ASMAC Podcast

In this ASMAC First WEDNESDAYS event on September 06, 2017, "MANAGING YOUR OWN MUSIC PUBLISHING: Practical Help for Composers and Arrangers," our panelists (Abby North, Jillian Ferguson, Dave Black, and Gregg Nestor, and Moderator, Jeannie Gayle Pool) discuss issues facing composers and arrangers related to publishing and how to make their music available to a wider audience. For more information about this event, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/first-wednesdays-presents-managing-your-own-music-publishing/

This ASMAC Luncheon podcast features Emmy-nominated guitarist and composer, Grant Geissman, who was the special guest at ASMAC’s luncheon on July 19, 2017 at Catalina’s in Hollywood. Moderated by composer, arranger, instrumentalist Dan Ferguson, the luncheon guests were treated to behind the scenes details about how Grant started his career, who he worked with along the way, and his reflections on his many TV hits (including Two and a Half Men). To learn more about this luncheon, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/special-guest-grant-geissman-at-asmac-july-19th-luncheon/

This ASMAC Luncheon podcast features five-time Grammy Award winner and 10-time Grammy nominee Mervyn Warren. This highly accomplished film & TV composer, record producer, lyricist, songwriter, arranger, pianist, and vocalist is equally adept at practically any style! Merv’s work spans the genres of pop, R&B, jazz, orchestral, classical, hip-hop, vocal, country, and gospel. One of the industry’s most sought- after producers, his credits read like a who’s-who of pop, R&B, jazz, and country and include Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Queen Latifah, Boyz II Men, Barbra Streisand, and many others. For more information, visit www.asmac.org/luncheon-with-mervyn-warren.

In this ASMAC Luncheon podcast, Filmmaker Denny Tedesco, Don Randi and Perry Botkin discuss the process and behind-the-scenes actions of bringing the Award-winning documentary, “The Wrecking Crew” to the screen. For more information about this luncheon, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/the-wrecking-crew-luncheon/

This ASMAC luncheon podcast features recording artist and double-Grammy nominated vocalist Monica Mancini; and producer, musician, educator, 7 time Grammy winner and Latin Grammy “Producer of the Year” Gregg Field. You can view the complete VIDEO of this event on the Members Only section of this website. They spoke to attendees at the ASMAC luncheon on April 19th at Catalina’s. For more information about this luncheon with Monica Mancini and Gregg Field, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/asmac-presents-a-special-luncheon-with-monica-mancini-gregg-field/

This luncheon podcast features Ray Parker Jr. While he is perhaps best known for the No. 1 smash hit “Ghostbusters,” Ray has enjoyed quite a versatile career, not only as a much sought-after guitarist, but with a number of other hits to his credit, as a performer, songwriter and producer. For more information about this luncheon with Ray Parker Jr., please visit: http://www.asmac.org/asmac-luncheon-with-ray-parker-jr/

This Luncheon podcast features television composer, Mike Post. Mike and Don Peake, the moderator, have a decades long bond and touched on some fascinating stories with Jackie Kennedy, Andy Williams, Ray Charles, Sonny & Cher, Pete Carpenter, and how a beach towel battle in Hawaii turned into a TV composing gig. To learn more about this luncheon with Mike Post, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/podcast-mike-post-sept-2016

This Luncheon podcast features Steve Porcaro, who shares his creative process of writing, his life, and his work. With his new solo album about to be released, “Someday, Somehow,” and his upcoming tour with Toto, we were lucky to have him with us. For more information about this luncheon with Steve Porcaro, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/steve-porcaro-luncheon/

ASMAC’s May 18th luncheon was a special "Honor Our Own" event, where we proudly acknowledged two excellent composers/arrangers who have excelled in both their careers and their support of ASMAC. First up to be introduced by President Kim Richmond was Duane Tatro. After we celebrated his 89th birthday with a cake and candles, Duane treated the audience to a brief retrospective of his career. Glenn Jordan was our second honoree, an award-winning songwriter, composer, producer, singer and performer whose music is heard every day by millions of people. Many of you may not know that Glenn Jordan is a former member of the group Sha Na Na. To learn more about this "Honor Our Own" Luncheon with Duane Tatro and Glenn Jordan, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/asmac-honors-our-own/

