PHILLIP LASSITER
Philip Lassiter’s contribution and relevance to the music industry are as diverse and celebrated as he is. The highlights of his impressive career include production and arranging work for seven GRAMMY winning projects with Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin in addition to working as section-leader, arranger and lead trumpeter for Prince. Lassiter is revered as a sought-after songwriter (SESAC) and Jazz musician whose talents earned him an endorsement with Cannonball Instruments and a recent record deal with GroundUP Records. Lassiter is also the musical genius behind the funk group Philthy.
Two decades of gospel, soul, R&B, funk, jazz and salsa sounds have served as a combined muse for Lassiter. Eight years in Dallas, TX brought these inspirations to life, and all the while under the wing of some of the most talented musicians and producers in the world. Bernard Wright, Bobby Sparks, Keith Anderson and many others opened new musical doors and further expanded his notoriety in the gospel and funk industry. As an arranger with multi-platinum artists including Prince, Fantasia, Kelly Rowland, Jill Scott, Roberta Flack, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Al Jarreau, Anthony Hamilton, Frankie Beverly, Ledisi, Regina Belle, Donald Lawrence and hundreds of others.
Several years in Nashville further diversified Lassiter’s musical portfolio. While there, he worked with the legendary producer Tommy Sims, performed and arranged the music of former Columbia Records country artist Shelly Fairchild, and performed in numerous awards shows such as the Dove Awards, The Stellars, and performed with My Morning Jacket at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. While in Nashville, Lassiter also formed his funk group Philthy. The talent Philip gathered for Philthy was representative of his working relationships with the best players and performers in both Nashville and New York. Based in DC, he currently leads an 11-piece horn section for Prince, with whom he tours internationally and in the U.S, and is preparing for his long-awaited album release of DreamZzz which is slated for June 10th, 2014.