Roger Zee: How did the eight piece Kick Start Charlie, "Rock 'n Roll with a Blast of Brass," come together?
Mitch Saul: A former band mate always talked about starting a horn band. After a few years of musical hiatus in which I
thought I was done, he called out of the blue and asked me to sing in the horn group he had finally put together. I agreed to come
down to a rehearsal. So glad I did that day when I walked into a studio filled with great and talented players! From the very
first song we tried, we all knew we had something pretty special going down. The current KSC lineup includes me, Mitch Saul, on
lead vocals and percussion, Angelo Sapuppo on bass and vocals, Dave Silver on trombone, Mark Jenkins on drums, Maria Lazzar on sax
and vocals, Mark Pastore on guitar and vocals, and Dave Arndt on trumpet.
Roger Zee: Where does the band usually perform? What's your goal?
Mitch Saul: KSC mostly plays the tri-state circuit (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) -- private parties, club dates, corporate gigs, and inside and outside events
of all kinds, from Fourth of July concerts on the water's edge to New York City block parties and more. Our goal, purpose, and reason
for staying together remains simple. It’s all about the music -- the love of playing and performing. Knowing that we've always got
another gig coming keeps us happy and going strong.
Roger Zee: With so many players, how do you deal with the sub situation?
Mitch Saul: I consider KSC an off, off, off, upstate Broadway show. Not every player can make every performance. In 2007,
we performed about seven times. Now KSC plays roughly thirty-five gigs a year. So subs become as much a part of this band
as the instruments we play. We use outstanding musicians that want to work with us any time we call. We’re very fortunate and
lucky to have gathered a pool of subs that we call our family.
Roger Zee: Describe your most enjoyable and/or most unusual gig.
Mitch Saul: Tough to say what’s most enjoyable. We have played the Blauvelt Sons of Italy Feast and Carnival in Tappan, NY
for the past ten years. We get crowds of three to five thousand people enjoying our music -- singing and dancing in front of us.
That’s what I call a good time! On the other hand, we find small, intimate crowds that sing, dance, and enjoy a most memorable
experience also satisfying and rewarding.
Roger Zee: Tell me about your "SR Video" company.
Mitch Saul: SR Video's an advertising agency, production, and marketing company located in Rockland County, NY. Since 1989,
we have marketed and promoted all types of businesses with commercials that appear on network and cable television. We also
produce web-based, personalized promotional videos/presentation videos (Mini Movies) that show on Internet websites such as
Youtube, Facebook, Google and other social media outlets. If you or someone else you know owns a business and wants more information,
please share our website: www.sr-video.com.
Roger Zee: What advice do you give up and coming musicians?
Mitch Saul: Play for yourself and others to enjoy. Love what you do and your enthusiasm will shine through and transfer to
your audience.
Roger Zee: How do you see the future of the music business?
Mitch Saul: Music will always play an intricate part of people's lives. But making a living from it's hard. If you find a way, I take
my hat off to you! Other then that, it’s a great hobby that can make you a little cash -- instead of like golf where you have to
pay to play.
©2018 Roger Zee