This ASMAC Luncheon podcast features Stu Phillips. His talk included stories from his long and varied career, ranging from playing piano in cocktail lounges to conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He began his career as an arranger and conductor for several night club performers and became a successful A&R record producer and film and television composer. To learn more about this ASMAC luncheon with Stu Phillips, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/stu-phillips-luncheon-august-15-2007

This ASMAC Luncheon podcast features Mark Isham, who has always had a talent for crafting evocative new musical worlds. His gift for creating unforgettable melodies and his love of fresh, innovative sonic palettes have earned Isham many awards including a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Clio, in addition to multiple Grammy, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for his material both as a composer and a recording artist. Most recently, Mark was honored by ASCAP with the Henry Mancini Award for Lifetime Achievement. To learn more about this ASMAC Luncheon with Mark Isham please visit: http://www.asmac.org/asmac-luncheon-with-mark-isham/

This ASMAC Luncheon podcast features Leonard Maltin, one of the country’s most recognized and respected film critics and historians. Leonard was in his 24th season as the resident film buff with television’s Entertainment Tonight. Long before he became a familiar face on television, his annual paperback, “Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide,” established his reputation; he was 18 when the first edition was published. A perennial best-seller, ‘The Guide’ has become an indispensable tool for film fans, and the venerable New York Times called it “invaluable.” To learn more about this ASMAC Luncheon with Leonard Maltin, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/asmac-luncheon-with-leonard-maltin

This ASMAC Luncheon podcast features composers Lolita Ritmanis, Michael McCuistion, and Kris Carter, known as Dynamic Music Partners. They were introduced by ASMAC Board Secretary Charles Fernandez who has known DMP since they worked on the Shirley Walker crew for Warner Bros. He marveled over their imagination, mastery of technology, and serious business acumen. He added that their partnership offered a model for how composers can work successfully in the current business climate. Between them, they have racked up 17 Emmy nominations and two wins, among other accolades. To learn more about this ASMAC Luncheon with the Dynamic Music Partners, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/asmac-luncheon-dynamic-music-partners

The American Society of Music arrangers & Composers presented a panel discussion, “The Sound of Motown, from Detroit to Los Angeles” at its monthly luncheon, November 14 at Catalina’s in Hollywood. Keyboardist, composer, and producer Clarence McDonald moderated the panel that included Marvin Augustus, David Blumberg, Sylvester Rivers, and Don Peake. This session was a follow-up to last summer’s ASMAC arranging workshop with Paul Riser (see July 2007 “Overture”). Because the Motown sound has had a dramatic impact on American popular music, it is fascinating to hear the stories of the individual musicians who were an integral part of that famed organization. To learn more about this luncheon with the Motown Sound Panel, please visit http://www.asmac.org/motown-sound-panel-luncheon-november-14-2007/

This ASMAC Luncheon podcast features Dave Black, with Alfred Music Publishers, one of the major distributers of music books and printed music. Dave was introduced by ASMAC Board member Elliot Deustch, a busy composer and conductor himself. In addition to holding the Alfred Music position of Senior Vice President, Dave is an active composer, arranger, author and percussionist. To learn more about this luncheon with Dave Black, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/dave-black-luncheon/

This ASMAC podcast features Gary Owens, one of the best in the business. As a radio announcer, DJ, narrator, broadcaster, animated voice specialist, and actor, Gary has marked over 3,000 cartoon shows and appeared in over 12,000 radio shows. His cartel of cartoon characters include Roger Ramjet, Space Ghost, The Blue Falcon and Ren & Stimpy’s Powdered Toast Man – and has been with Sesame Street since it’s inception. To learn more about this luncheon, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/gary-owens-luncheon-september-17-2008/

