me
well, i thought i would get this thing started.
my name is Phil J. Carillo. you can check out my other blogs:
steel parade steel drum experience
the random interests of phil carillo
i also maintain and moderate a few other blogs:
city jazz night big band of long beach city college
studio singers of long beach city college
zippifish surfboards
recently, ive been assisting the rhythm section for the City Jazz Big Band of Long Beach City College. Long Beach Rhythm has been created from this association.
ive been a full-time musician with my band Steel Parade for 15 years. this means, i have no other source of income other than playing music. i havent worked any other job over the past 15 years……..no part time job, no job other than creating and performing music. the reason i state this so clearly is because this new blog is dedicated to my latest project.
i believe its time for me to create a new project, namely Long Beach Rhythm. im not abandoning Steel Parade…..quite opposite. i feel this current project will assist the progression of Steel Parade, as well as provide an opportunity for others to perform as well.
Steel Parade performs about 150 shows a year in and around the SoCal area. these are all paid performances. if i wanted to, i could book Steel Parade 200+ shows a year. i booked Steel Parade 200+ shows during my first few years of biz, and learned quickly that it was a mistake. we were burned out. now i focus on a healthy amount of shows balanced with much time off.
Long Beach Rhythm is an experiment for me and a chance for me to create and perform songs i wouldnt normally perform with Steel Parade. and while i dont intend to book Long Beach Rhythm 200+ shows a year, i do intend to be of service for at least 50+ paid performances each year.
i enjoy Jazz, and have played Jazz and studied Jazz for years. Long Beach Rhythm is a Jazz based band that will perform other styles of music as well. i intend to be of service to the SoCal community, and to be of service when an event may need quality live entertainment. this may sound simple, but i have learned it is not. musicians come in all shapes and sizes, and are on many different paths. some musical situations are not for all musicians. its always been my responsibility to lead and direct the musical quality of Steel Parade, and i intend to do the same thing with Long Beach Rhythm.
this means i intend to direct Long Beach Rhythm in the same manner i direct Steel Parade:
we are always prompt and on time. no exceptions, no excuses.
we are sensitive to the surrounding of each event, and do not perform too loudly.
we are performers as well as musicians. this means we entertain as well as perform music.
we are professional in every aspect.
these are the concepts and ideas i have used with Steel Parade, and i trust they will serve us well with Long Beach Rhythm.
for now, we rehearse and book our first shows. im interested to see who shows up to participate with this project. players come and go, and its my job to keep the quality high and the transitions smooth and comfortable. time will tell.
so, ill end this rambling post with this thought:
most people who know me associate me with Steel Parade, steel drums, and super fun island dance music. id like you to know, i direct a tasty jazz band too.
peace…
Posted by steelparade 