Lee Finkelstein, drums

In a career spanning over twenty five years, Lee Finkelstein has built up a reputation as one of the funkiest and most versatile drummers in NY, playing with artists as diverse as Ben E. King, Donna Summer, and Bill Cosby. Along with “driving the bus” and cofounding Funk Filharmonik, Lee presently tours the world with The Original Blues Brothers Band.
While Lee was the studio drummer for The Cosby Show(80’s) he recorded with and backed up Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Grover Washington Jr, Eric Gale, The Oregon Symphony Orchestra & Randy Brecker. He has also recorded, performed and/or toured with Isaac Hayes, Eddie Floyd, Bette Midler, Blood Sweat & Tears,Russ Freeman, Julio Iglesias, Frankie Paul, Johnny Winter, Steve Cropper, Lou Marini, Will Lee, Paul Shafer, John Tropea, Leon Pendarvis, Alan Rubin, Saturday Night Live, Dave Valentine, Cornelius Bumpus, Anthony Jackson, Mary Wilson, Hudson River Rats, Joey Ramone, Vaneese Thomas, Mario Cruz, Jens Wendelboe, Don Blackman, Oz Noy, Deena Miller, Dave Fields, Jay Prince, Yasgur’s Farm, JimPin5+2-1, Red Flannel Hash, The Zen Tricksters, Cosmic Oven!
As for Lee’s (substitute) work with Tower of Power he embarked on what he calls “an educational, ass-kicking, and humbling experience.” He had two day’s notice, no rehearsal, and only a soundcheck to get acclimated to the band. “Garibaldi has some of the biggest shoes on the planet to fill,” Lee says. “I raised my seat and changed the position of my snare drum so I could play with more of an edge— During the soundcheck/rehearsal, I went for a Funk Filharmonik fill that I usually do, and it was like someone pulled the plug on a treadmill and five (horn players) guys kept running—I had to cop that Garibaldi fill. After the fourth show I was getting on the bus when saxophonist and leader Emilio Castillo turned to me and said, ‘Man, you sounded great tonight.’ It felt good to get that confirmation.”

Equipment:

GMS DRUMS

· 67′ Mod Orange Ludwigs 12″,13″ 16″, 22″

· 67′ 5½” Ludwig “400″ snare

· 87′ 6½” Ludwig Hand Hammered Bronze Snare

· 54′ 5½” WFL Snare

· Assorted hardware

· Vater Sticks

· Evans Heads

· Sabian Cymbals and Hats

· Samson Mics