ASMAC was thrilled to host composer, producer and keyboardist Scott Healy at our March 16th Luncheon. Scott gave the audience an overview of how he arrived in Los Angeles – from the beginning, as he learned to play the piano, through his musical education, to his gig work in New York prior to joining the CONAN band. For more information on this luncheon with Scott Healy, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/scott-healy-luncheon/

Lee Holdridge was our guest speaker at the ASMAC luncheon on Wednesday, November 19, 2008. Lee spent his early years in Costa Rica, beginning music studies on the violin at the age of ten with Hugo Mariani, then the conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica. At fifteen - now determined to be a composer - he moved to Boston to finish high school and study composition with Henry Lasker. Later, he moved to New York to continue his music studies and begin his professional career as a composer. While in New York, he wrote chamber works, rock pieces, songs, theatre music and background scores for short films. Holdridge’s successes in New York came to the attention of Neil Diamond who brought him to Los Angeles to write arrangements for Diamond’s forthcoming albums. A string of gold and platinum hits followed, which led to Diamond and Holdridge collaborating on the film score for “Jonathan Livingston Seagull.” To learn more about this ASMAC luncheon, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/lee-holdridge-luncheon-november-19-2008/

Superb musician Greg Phillinganes gave an excellent presentation for the ASMAC luncheon at Catalinas Jazz Club on February 17. It was a most interesting talk about his views of the music business, past and present, and, responding the questions, some of his history including how he entered the business, who he got started with, and his stepping- stones along the way. For more information on this luncheon with Greg Phillinganes, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/greg-phillinganes-luncheon/

The ASMAC October luncheon speaker was composer-conductor Bill Conti. In 1976, he became a household name when he was hired to compose the music for a small United Artists film called “Rocky.” The film became a phenomenon, and Conti’s training montage tune, “Gonna Fly Now” topped the Billboard singles chart in 1977. He also composed music for the sequels “Rocky II” (1979), “Rocky III” (1982), “Rocky V” (1990) and “Rocky Balboa” (2006). For more information on this luncheon with Bill Conti, go to: http://www.asmac.org/bill-conti-luncheon-october-15-2008/

Winner of the 2006 Grammy Award for his Instrumental Arrangement of nine-minutes long end [“Incredits”] credits from the Pixar film “The Incredibles,” with a 90 piece orchestra, as well as three-time Emmy Award winner and five-time Grammy nominee, Gordon Goodwin was warmly welcomed by ASMAC as the June luncheon speaker. For more information on this luncheon with Gordon Goodwin, please go to: http://www.asmac.org/gordon-goodwin-luncheon-june-18-2008/

On April 6, 2016, The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers was very fortunate to have multi-Emmy and Grammy award winning arranger Patrick Williams speaking at ASMAC’s First Wednesday event. The subject for the evening was conceiving a big band arrangement. Instead Pat took the evening into a heartfelt and personal direction. He discussed his work on Frank Sinatra’s final recording project, Sinatra Duets and Sinatra Duets II for Capitol Records. Pat talked about having the original charts by Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Billy Byers and Quincy Jones in his hands and the responsibility he felt to maintain their high level of writing and musicianship. These recordings were done in Capitol Studio A, where Sinatra recorded most of his hits. The success of the Duet albums lead Capitol Records, with a nod from Sinatra, to have Pat record his Sinatraland Album, a big band tribute to the music of Frank. ASMAC is delighted to be able to share that evening with you in this podcast. Click here to learn more about this First WEDNESDAYS event: http://www.asmac.org/first-wednesdays-april-6-2016-conceiving-an-original-arrangement/

