Funk Filharmonik

Last updated
Funk Filharmonik
Origin Huntington, New York, United States
Genres
Years active1985–present
Labels31220 Music

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.

Contents

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 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

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References

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