Dave Hanlon’s Recipe For Success
I caught Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook at the Dinosaur, for the first time, a few months ago after attending the Cheap Trick concert on Franklin Street, downtown. As my friends and I staggered in we found the joint spinning with action. People were dancing and having a jolly ol time grooving to the Cookbook until wee hours. Solid group. Lotsa fun!
Since 1983, Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook has performed throughout Central New York at numerous venues, including clubs, concerts, weddings, and parties. This highly talented and versatile band continues to win over new fans and keep the existing ones coming back with their high-energy Rhythm & Blues dance oriented presentation.
Cookbook has shared the stage with many international artists, including: Paquito D’Rivera, Tom Scott, Average White Band, George Benson, Bella Fleck, Charles Earland, The Manhattans, Karen White, Jeff Altman, The Rippingtons, Gerald Allbright and many more. Cookbook has released 3 CD’s. “Dif In” in 1984; “Live from the Dinosaur BBQ” in 2004, and most recent CD, “Hot & Sweet,” released in November of 2010 Cookbook is known for their high energy live shows, driving people to the dance floor with their funky grooves, soulful energy and Gospel driven vocals of original member, Ava Andrews. Rounding out the band is the great talents of keyboardist Ed Vivenzio, guitarist Lee Tiffault, bassist Jimmie Spivey, and bandleader, drummer Dave Hanlon.
And, with their busy schedule before them, Dave was kind enough to take a little time for this interview. So, here we go.
Chuck Schiele: Howdy Dave! Thanks for joining us.
Dave Hanlon: Thanks, Chuck.
CS: Looks like your cookbook keeps you busy in the kitchen. How did you get started?
DH: My father was in a Marching Band, and as kid I remember playing his snare drum. I bought my first set, right out of 8th grade, and have been playing since!
CS: Tell us about Cookbook. And the scope of projects of which you are involved.
DH: Cookbook was started in 1981 as an instrumental band. Lasted a year or so, then I changed the musical direction in 1983, to a dance driven R&B format and brought Ava Andrews on board to be our vocalist. She is still fronting the Cookbook. We have recorded 3 CDs and have won 2 Sammy Awards. Lee Tiffault is on guitar, Ed Vivenzio is on keys, and Jimmie Spivey is on bass.
I also have played with the Charlie Bertini’s Apple Jazz Band since 1983, too. We played once a year to a sold-out audience at Little York Pavilion. Now, we are playing a few concerts a year. Last year at Syracuse Jazz Fest, and this Fall at Homer Performing Arts Center. Apple Jazz Band has released 5 CDs.
Most recently, Ron France and I put together a new band called Funky Jazz Band. It’s an all instrumental funk/jazz band. We have been playing Wednesdays at Greenwood Winery through the summer. I originally had an instrumental Fusion band with the same name in 1976 and we played at a club called the Spirit of “35, for 18 months. That was my first experience as a band leader.
Funky Jazz Band consists of Ron France is on bass, Ed Vivenzio on keys, Jim O’Mahony on guitar and Brian Scherer is on reeds. We will return next summer to Greenwood and will be playing different venues throughout the Fall/Winter.
Lastly, I have been involved in Filming & recording with producer Tom Emmi on his show entitled Studio Jams. We have taped many here in Syracuse at Subcat Studios, and last summer I taped a show with former student Jon Fishman of Phish, in Philadelphia. The exposure this show has given me is beyond my wildest dreams. I have had almost 1.5 million views of the songs I have performed on and there are songs yet to be released and more sessions in the future.
CS: Very impressive. Sounds like a lot of fun. Who are the drummers you learn from, or are inspired by?
DH: I get inspired by all good drummers. My early influences were; Sandy Nelson, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, and then I got hip to Elvin Jones, Joe Morello, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Louis Bellson etc.
CS: Kit of Choice?
DH: I typically play my Yamaha 5-piece oak set. I have 34-year-old Sonor set I practice on. I use a variety of Cymbals.