Trumpeter, bandleader, conductor, composer, arranger, songwriter, Russ Garcia has done it all, and has enjoyed every minute of it. In this ASMAC Luncheon, Garcia began his remarks from his repertoire of one-liners, “I’ve never worked a day in my life. I write music and they pay me for it.” For more information on this luncheon with Russ Garcia, please go to: http://www.asmac.org/russ-garcia-luncheon-june-20-2007/

Tim Simonec and Ira Hearshen host a question and answer session with the arrangers who worked on the 2009 Academy Awards show under the direction of Michael Giacchino. It was Michael’s idea to have a big band on the stage of The Oscars playing film scores, a new sound for the show. Twenty arrangers worked on the arrangements over a two week period. Tim and Ira are introduced by Ray Charles. For more information on this luncheon please go to: http://www.asmac.org/academy-awards-arrangers-luncheon-march-25-2009/

Harry Shearer is a comic personality and modern day renaissance man. For the past two decades he has enjoyed enormous success and planted the fruits of his talents in the heads of millions worldwide thanks to his voice work for THE SIMPSONS, where he plays a stable of characters: most notably Mr. Burns, Smithers, and insufferable neighbour Ned Flanders. For more information on this luncheon with Harry Shearer, please go to: http://www.asmac.org/harry-shearer-luncheon-april-17-2013/

It is no surprise that Grammy winner, five-time Grammy nominee and seven-time Emmy nominee Nan Schwartz is considered a pioneer for women composers. And Conrad Pope is emerging as one of the most exciting, original voices in contemporary film scoring. For more information on this luncheon honoring this talented couple, go to: http://www.asmac.org/nan-schwartz-luncheon-wednesday-march-20th/

A large and enthusiastic crowd was in attendance at this Honor-Our-Own ASMAC Luncheon featuring Pete Myers and Chuck Fernandez at Catalina’s Bar and Grill in Hollywood. Pete Myers has the reputation of being the pro’s pro. A composer, conductor, arranger, and orchestrator he has served as lead composer for many producers, including Aaron Spelling, Lorimar, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal, CBS, Viacom and Paramount. Chuck began composing for television in film in 1989. He has also served as orchestrator and conductor on countless trailers and film projects. For more information on this luncheon with Pete Myers and Chuck Fernandez, go to: http://www.asmac.org/chuck-fernandezpete-myers-luncheon-june-24-2009/

The background of Richard Bellis is distinguished by its surprising diversity: child actor, touring rock ‘n roll music director, arranger/conductor for Las Vegas headliners, university lecturer and now, award-winning Hollywood composer. Born in Pasadena, California in 1946, he began his show business career acting in movies (notably the sci-fi classic “Them!”) and TV (from “Cheyenne” to “Batman”) but turned his attention to music in his teens, fronting his own Dixieland band and writing arrangements for several Los Angeles – based big bands. For more information on this luncheon with Richard Bellis, go to: http://www.asmac.org/luncheon-with-richard-bellis/

This ASMAC Luncheon podcast features composer, arranger, producer, instrumentalist, sign-songwriter, author, and actor, Van Dyke Parks. He is perhaps best known for his collaborations with musician Brian Wilson, and especially for his lyrical contributions to the Beach Boys’ Smile album project. For more information on this luncheon with Van Dyke Parks, please visit: http://www.asmac.org/van-dyke-parks-luncheon-july-17-2013/

Composer, performer, and recording artist Stanley Clarke was the guest speaker at the May 27, 2009 ASMAC luncheon at Catalina’s Jazz Club. He was introduced by ASMAC Board member Ira Hearshen with whom Clarke has worked on a number of projects over the years. Clarke’s creativity has been recognized with gold and platinum records, GRAMMY Awards, Emmy Awards, virtually every readers and critics’ poll in existence, and more. He was “Rolling Stone’s” very first Jazzman of the Year, and bassist winner of Playboy’s Music Award for ten straight years. For more information on this luncheon with Stanley Clarke, go to http://www.asmac.org/stanley-clarke-luncheon-may-27-2009/

Two of the world's most distinguished lyricists, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, have been contributing to the Great American Songbook for more than five decades. During their distinguished career, their songs have been nominated for sixteen Academy Awards, for which they have won three: "The Windmills of Your Mind" in 1968, "The Way We Were" in 1973, and the score for "Yentl" in 1984. "Windmills" and "The Way We Were"also earned Golden Globe Awards, and "The Way We Were" earned two Grammys. For more information on this luncheon with Alan and Marilyn Bergman, go to http://www.asmac.org/luncheon-alan-marilyn-bergman/

A classically trained pianist, Patrice Rushen is one of the music industry’s most versatile and sought after artists. Considered one of the world’s top jazz pianists, Rushen has performed with many esteemed artists including Quincy Jones, Kenny Burrell, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Hampton, George Benson, Nancy Wilson, Michael Jackson and Dianne Reeves, to name just a few. For more information on this luncheon with Patrice Rushen, go to: http://www.asmac.org/patice-rushen-luncheon-september-23-2009/

July’s Special Guest could be referred to as ‘Unique.’ Marion Sherrill is known throughout the music industry as a copyist who has saved or helped to save many record sessions, concerts and music bits and pieces. For more information on this luncheon with Marion Sherrill, go to: http://www.asmac.org/event/luncheon-with-marion-sherrill

John Altman began his musical career at age 3 with Judy Garland at the London Palladium! Commencing his recording and live career in the late 60’s as an in-demand saxophonist - he has performed with many major figures in music, including Eric Clapton, Sting, Phil Collins (all of whom performed in his band, the Secret Police, an all star aggregation specially assembled for the Secret Policeman’s Ball), Jimi Hendrix, Nick Drake, Muddy Waters, Bob Marley, Jimmy Page, Little Richard, Prince, and Van Morrison and Hot Chocolate (for both of whom he functioned as musical director) and many more. He has recently contributed saxophone solos for the new albums by Rick Astley, Chuck D and Goldie. To learn more about this ASMAC Luncheon with special guest, John Altman, go to: http://www.asmac.org/john-altman-luncheon-august-19-2009

One of the most versatile composers working today, Bruce Broughton writes in every medium, from theatrical releases and TV feature films to the concert stage and computer games. His first major film score, for the Lawrence Kasdan western Silverado, brought him an Oscar nomination. His very next project, a classically styled score for Barry Levinson’s Young Sherlock Holmes, earned a Grammy nomination for the soundtrack album. For more information on this luncheon with Bruce Broughton, go to: www.asmac.org/asmac-luncheon-spe…er-bruce-broughton

Richard is the co-owner of Kraft-Engel Management, one of the world’s leading agencies specializing in representing film, theatre, television and video game composers, songwriters and music supervisors. Their clients include Danny Elfman, Alexandre Desplat, Alan Menken, John Powell, Jon Brion, Marco Beltrami, Marc Shaiman and Mark Isham. KEM’s clients have received 65 Oscar nominations and have won 14. For more information on this luncheon with Richard Kraft, go to: http://www.asmac.org/luncheon-with-richard-kraft/

Bruce Lambourne Fowler (born July 10, 1947) is a prominent American trombone player and composer. He played trombone on many Frank Zappa records, as well as with Captain Beefheart and in the Fowler Brothers Band. Currently, he composes and arranges music for movies, and has been the composer, orchestrator, or conductor for many popular films. Walt Fowler (born March 2, 1955) began his career as a trumpet player and joined Frank Zappa’s band in 1974. In the mid-1990s, he began orchestrating for major motion picture soundtracks. He has performed with James Taylor since joining his band in 2001. Introduced by Kim Richmond. For more information on this luncheon with Bruce and Walt Fowler, go to: http://www.asmac.org/bruce-fowlerwalt-fowler-luncheon-november-18-2009/

