Joe Whiting Memoir
Syracuse Music Icon Joe Whiting Publishes New Memoir
To “live” it.
The life of a musician. The choices we make in the pursuit of it all. The roads we take into the woods of that world. To feel the joy and pure divinity in it. To know the ache and addiction of it. To be devoted.
With an incredible history, Joe Whiting stands among the very elite when it comes to musicians who made an impact in Syracuse music. The popular, household name saxophone player has enjoyed a career including many groups, many shows, records, tours, and the best part of all…the stories.
Released earlier this year, “Saxophones, Microphones and Buried Bodies – A Memoir by Joe Whiting,” it is a book of wonderful tales and an over-the-shoulder look into the colorful life of music from Joe’s personal perspective. It is sure to evoke countless memories if you were along for the ride as a music lover. If you’re newer to the scene, it offers glimpses into the rich history and a golden age or two in Syracuse’s music history.
I have a lot of respect for Joe, and I’m always happy to see him. In fact, I just saw him backstage at the Ridge about a month ago, appearing on the same night in a concert featuring original music from Syracuse. He’s always smiling. A true gentleman.
Chuck Schiele: So…I’m betting you didn’t expect to become a historian of sorts for Syracuse music when you first picked up the horn. It’s always interesting where you find yourself in life, isn’t it?
Joe Whiting: To say the least, it’s interesting Chuck. When I was in Junior High School I wanted to be a disc jockey. I thought it would be cool to be able to be on the radio and spin the latest hits of the day. That wasn’t how things worked out.
CS: Your path in life through music has colorful episodes and quite a few chapters. You wrote a book. Did you just decide one day to do it; or has the idea been brewing a while longer? What drove you to do it.
JW: Over the last several years some folks have suggested that I should write a book but I always thought, “well, who the heck would care?” When Covid hit and I had more time on my hands I just started writing down some thoughts and incidents that I thought were either interesting, humorous or meaningful on an emotional level. I found it cathartic and since I’ve always had a good memory, it was not hard to bring the past back and to put my stories in proper perspective.
CS: As rich as your wealth of history is, what are some of your favorite memories?
JW: Certainly my first paid gig in the spring of 1964. It was a house party at a classmates house and the five piece band was paid a total of $20. That’s total not per man! I go into more detail in my memoir. I’ve felt for years that I have on more than one occasion had a guardian angel looking out for me. I’ve had guns pulled on me in several situations and I’m still alive to talk about it. My most meaningful gigs were not at Madison Square Garden, The Omni or Radio City Music Hall but rather private gatherings that were so emotional it’s hard to put into words. I talk in depth about them in my book.
CS: As you see it, what were the major developments in the culture of Syracuse music? The things and the people who’ve helped to keep it thriving.
JW: From the very beginning of the rock era, Jimmy Cavallo was the Godfather, Bobby Comstock was a friend and a mentor. Sam and The Twisters all drove around in white Corvettes. Certainly the blues scene that started in the early 80’s has been a constant in the area. There are many jazz influences such as Jeff Stockham, Ronnie Leigh, Charlie Bertini, Phil Klein and Bob Doyle just to name a few. The Mario DeSantis Orchestra and The Stan Colella Orchestra both of which I have the pleasure of working with have helped keep The Great American Songbook alive. You could write a book about the music scene, in fact Ron Wray has.
CS: Right here, right now…tell us a little bit about some of the treasures we’ll find in your book?
JW: I think readers will find insights into the music business from someone who has lived it in the trenches. I had a ‘cup of coffee’ in the Majors with RCA in the early 70’s but basically my career has been as an independent artist experiencing the ups, downs, and the in’s and out’s of a life in music for six decades.
They will also read stories about some of the places I’ve been, some of the musicians I’ve worked with and some of the interesting situations that I’ve found myself in over the years.
CS: You are loved by many and have a lot of stature, here. You’ve made your way and life through signature time and key – and this is where you chose to play it. Please share your thoughts on your city and the music in it.
JW: I’ve always been a small town guy. I’ve lived in Skaneateles virtually all my life. My wife Diana and I have lived in the same house for over 40 years. I could never move because we’ve got ‘too much stuff.’ You can make music anywhere and I’ve been extremely lucky to be able to make my living playing music in Central New York. People have supported literally every venture I’ve been involved in. Some ventures turned out better than others but that’s life and that’s growth isn’t it?
CS: What do you have to say to people just getting into music?
JW: I always tell anyone that if they are serious they need to love it. Not just really like it or think that it would be fun or cool, but really love it. Love music, love people and most of all love yourself. If you don’t love and respect yourself you will never get anyone to really love you. Not everyone may agree with that but it’s my philosophy. As a side note I would advise them to learn to sight read music which is something I never did but if I could turn back the clock I would.
CS: The world. The ever-changing state in the way it spins…what is (or are) your perspectives on the changes you’ve seen in the state of music, and the music world itself… and where it might go from here?
JW: Even with all the changes in how we record music, how we listen to music, how we purchase music, and how we absorb music, one thing remains; you have to create something that people enjoy. Yes, you have to please yourself but ultimately music is about communication. We all need to connect in which ever way that is now available and in any way that the future will develop. I know it can sound trite but music is the universal language.
CS: How do we get the book?
JW: The best way right now is to go to my secure website @ joewhitingmusic.com you can use all major credit cards and I personally sign everything. Just let me know if it’s a gift so I sign it for who it’s intended. Of course, I have it with me at all my performances. You can also send a check or money order to Joe Whiting P.O. Box 65 Skaneateles, NY 13152. Hardcovers are $38.40 tax and shipping included or $33 for the softcover tax and shipping included. In person it’s $33 tax included for hardcovers or $27 for softcovers tax included.
CS: How do we stay in touch with you and your music?
JW: My website is joewhitingmusic.com I have an events page and I’m on Facebook @Joe Whiting and at Joe Whiting Band. You can also drop me a note at my P.O. Box.
CS: Thank you for taking some time with us, Joe. It’s been a pleasure! Congratulations on your tremendously insightful, interesting and fun book!
JW: Thank you Chuck it’s my a pleasure talking with you and I look forward to seeing you perform again. Good luck with all your endeavors my friend.
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