 'I was influenced by some good music...'
8mins30s - New Orleans music 'was always there...'
10mins - The battle between the sacred and the profance, God vs The Devil?
10mins45s - Ultimately, where has Phil's love of music come from?
12mins - The importance of music teachers, and their approach...
13mins30s - What Phil's kids are listening to... 'funk'?
16mins - Teaching and further studies
20mins - Having an open-mindedness in music.
22mins - Meeting extraordinary musicians in Texas including the 'cats' in the jazz clubs.
25mins - Working on strings for Ariana Grande...and for Roberta Flack.
29mins30s - What's the difference between a musician and an arranger?
32mins - Making the connection to Prince via Gospel...in 2012.
36mins - Working on purple projects behind the scenes, while struggling financially.
38mins - Flying to Paisley...
40mins - Crossing paths with Andy Allo...