Charles Ira Fox (born October 30, 1940) is an American composer for film and television. His most heard compositions are probably the "love themes" (the sunshine pop musical backgrounds which accompanied every episode of the 1970s ABC-TV show Love, American Style), and the dramatic theme music to ABC's Wide World of Sports and the original Monday Night Football, as well as his (and Norman Gimbel's) Grammy winning hit song "Killing Me Softly With His Song". He has composed music for Love Boat, Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Scarface, 9 to 5, and Barbarella. Introduced by Allyn Ferguson. For more information on this luncheon with Charlie Fox, go to: http://www.asmac.org/charlie-fox-luncheon/

Danny Gould (April 28, 1921 - November 4, 2010) Forensic musicologist, began in the recording industry as a composer, arranger, lyricist, pianist and conductor, and transitioned into the television and motion picture industry. After five years at Paramount Studios, he accepted what was to be a two-week temporary gig at Warner Bros., and ended up spending 39 years there, where he rose to the position of Vice President of Music. Introduced by Larry Orenstein. (55:52)

Conrad Pope is an American film composer and orchestrator. He has worked on numerous films and has collaborated with composers such as John Williams, James Newton Howard, Alan Silvestri, Danny Elfman, Mark Isham, James Horner, John Powell, Alexandre Desplat, and Howard Shore. Conrad Pope is the 2015 recipient for the ASMAC Golden Score Award. Introduced by Marlene Hajdu. (48:46)

Frederick Eugene John "Gene" Lees (February 8, 1928 – April 22, 2010) was a Canadian music critic, biographer, lyricist, and former journalist. Lees worked as a newspaper journalist in his native Canada before moving to the United States, where he was a music critic and lyricist. His lyrics for Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Corcovado" (released as "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars"), have been recorded by such notable singers as Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, and Diana Krall. Introduced by Larry Orenstein. (49:34)

John Altman (December 5, 1949, London) is a British film composer, music arranger, orchestrator and conductor, and currently serves on the ASMAC Board. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or a Special (Original Dramatic Score) and was nominated for BAFTA Award for Best Film Music. His credits include music for Monty Python, James Bond movies and he served as music director for Van Morrison and Prince's Trust Concerts. Introduced by Ray Charles. (47:52)

William Garrett Walden, known as W. G. Snuffy Walden (born February 13, 1950) is an American musician and composer of film and television soundtracks. He has been nominated for numerous Emmy Awards throughout his career. In recent years he has composed for TV shows including: Under The Dome, Aquarius, Nashville, The Stand, West Wing, Felicity, Thirty Something, Drew Carey Show, and The Wonder Years. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music Introduced by Ray Charles. (28:43)

Elmer Bernstein (April 4, 1922 – August 18, 2004) was an American composer and conductor best known for his many film scores. In a career which spanned fifty years, he composed music for hundreds of film and television productions. His most popular works include the scores to The Magnificent Seven, The Ten Commandments, The Great Escape, To Kill a Mockingbird, Ghostbusters, The Black Cauldron, Airplane!, and The Rookies. Bernstein won an Oscar for his score to Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) and was nominated for fourteen Oscars in total. He also won two Golden Globes and was nominated for two Grammy Awards. Introduced by David Raksin. (45:34)

Earl Cyril Palmer (October 25, 1924 – September 19, 2008) was an American rock & roll and rhythm and blues drummer, and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; known as a member of “The Wrecking Crew.” Palmer played on many recording sessions, including Little Richard's first several albums and many other iconic Rock & Roll songs. Introduced by Ray Charles. (37:32)

Eugene Thomas Puerling (March 31, 1929 – March 25, 2008) was a vocal performer and vocal arranger. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Puerling created and led the vocal groups The Hi-Lo's and The Singers Unlimited. He was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices in 1982 for his arrangement of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" (as performed by The Manhattan Transfer). Introduced by John Clayton with a performance of the “ASMAC All-Star Singers” with a tribute to Gene Puerling, arranged by Ian Freebairn-Smith. (60:00)