CS: You’ve been at it long enough to have collected some memorable moments throughout your musical career….
DH: Well that covers 55 years, so there have been many, but a few that stand out are being a co-clinician with Louis Bellson in 1975 at Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angles to an audience of about 300 drummers. I was playing with a band in Alaska, when Louis asked me to join him. I couldn’t get on a plane fast enough!
Another was receiving my Sammy Hall of Fame Award in 2005. Jon Fishman gave it to me, and pulled out his 1st drum lesson manuscript paper I wrote for him! Another highlight came when I was included in the Zildjian Cymbal Set Up of Famous Drummers Catalog in 1981, due to my national exposure playing with Duke Jupiter and my consistent communications with Zildjian.
Most recently, another highlight came when I was nominated and won the 2015 International Studio Jams Most Inspirational Drummer Award. I never expected to be nominated, let alone win. Very rewarding & humbling too. Another Syracuse musician, Mark Nanni won same award in the keyboard category! 2 from the Cuse!
CS: Wow. Outstanding. Congratulations. The hard work pays off. Any shareable funny war stories from your colorful days in gig land?
DH: Well … many come to mind … Dove was booked for a week in Vermont. We got fired after our 1st night (which has never happened before or after) so we descended on some college campus’ and played for room & board! We had a ball & students loved it!
Another war story: After two weeks in California in 1975, I joined a band, played a week in San Diego, and then the club owner and his muscle men told the band at end of week we weren’t getting paid! We left with all our limbs intact, but no pay!
CS: Thank you for sharing. What are your thoughts on the CNY music scene?
DH: CNY is filled with excellent bands and musicians! All styles too! Great venues with lots of excellent concerts. It’s a very healthy scene here.
Like most cities, it’s very competitive and always fluid. Ask Ron Wray about our musical history, one filled with great bands and individual musicians throughout the years. Great young players are continuing that tradition here in CNY.
CS: When you’re off, who do you go see around here?
DH: Symphoria, Loren Barriger, Emiden Rivera, Mark Doyle, Joe Whiting, Edgar Pagan, Ron Leigh, any Jazz or R&B band … many, many more.
CS: When you’re not doing music, what do you like to do?
DH: I have also had a career for 35 years in Real Estate. That’s how I put my children through college! It’s been a great blend of careers.
My music is returning to be the more predominant one at this point in my life again. Playing in 3 bands and teaching drums privately takes up some time, plus the marketing, booking, practicing etc. When doing neither, I love the outdoors and walking and swimming and snowshoeing in the winter.
CS: Your best tips for longevity in the music biz?
DH: Keep your health at the forefront. Practice your instrument, push yourself to be your best, network, be open minded, be nice to others. I have mellowed thru the years, and being a bandleader for over 40 years, I have learned from my mistakes. In order for a band to survive, you need gigs, respect of each other, enjoy each other, (most of the time!), love to play music, love your audiences, and love life. It all comes out in the music. Interacting with each other in a positive way, gets you the results you are trying to achieve that’s best for all.
CS: What’s in the near future for your music?
DH: Hopefully Cookbook continues to stay busy, and we find some time to work on originals and get back into the studio.
Funky Jazz Band the same, more private teaching, and record/film more Studio Jams sessions here in Syracuse & Philadelphia.
CS: How do we keep track of your musical action?
DH: Cookbook has a web site: www.davehanlonscookbook.com. Funky Jazz Band has a web site: www.funkyjazzband.com
Both bands have their own Facebook page, and I utilize this publication and others to supplement our gigs on club dates section.
CS: Dave, it’s been very good talking with you. Thanks for doing this article.
All the best to you with your endeavors.
DH: Thanks, Chuck. It’s been a
pleasure.
Chuck Schiele is an award-winning musician, art director, producer, editorialist, artist, activist, member of SaltCityChill.com and fan of the CNY music scene. To be considered for this column, please write chuck.schiele@gmail.com.
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