It’s time for another Featured Artist! At SongCast, we’re always looking for new ways to help promote YOUR music. Check out this week’s Featured Artist interview with Phil Read:

What’s your first musical memory?
Listening to my Dad play old LP’s on the stereo and wishing to be like my Dad who played professional music for years in Paul Whitman’s orchestra and with Lawrence Welk before his TV shows.

What artist inspires you?
Many did. I was raised on Jazz music in many forms. The old rock bands like Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Jethro Tull, Earth,Wind and Fire and especially the early Jazz Crusaders. I loved their arrangements and their groove!  (Yes, their grooves were awesome!!)  As far as ONE artist? I would say David Sanborn in later years and also Kenny G.

What’s your latest track or album?
Jazz Expressions

What song or album do you HATE?
I love all music except any album/track that is rap. Some rap is OK but when there is no music background and lyrics that are offensive and demeaning, I consider it pure trash and should be banned!

What’s a song or album everyone should be listening to right now?
I would say any music that has a beat, lyrics, and a groove! Chuck Mangione comes to mind. Also nice lyrics that tell a story is always good.

You should be able to feel something from listening to music….it should put you in a mood when you listen to it, either relaxed or a good mood that lifts your spirits.

What profession would you choose if you couldn’t choose music?
I love to create. A profession such as painting, writing ( journalism ) , or even an architect or engineer would be nice as long as I can create things.

Tell us more about your local scene.
Oh come on now! I live in New Orleans!  This town is rocking with jazz music and jazz clubs and whenever I want to, I can find a club with an open mike and an audience that will be receptive. Cool place for a musician to live!

As a performer, what would be your ‘perfect’ live experience?
A small intimate club with non-smoking rules, a great sensitive speaker system and proper lighting with close contact with an attentive audience. That would be totally awesome!

What aspect drew you to the particular genre of music that you now perform/write?
I would say my musical training which had it’s roots in Jazz and lot’s of it. Also my experience. Read part of my bio below: Phil was born and raised in the City of New Orleans, growing up totally immersed within the rich culture and music which is the “Big Easy.” He attended the Loyola University School of Music in New Orleans and was a member of the award winning Jazz Lab Band for 5 years, playing with the New Orleans Saints Stadium Jazz Band and part of the entertainment for Super Bowl IV in New Orleans. He was a member of backup bands supporting many famous artists who came to town, including Grammy Award Winner Irma Thomas, the late James Brown (The God Father of Soul), Clarinetist Pete Fountain, and the late, great trumpeter Al Hirt.  Having played the night clubs of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, the society orchestras of the city and numerous special events, his music style developed with a unique flavor.

Share one personal event in your life that greatly influenced a song/album that you have created during your musical career.
When you have a traumatic event in your life, it colors your music.  Just listen to country music lyrics!  For me, a divorce set it off. It awoke deep feelings and it colored my music and still does along with the passing of my parents. I miss them so.  It seems sad but that is what makes for feelings in music…a personal connection with an event, place or person….and especially…a new love!  I have been told by listeners that my music feels like sultry New Orleans.  Gee…I wonder why?

A big thanks to Phil Read for speaking with us this week! Check out Phil’s SongCast profile, and Facebook page!

We are always looking to help you promote your music!  Interested in becoming a Featured Artist?  Check out how easy it is to apply!