I had heard about Joe Soldo from my saxophone/clarinet teacher, Joe Allard, some 40 years ago. Soldo was Allard’s dear friend and favorite pupil—a term Mr. Allard liked to use. When I finally met Joe Soldo 12 years ago, I understood why Joe Allard liked him so much. It wasn’t just that Joe Soldo played magnificent lead alto; or played flute with a beautiful “classical” approach; or that he was simply the best musical contractor one could ever hope to work for. It was that Joe Soldo lives for music, is still passionate about music at 91 years of age, and is as honest as they come. Ask Joe a question about anything that he has knowledge of and he will give you a straight answer with no holds barred! You’ll hear that in this video. I’ve had the good fortune of getting to know Joe and he reaffirms why I wanted to be a woodwind doubler—he brings a sense of artistry, elegance and integrity to the profession. Listening to the musical clips at the front & back ends of this video interview will give you a brief taste of his musical and stylistic sensibility. Joe has set a high standard for all of us to work towards. I am thrilled to present a true legend of the music industry.
About the Artist: Joe Soldo has done the variety of work that most musicians can only dream about. He has recorded & contracted for Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Pat Williams, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Jack Jones, and Rosemary Clooney, among many others. He has been a contractor/player on TV show soundtracks for the Carol Burnett Show, Matlock, Diagnosis Murder, etc. as well as for dozens of films including 5 Mel Brooks films, American Pie, and Lucky Star. He played and/or recorded with the bands of Elliot Lawrence, Ralph Flanagan, Shep Fields, and Woody Herman. He was the first reed player on many Broadway musicals including the original productions of Mr. Wonderful, Bye Bye Birdie, Golden Boy and How to Succeed in Business. Joe also played with some of the finest orchestras in the world—The New York Philharmonic, The Bell Telephone Hour Orchestra, The CBS Symphony—as well as some of the most esteemed radio show orchestras such as the Kraft Music Hall and Kate Smith Radio Shows. He is still going strong today while celebrating 75 years in the music industry.