Many sixth graders take up an instrument in middle school, but not all travel
the world playing the same instrument decades later. Lansing native Phil Denny
started playing saxophone at Gardner Middle School, and quickly fell in love
with tower of
power
sax man Richard Elliot. Today, it’s a fondness that remains – listening to the
likes of contemporary, R & B style players like Grover Washington Jr., Kirk
Whalum, Boney James, John Klemer, Art Porter, and Najee.
Fast-forward to 2010, and Denny shifted his focus to playing music full-time.
The next year was spent immersing himself into the business – writing,
recording, networking and attending festivals. In 2012, his debut solo CD
“Crossover” was released in August.
While some people might turn their heads at the ‘smooth jazz’ genre, Denny
assures his music is entertaining and engaging. “Phil Denny music is truly
instrumental R & B and pop music with improvisation,” he said. “It can be
smooth, up-tempo, energetic, sultry, funky or passionate. It’s labeled smooth
jazz for marketing and for radio. True fans of this music are also lovers of old
school, R & B and Motown.”
He has taken the stage at the Dubai International Jazz Festival, Headlining Jazz
Under the Stars in Nairobi, Kenya, and the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz
Festival. Michigan has a special place in his heart though, and he owes much to
his friends and fans in the Capital city.
“It’s home,” Denny said. “Many of the people that have supported me over the
years have grown with me and my artistry. I’ve become friends with many and
socially keep in touch as much as I can. Playing the Michigan music scene is
special for that those reasons.”
Being on the road is a happy place for Denny to be, an adventure he’s gladly on.
“Best part about the road is sharing your music,” he said, “the new experiences
and the meeting of new fans. I love my fans! I’ve always said, ‘You never know
where music make take you next’ … I consider each opportunity a fortunate
experience to do what I love.”
Each year, Denny performs a special holiday concert, which has become tradition
in the area for many families and concert-goers. “The Phil Denny & Friends
Christmas Collective brings together an exciting artist roster of recording
artists to collaborate on fresh, lively arrangements of holiday favorites and
original music,” Denny said.
The collective came to life in 2012, after the jazz musician was inspired by the
energy and response of performing live, and realized a need for more live music
experiences.
The annual event has become an excellent way for the Lansing native to introduce
his traveling artist friends to his hometown area.
“The show has evolved to be a production which draws upwards of 500 attendees
each year and has become a tradition for many. We continue to receive great
support from local businesses and have since added a food drive with the Capital
Area United Way with the help of our sponsor Michigan Plumbing. This year, WLNS
news anchor Sheri Jones will emcee.”
Opening acts include Sam Trump of Chicago, and “friends” include Kayla Waters,
JJ Sansaverino, L’Renee, youth artist Gabe Hammes, the Lansing School District
All-City Choir (directed by Dennys former Everett High School Band director
Joshua Hicks)and an entire troupe of Danceworks of Michigan dancers (directed by
Bridgett Boucha): Sara Spanogle, Devin Carter, Alex Krueger, and Jennah Quinn.
Denny’s bandmates include Demetrius Nabors, Gary Johnson, Robert Skinner, Jeff
Canady, and Eddy Garcia.
The Olivet College Business Administration and Marketing graduate took lessons
under private instruction at MSU. Denny is no stranger to LCC either, having
been a member starting senior year of high school in the LCC Jazz Ensemble, and
earning his Associate’s degree here as well. Marketing and business skills come
in handy for this saxophonist, considering he also pulls double-duty as manager,
label, concert promoter, booking agent, etc.
“I do it all,” Denny explained. “It’s a lot of work, though it’s very rewarding.
You have to be well versed to survive and thrive in this business. Learning to
balance being the musician and also being the ‘other’ roles can be challenging.
It takes a lot of time and dedication.”
Any remaining time is spent on his small vintage jewelry collection with his
wife, Amanda. The pieces are made from ‘un-refurbishable saxophones.’ Denny also
owns and manages two rental properties on top of all that.
When it comes to songwriting, Denny describes himself as an “in the moment kind
of songwriter.”
“I am typically drawn to a groove which stems my creative process. I have worked
and still work with a variety of musicians. It keeps the influence broad,” he
said.
One such fellow Michigan musician Denny has had the pleasure to play on stage
next to is household name and Motown icon – Stevie Wonder.
“It happened on the night the he was inducted into the Michigan Walk of Fame,”
Denny recalled. “My former band, Too Smooth for Notes, was playing at the former
621 club and he came in for a late night hang. After listening to the band play
for a while, he was escorted to the stage. It was a packed house by that time as
the word got around. I was all smiles! So much in the moment I forgot to get an
autograph following,” Denny said.
The bucket-list moment was described as awesome, but Denny’s not done with
pinch-me moments
anytime
soon. Up next on his list is his dream of performing with legendary sax man
Boney James.
He’s on his way – the third release, “Upswing” spent 16 weeks on the Billboard
chart, scoring a #13, a top ten on the Mediabase chart, and also reached #1 on
Sirius XM Watercolors weekly.
“Worldwide sales have been great for this CD and helped to further develop my
name in the industry,” he said. “I still manage myself and am considered an
independent artist.”
As for now, the independent artist is also the producer of the monthly Gallery
Suite Jazz Series at La Fille Gallery, creator of the first-ever Phil Denny's
Armory Smooth Jazz Fete. He’s also working on new music, an album to be released
summer 2018.