Get to know... Phil Leonard

Phil Leonard is an institution of sorts in the Tri-Cities. A highly-sought-after drummer, radio personality and music director — and former co-owner of the acclaimed Down Home — Leonard has experienced a lot and he's passed it on through thoughtful musicianship and mentorship for years. Leonard is one of those guys who effortlessly moves among the musical statesmen of our region, appearing onstage with our best known songwriters and rockers alike. Whether laying down brushes and soft beats behind the Brother Boys and Mal Cooper, or kicking it up a notch with Lightnin' Charlie as a member of the Upsetters, he more than holds his own — he holds it down. Many musicians love to take the stage and play, but there are too few people these days who take the stage in service of the song. Phil Leonard delivers that rare aspect of drumming — playing tastefully and in service of the song, rather than playing to be heard or noticed. While many crowds may enjoy the loud, booming drummer who leads the charge to the end of the tune, real music lovers appreciate those who play to enhance the rhythm and melody, or to assist the songwriter in crafting his tale. That's the kind of drummer he is — you can rely on him to help carry the tune, not push it out of the way in a race to the end. The man has pocket for days, and it is evident from the moment he takes the stage. A truly gifted and decent human, Phil is a good man to know and a great conversation to have, so — take a few moments and get to know Phil Leonard. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "I started playing music in adult bands when I was 15 in Indianapolis. My dad had a band and, when asked to play a gig where he was already booked, he'd offer to send me. I always figured music would be an avocation, but my 30 years as Program Director for WETS-FM radio involved my being music director for what became Americana music. I also became a co-owner of the Down Home music room for 20-plus years. I played, recorded and toured with the Brother Boys for several years and was also in the GrooveMasters during the same time period, so I never 'decided.' It's more that it just came about through opportunities. I also operated two recording studios over the years." Is your current project a first, or have you been involved in other things? "One current project is playing music with 89-year-old plectrum banjo master, Mal Cooper and his Acoustic Swing Band. I'm also a member of Lightnin' Charlie's Upsetters, for a second time, having played with him in a 5-piece setup ten years ago. Our current lineup is a killer three-piece and we are doing a show paying tribute to the music of the '50's, '60's and '70's — a truly fun band to be a part of." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "I grew up in a family who all sang and my father had a band for years, though his day job was as a civil engineer. I've always been keen about audio and ended up serving for seven years as a Sonar Technician in the US Navy, with five years as a sonar technician on a nuclear ballistic missile submarine (after two years of schooling). It prepared me for my work as a live sound technician in both club and festival settings, as well as helping me with my recording studio work." How would you describe your music (band/project)? "As mentioned earlier, I have two bands I'm in. Mal Cooper's band features some ragtime and classic pop standards and swing tunes from the 1920's through the 1940's mostly. It includes an upright bass and electric guitar, as well as Mal's banjo and my drums which is mostly brush work. Lightnin' Charlie and the Upsetters is a continuation of Charlie's 40-plus years of performing solo, in a duet with his wife, Beth and as a band leader. His career could, and does, fill a book, and he may be working on a second one. We were fortunate to discover a young multi-instrumentalist who moved here from Queens, NY after having graduated from the Berklee College of Music." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "My careers have each included music prominently, though I never actually sought out music alone as a career." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "Some of my other interests are studying history, investigating the cognitive sciences, listening to and reading about great humorists and watching and collecting music documentaries. Most of my book reading centers on musicians, bands, or other elements of American music." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "First influences were Gene Krupa and my dad. I began studying drums the summer after 6{sup}th{/sup} grade, then went on to be in school bands. I went through Navy boot camp in the Great Lakes Naval Training Center Band, then was in the US Navy Fleet Sonar School band in Key West in 1967-68. At the same time, I played in a rock band comprised of all sonar students who were the house band 4 nights a week at the Nite Beat Lounge in Key West." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "One thing people will find out about me is my time as a submariner made me very pragmatic. I have a strong sense of duty to anything I've committed to and a low level of tolerance for people who avoid doing what is needed, or those who have a less than honorable character." How can people contact you about booking and information? "People can contact me through my e-mail, but any offer for bookings will be sent to either of the band leaders I work with and for. I no longer use my studio for anything but band rehearsals and possible song demos for close friends. My email is montclairstudio@yahoo.com."