Starting Young
Phil began performing at age 9 by accompanying his father's polka band on clarinet. He played in multiple regional rock bands throughout his teens, culminating in Phillippe, an original pop-fusion band with his brother, Tim.
Phillippe drew hundreds and thousands wherever they played, and were approached by Columbia Records. When they couldn't come to terms, Phil accepted fate and started Raven Sound, hoping the business would keep him near music and ultimately let him play again. He built Rven into a major regional sound, lighting and staging company with operations from New York to Chattanooga.
Chuck Berry Loved His Sound
Raven has served over 5,000 bands, from Chuck Berry to the Beach Boys, from 1971 to present day. And Phil is recognized nationally as an amazing live sound engineer.
But his heart is in playing music. He has appeared with Marty O’Connor and Dave Blaetz, and performed with several of the tri-state rock and jazz bands including cat's A Bear, Quintessence, J.D. Blues and Tito.
He has played with national jazz musicians such as Tony Monaco, Pete Mills, Richie Cole, Claire Daly, Greg Abate and Jay Ashby.
Always Learning And Helping
Phil has studied with many great teachers, including Basil Ronzitti, Carl Adams, Frank Singer, and Stan Bialomizy. And for 50 years, Phil has supported musicians and helped built communities wherever he has worked.
Don't Stop
Finally, his full-time focus is back on music, where he has always wanted it to be. Follow Phil's live gigs on the Events Calendar.
Discography
Phil has recorded on over 20 album, including JD & the Son’s of Rhythm, with its strong European following. Here is a partial list:
- 13 CDs with JD & The Sons Of Rhythm
- CD: Tito In Wonderland, Cat's A Bear
- CD: Beggars And Poets, Mike Hamilton
- CD: Appalachia, Mike Hamilton
- CD: Here Together, Mike Hamilton
Social Media
- Facebook: facebook.com/philip.papotnik
Video/ Audio
Samples of Phil's music are available on this site with: