You Speak To Me In My Dreams by Carmine D'amico Ensemble

16 Grammy Awards validate that Carmine represents "THE school" of music, in which the ability to successfully play one's part has been the key to outstanding performance. In today's music world, where it is sometimes sufficient to merely know a few chords and licks in order to make a recording, Carmine stands out as a true student of music and an incredible talent whose flexibility and ability are legendary!

The Early Years

" ...Make each note a diamond." That's what his father, Joseph D'Amico,jazz trumpet player,and working musician, said to him when he was seven years old. Carmine has never forgotten those words. He gave Carmine the choice of playing either the piano or the guitar. The senior D'Amico also told him not to be concerned about how many notes he played when he would solo, but that each note must have meaning. His father would sit with him every night, teaching Carmine various musical styles, reading skills, guiding him,and encouraging him to be the best musician he could be.Joe D'Amico was a perfectionist and he instilled that quality in Carmine.About living with such high standards,Carmine states, "Sometimes it's a burden, but it's always motivating".

At age 9, Carmine recorded "Who Wears Short Shorts," and it became a big hit. He was then signed to Capitol Records and went on tour. Performances included American Bandstand with Dick Clark, The Allen Fried Show, Soul Train, as well as concerts. Carmine ultimately wound up doing "50's" hit records at the ages of 9, 10, and 11 with the Shirelles, Connie Francis,The Crests,Bo Diddley,Fabian,Frankie Avalon,Neil Sedaka,Carol King,The Royal Teens,Sessions with Teddy Randazzo,Sammy Fields,Jim Fogelsong,King Curtis,and his studio band.

When Carmine was in school, he won Academic scholarships to both Private high school and college. He graduated valedictorian of Trinity High School with a 99.9 average,winning all academic medals with one exception. Carmine found himself pre-med because his father was not confident that anyone could make a living in the music business.Carmine's father wanted him to be a doctor. However,when his medical professors at Albert Einstein School of Medicine found the young man composing songs during his classes, they suggested that he do what really made him happy - music.

With his father's reluctant blessings,Carmine left medical school,transferred to Queens College and majored in music. Despite the fact that he could not attend classes regularly,and was rarely there,as he was touring with a variety of performers including - Tammy Grimes,Liza Minelli,Ed Ames,Gregory Hines,Frankie Laine,and Vic Damone.Carmine nonetheless managed to graduate with an "A" average, and received his B.A. in Music Education.He found Queens College a waste of time.

Military Bands

Upon graduating college during the Viet Nam era,Carmine's military service eligibility status immediately changed to a "1-A" draft classification. He entered military service and was accepted into an assignment with a special Army Swing Band. He had no idea that he was going to be stationed in Viet Nam and Guam; or, that he would be working with Bob Hope,Suzanne Summers,and a wide variety of other performers supporting troop morale via USO shows. Carmine returned to New York upon honorably completing his tour of duty and resumed his career activities, first joining Tammy Grimes(Ms.Grimes was the star of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" on Broadway at this time),as her personal guitarist,then Ed Ames.

Musician To The Stars

While with Ames, Carmine recorded with the artist at RCA Records on two of his biggest hits, "Try To Remember," and "My Cup Runneth Over" in New York.His guitar was added as an addition to the Musical Recordings as overdubs.Ed Ames had Carmine play Ed's personal classical guitar on the songs,under Jim Fogelsong,Ed's Producer in New York.Carmine then went on the road with Ames,under the Musical Directorship of Norm Geller,pianist,arranger,conductor extraordinaire.Norm then continued conducting,and arranging for a wide variety of artists like Vic Damone.Robert Goulet,Carol Lawerence,Lanie Kazam etc.Norm later became The Main Concert Room Conductor at several Las Vegas resort hotels,and contined his prestigous career in Las Vegas. When Ames got called to co-host with Mike Douglas on his nationwide television show, he brought Carmine along with him. Carmine was asked to continue on the show as staff guitarist. He remained on staff on that show for 3 years.The show was national,under the leadership of Joe Harnell,(Musical director of "Name That Tune" and composer of "Fly me to the Moon))and later Joe Massamino,piano/arranger/conductor.

During this same period, Carmine met Emery Davis, son of society bandleader, Meyer Davis. He worked for Davis doing "society parties" all over the world,like the opening of Paradisie Island in the Bahamas,The opening of The Kentucky Derby,Private Parties for The Kennedy's in MA.Private Parties for Mayor's

of NY,Rudy Gulianni,Mayor Koch,Mayor Lindsay,Governor of NY, Mario Cuomo,all at Gracie Mansion,the Mayor's Residence,and Albany,NY,the seat of the New York Goverment.Carmine not only played for all these Presidents,Vice Presidents,Governors,Mayors,he retained a liason with them to this day. When Davis took over as contractor of the Westbury Music Fair, Carmine also worked with Bobby Darrin ("Mack, the Knife"),Perry Como,Dana Valerie,Bob McGrath(Sesame Street),Judy Collins, Sergio Franchi,and his tours,Patti Austin's recordings,Englebert Humperdinck's recordings,(with whom he recorded "After The Loving"),Vic Damone's recordings,Manhattan Transfer,Shirley Maclaine(Live at The Gershwin Theatre).While Carmine lived in LA,He played guitar on "The Joey Bishop Show",Rowan,and Martin's "Laugh in",Henry Mancini's recordings,TV Specials with Andy Williams,Charo,Comedians Dick Shawn,Buddy Hackett,Sid Cesar,and Imogene Coca,then:Michele Legrande's Recordings(Carmine played guitar on the movie's,TV,and CD's of "The Summer Of 42","Theme for Brian Piccolo","Summer me,Winter me",)In NY; Bernadette Peters,The Pointer Sisters,Recordings,and TV specials with Bobby Vinton,The O'Jays,TV Specials with Bill Cosby,Jack Jones,Billy Eckstein,Alan Jones,Lainie Kazan,Carmine played guitar,and conducted the band for vocalist Jane Olivor,Elisa Kashi's recordings,Connie Francis'recordings,TV shows with Regis Philbin,Julie Budd,Recordings for Dolce,Nancy Sinatra,Arthur Godfrey,Dennis James,and the Cerebal Palsy Telethons conducted by Anthony Cabot,and his orchestra,Frank Sinatra Jr.,The Four Seasons,with Frankie Valli,Bob Gaudio,David Lynch,David Shire,Joan Baez,Lana Cantrell,Leslie Gore,Mary Travis,and Peter Paul,and Mary,The "Today Show" on NBC TV,Mariah Carey's recordings,Marianne Faithful,and her recordings,{produced by famed guitarist Keith Richards),Recordings for Tony Sandler,of Sandler and Young,Joel Grey,Daniel Friberg,and his Latino recordings,Tito Puente's Latino Recordings,Ray Baretto,and recording with famed guitarist Carlos Santana.

" ...Make each note a diamond." - Joseph D'Amico ( father )

As you see, Carmine has had the great fortune of working with many of the finest musicians in the world, most commonly known among these include:Matt Miller,Pat Curley,Eric Weissburg,Dave Weckl,Dave Grusin,Lee Finklestein,Dave Valentin,Norm Geller,Frank Scavone,Michael Hinton,John Arucci,Hartley Singer,Anton Fig,Wayne Sabella,Johnny Manne,Joel Pirard,Jim Caterine,Joe Beck,Carmen Leggio,Rector Bailey,Mickey Baker,Sam Brown,Cy Coleman, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie,(Bernard is The most recorded drummer in music history.Purdie and Carmine go back over thity five years as close friends)Steve Gadd,(Legendary studio drummer.Steve is now on tour with Paul Simon,and James Taylor.Steve,and Carmine have been close friends in,and out of the studios for over twenty five years.Steve is playing drums on this cd's song "Life Is Too Short",arranged,produced by Carmine)Joe D'Amico Sr,trumpet,and Joe D'Amico Jr,(Carmine's son,arranger,composer,drums,guitar,from 40 below summer)Al Miller,Matt Miller's Dad,(world renowed big band drummer,and recording Star)Kathy Berrisford(Famous Jazz Flutist),Carl Rigoli,Marty Morell,Frank Owens,Terry Silverlight,Bill Nelson,Tony,Cabot,Eddie Bert,Will Lee,Vinny Ricatelli,Leo Bald,Nancy Marano,Wayne Andre,Tony Agresta,Artie Baker,Seymour Duncan,Keith Richards,Ron Carter,Austin Applegate,Phil Woods,Allen Schwartzberg,Rick,and Jerry Marotta,Eddie Daniels,Sam Ash,Richard Pratt,Sonny Stitt,Toots Thielman,Roger Kellaway,Artie Baker,David Shire,Lou Tobie,Eumire Deodato,Rick Cutler,Don Sebesky,Rick Laird,(bass with the Mahavishnu orchestra,Chick Corea)Steve Kuhn,and his recordings,Dexter Gordon,King Curtis,Sammy Bidner,(Music Director for Jerry Lewis.)Carmine played guitar for Jerry Lewis,Dean Martin,(and Jerry Lewis' MDA Telethons)),Buddy Williams,Tony Williams,Stanley Clarke,and his recordings,Dom Minasi,Don Albano,Carmen Macrae,and her recordings,Joe Cocuzzo,Eddie Cacavale,John Dankworth,Anthony Hymas,Jon Faddis,Lou Marini,Walter Murphy,Mike Hall,The BEE-GEES,Jay Beckenstein,sax,and leader of Sypra Gyra,(Carmine was a member of Syra Gyra for a short time)Lew Delgatto,Henry Mancini,Michele Legrande,Peter Matz,Carlos Santana,and his recordings,Grady Tate,Franseco Centano,Daniel Frieberg,Jeff Ganz,John Patitucci,Joe Cabot,Glen Drewes,Charlie Gordon,Lou Marini,Paul Pincus,Lionel Hampton,and his recordings,Teddy Wilson,Danny Armstrong,Joe Raposo,(Carmine played guitar on sesame street)Teo Macero,Phil Ramone,Ahmet Ertegun,Azise Godsell,Idris Mohammed,Russ McKinnin,Richie Cannatta,Shelly Manne,Mel Lewis,Thad Jones,Rufus Reid,George Coleman,Bucky Pizarelli,Kenny Smith,Tony Savage,Tony Cabot,Joe Cabot,George Duvivier,Chuck Delmonico,Mel Torme,Jimmie DiJulio,Yaron Gershovsky,Jay Leonhart,Chuck Rainey,Jerry Jemott,Harold Wheller,Ettore Stratta,Frank Owens,Leon Pendarvis,Bob Cranshaw,Tom Barney,Buster Williams,Paul Griffin,Reggie Workman,Eddie Gomez,Mitch Kerper,Lonnie Rutstein,Ronie Finck,Eddie Bert,Maurice Mark,Pat Rizzo,Pat Russo,John Frosk,Doc Severinsen,Jack French,John Scully,Nat Adderley,Ronnie Cuber,Joe Harnell,Angelo Baddalemente (composer of the theme song for the TV show "Twin Peaks"),Cornell Dupree,Gordon Edwards,Lee Finklestein from Tower of Power,Chris Parker,Will Lee,Rusell George,Paul Schaefer,Richard Crooks,Bob Babbitt,Keith Loving,Tom Malone,Jack Jennings,Randy,and Michael Brecker,Lew Tabachin,Warren Chaison,Rick Cutler,Milt Hinton(The Judge),Eddie Cacavale,David Manne,Joe Cocuzzo,Mike Hall,Elliott Randall,Boris Kozlow (leader of "The New Charlie Mingus Big Band"),John Tropea,Bob Rose,Les Paul,and his favorite,Chris D'Amico,Carmine's late brother and bassist to the stars,and so many other fine musicians too numerous to name.

The Hits Keep Coming

Another string of successful projects seemed to begin when Carmine's old friend, Teddy Randazzo, called him for an album for Walter Murphy, called "A Fifth Of Beethoven." Through Teddy and Walter Murphy, Carmine wound up playing guitar on all of the musical selections recorded for "Saturday Night Fever" with the Bee Gees(24 songs). Murphy also called Carmine to play for the movie, "Killer Bees". Randazzo called Carmine to play on two albums with the Stylistics which included hits such as: "You Make Me Feel Brand New,""Betcha' By Golly Wow","You Are Everything and Everthing is You",Carmine also did albums with Eric Carman,Peter Lemongello,Fred Rohan Vargas,Marion Williams,Patti Austin,Leon Pendarvis,and The Movie "Blue Velvet",with Bobby Vinton.

After an introduction to Lou Tobie by Randazzo, Carmine did four albums with Ray, Goodman and Brown. Those sessions included the hits: "You Gotta' Be A Special Lady", "Happy Anniversary To You", and "Inside Of You," all of which were also co-produced by Barbara Baker (wife of famed studio guitarist Mickey Baker of Mickey and Sylvia "Love Is Strange" fame) and Vinnie Castellano. Continuing with Tobie, Carmine also recorded albums with Stephanie Mills, Vanessa Williams, Patti LaBelle, Freda Payne,Melba Moore,Tina Turner,Gloria Gaynor,Ben Vereen and played on all of the Sugar Hill Productions, the later being known as the "Motown of New York".

Carmine's old Queens College schoolmate, Marvin Hamlisch, composer of "Chorus Line" and the theme song from the movie "Ice Castles," called Carmine to do a concert tour with him. This opportunity led to Carmine directly working in the traditional Jazz arena with Mel Torme, along with Mel Lewis and Thad Jones. He also recorded several albums with both, Mel Torme and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Band.

In the same period, Tony Cabot,famed bandleader,conductor, for Westchester Premier Theatre, the Rainbow Room at the Top of the Sixes,and bandleader,conductor of the yearly Cerebal Palsy Telethons that were nation-wide,hired Carmine to play guitar,banjo,and mandolin.Tony also introduced Carmine to John Dankworth, who is the saxophonist, clarinetist, and husband of singer, Cleo Laine. Carmine played the concert at Carnegie Hall, which was also recorded live and won a Grammy for "Best Jazz Album of the Year"(Cleo Lane live at Carnegie Hall).

At the same time, Carmine was doing Concerts,and Videotaped "Sesame Street" Shows on banjo,mandolin,and vocals,and voice overs.Carmine used all his collection of Jazz,Classical,and Acoustic guitars,Requinto,electric Bass,and Cuatro,for sax/contractor Mauricio Smith.Tuscan Farms commercials with Buddy Hackett.Gary Chester,drums,and Recording Contractor had Carmine First call for all his "jingles"(commercials),movie dates,Cable TV ,Like( VH1,HBO,MTV,Specials)Carmine composed"Snapple"Beverage radio Jinges. With Producer Sam Ash,Carmine did all the HIP,TV,and Cable TV commercials.Carmine played various concerts with Shirley Bassey,"Live at Carnegie hall",and "Live at Avery Fischer",Rosemary Clooney,Margaret Whiting,Perry Como,Mitzy Gaynor,Jane Olivor,Sarah Vaughan,Helen O'Connel,Sammy Davis Jr.,Barbara Stresiand's recordings,Gregory Hines,The late Gilda Rander,Yvonne Elliman,Roberta Flack,and her recordings,Johnny Mathis,Nancy Wilson,Ben Vereen,Andre Kostelanatz's recordings,Ferrante and Teicher's recordings,The Kingston Trio,The Smoothers Brothers,The "BEE GEE'S" recordings,Mariah Carey's recordings,Josephine Baker,and was ultimately introduced to the Maestro,Leonard Bernstein,who was then conductor of the New York Philharmonic.Carmine was asked by the composer to play guitar on "Leonard Bernstein's Mass", which was also recorded live at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Television, Film and Jingles

Judy Hart Angelo, composer of the theme for the TV show, "Cheers," called Carmine to play for the recording of the show's main theme and incidental music. Carmine also played guitar for years, on and off camera,for the "Kate and Ali Show,"starring "Susan St.James,and Jane Curtin",which was being videotaped live from the Ed Sullivan Theater in NYC.Hear Carmine's arrangements,and production of a new commercial(2006) http://www.rohanvargas.com/audio/virgin_islands.html

Angelo DiPippo, arranger.pianist,and accordionist,called Carmine to play mandolin and guitar in the movie (See Carmine on camera in the the wedding scene) and for the soundtracks of "The Godfather", along with albums for Rodney Dangerfield, Dom DeLuise, James Darren, Jimmy Roselli(along with Shelly Mann and George Duvivier)drums,and bass,Recordings for:Frank Sinatra,Mike Douglas,Al Martino,Julius LaRosa,Enzo Stuarti,Sergio Franchi,Dana Valerie,Tony Bennett,Mary Costa,Jan Pierce,Frank Owens, and Trini Lopez,This particular recording period found Carmine doing performances for the recording of hundreds of thousands of recordings for major artists,TV and radio commercials, such as: Miller Beer, Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, Budweiser, Kodak, 7-Eleven, Oscar Meyer, Tuscan Farms (with Buddy Hackett), etc.Carmine also played guitar for the Original Broadway shows of "HAIR","PIPPIN",and "CATS" on Broadway in New York City.

Carmine,as Composer and Arranger

With Yaron Gershovsky,conductor,arranger(vocal arranger, musical director and pianist) for Manhattan Transfer,Carmine co-wrote,with Yaron two episodes of "The Equalizer" for CBS television,in collaberation with Angelo Badalamenti,composer of the theme for"Twin Peaks".Carmine, continuing under Badalamenti's supervision,composed entire movie scores for Cable,The Movies,and TV,with his co-composer Yaron.Carmine also wrote two original compositions for commercials advertising the "Snapple" beverages, and wrote assorted compositions for MUZAK,HBO,VH1,MTV Main TV Themes for various shows,as well.This prolific period was the height of opportunities for Professional Recording Musicians.

The Present ...

Today,Carmine D'Amico continues Performing,with Guitar,Mandolin,Bass,and Banjo. Producing,Composing,Arranging and Recording,(Educating the next generation of musicians,)for a variety of musical artists. His first solo release was titled,"The Guitar Factory Plays The Music from Jesus Christ Superstar" on RCA/BMG Records.His second, "The Carmine D'Amico Ensemble",featuring his talented and lovely wife, Ronee - vocals. As the music business changes and evolves, Carmine D'Amico is musically changing and evolving, as well. Carmine has been at work on his upcoming new CD titled, "You Speak To Me In My Dreams",now available here for purchase. Carmine is in the process of his Fourth solo cd.The Fourth CD of music will be titled "The Awakening". Official Merchandise at http://www.cafepress.com/carminedamico WARNING:Our Official other domain is, http://www.OFFICIALCARMINEDAMICO.BIZ for the new cd,photos,forum,etc. BEWARE!! Any other Domain name claiming to be mine is Fraudulent.My only Official SITES are: http://www.carminedamico.com choose MUSIC,and GALLERY and http://www.OFFICIALCARMINEDAMICO.BIZ

To study with Carmine Live,or "On Line"-guitar,mandolin,voice,bass,arranging,composing,and production,(all styles)email him at carmine@carminedamico.com

copyright:2007 CarmineDAmico.com

Carmine D'Amico plays and endorses:Seymour Duncan pickups,GHS Strings,and Picks on all his guitars/mandolins/banjos etc,Rocktron amps,and effects,Tech21NYC amps,Gerard Melancon Guitars,Heritage Guitars,Sadowsky Guitars,Lava Cables for all his instruments,and microphones,Henneken Guitars,

Terry McInturff Guitars,Rosa String Works Mandolins,and Mesaboogie amps,See Equipment at Our Official Website http://www.carminedamico.com Download,or Buy CD's at: http://www.bathtubmusic.com/album.php?id=1317 http://music.msn.com/album/?album=43390987&affid=100003 http://www.mp3tunes.com/album_details.php?album_id=34172 www.itunes.com choose music store or to install I tunes http://www.apple.com/itunes/affiliates/download/ http://www.bitmunk.com/showdetails.php?action=view&cwid=6335733 http://www.cafepress.com/carminedamico.com (CD,and Merchandise) http://aol.musicnow.com/az/album.jhtml?id=5593777 http://www.sonyconnect.com http://www.idolunderground.com http://www.musicnow.com/az/album.jhtml?id=5593777 http://www.apple-iTunes.com http://www.itunesEurope http://www.itunes-Japan http://www.itunes-Canada http://www.itunes-UK http://www.bestbuy.com http://music.yahoo.com/ar-24964621---Carmine-DAmico-Ensemble http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/191368 http://www.passalong.com/Music/AdvancedSearchResults.aspx? http://www.mp3.com/albums/441060/downloads.html http://www.unitedmusic.org/album16_13.html http://www.reelsoundofmusic.com/modules.php?name=t http://www.melo.pl/artysta/aid/177355 http://musicisherr.com http://www.chondo.net/cnd/viewArtists.do?artistId=2927 http://www.mp3-extension.com/track/702036 http://www.real.com/dmm/rhapsody http://www.napster.com/view/artist/index.html?id=12156206 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CA83BQ/ref=nosim/002-0414693-4490419?n=5174 http://store.sensual-sensations.biz/pasp.html http://www.rhapsody.com/carminedamico/youspeaktomeinmydreams

Average Customer Review: