Take Five with Bassist Phil Ravita

Meet Bassist Phil Ravita

One of the Mid-Atlantic's most versatile and sought-after bassists, Phil Ravita leads Ravita Jazz and appears with many other jazz and classical ensembles and orchestras. He is also host of a weekly radio program on WMTB 89.9 FM. Tune in on Mondays at 8 PM EST. He has shared the stage with music legends Joe Coleman, Jimmy Heath, Bobby Shew, Claudio Roditi and Ruby Glover, appearing in countless clubs, concert halls, and festivals. He can be heard on numerous recordings. He won critical acclaim for his work on the highly praised 2021 recording Jagged Spaces. In April 2023, he released Oriana with his band, Ravita Jazz. In May 2025, the band released Alice Blue. A university and college music professor, Ravita is a popular clinician. He holds a master's degree in jazz performance from the University of Maryland, College Park (2011), post master's Advanced Special Studies in jazz performance from the University of Maryland, College Park (2013) and earned a doctorate in music education from Boston University in 2020. Dr. Ravita is a Maryland State Arts Council Touring Artist. Ravita uses Aguilar Bass Amplifiers, MONO Cases, and REMIC Microphones

Instruments:

The instruments I use are an 1848 Lowendall Shop, round back German String Bass, Ken Smith electric six string bass, and various American Fender bases.

Teachers and/or influences?

I have had a lot of great teachers. I think of all my teachers the two of the most influential were my first music teacher, Mr. Leroy Groll and my baseball coach Mr. Mike Armetta.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

I knew I wanted to be a musician when I was four years old. All genres of music were always being played on the record player in my home by my parents. I was fascinated by the harmony and fast melodies.

Your sound and approach to music.

My approach to music is to do the best job I can and to produce the best sound I can. A musician's sound is something developed over a lifetime. It comes from the musician... I would say about 80%. Reliable high-end equipment makes it easier to produce this sound and reduces stress.

Your teaching approach

My teaching philosophy is simple. I strive to provide students with the support and guidance they need in a firm but nurturing environment.

Your dream band

I am in my Ideal band. That is, with positive, resolute musicians who respect each other and the music we perform. I am always open to collaborating with other artists. I want to be in the room with folks I can learn from and challenge me to push my limits.

Road story: Your best or worst experience

This is my best story. I was playing a gig at a high-end hotel in the D.C. area on New Years Eve a few years ago. The band was in a large lobby that had a ceiling that was easily five stories above our heads. I looked up and saw a net of balloons. I pointed this out to the guitarist and said "that looks like a lot of balloons, I wonder what they are going to do with them." He shrugged and said he did not know. Well, we found out at midnight. The balloons were released. They looked impressive coming down. The whole lobby was waist deep in balloons of every size and shape. After the last song. We had to "pop" our way out. I was the only one with a pin. I used it for a buttoner on my tuxedo on a previous gig. At the end of the night the staff came in with leaf blowers to clear the lobby.

Favorite venue

I have performed at many great venues. A short list includes Blues Alley, Mr. Henry's, Takoma Station and Twins Jazz in D.C.; An die Musik Live, Baltimore Museum of Art, Buddy's Jazz Club, The Haven and The Hippodrome in Baltimore; the Count Basie Theatre, Liberty House in New Jersey and Cornelia Street Café in NYC. They are all my favorite for the opportunities they have afforded me to do what I love.

Your favorite album in your record collection and why?

Chet Baker's album Chet Baker Sings. I love the melodic structure of his solos and how he gives the songs on the album what they need in terms of feel, melodic, and harmonic structure.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?

I think the most important thing anyone can contribute is positivity and a chance for others to enjoy music and forget about life for a while.

Did you know...

I am a private person despite my social media presence.

The first jazz album I bought was:

The first jazz album I bought was Music is My Mistress by Duke Ellington.

Music you are listening to now:

I listen to a variety of music. This includes traditional jazz, fusion, rock, Latin, music from the Classical period, music from the Romantic period, 20th century and polkas.

How would you describe the state of jazz today?

It is in good shape. There are emerging artists who are taking the development of jazz to the next level. Overall, I am noticing among new artists an overall respect for the past while not being bound by it.

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?

I think we as jazz artists must keep growing and appealing to new and younger audiences. Jazz has always been a fusion of a range of styles and techniques found in music. I think to keep it alive we must continue this process while remaining cognizant of the contributions of those who invented, developed, and shaped the artform.

What is in the near future?

We will have to wait and see about this one. I do not like talking about things until they are finalized.

What is your greatest fear when you perform?

None really, every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

If I were not a jazz musician, I would be a:

If I were not a jazz musician, I would be a symphony musician.

If I could go back in time and relive an experience, what would it be?

The time I did a concert with an Elvis impersonator for 3,000 fans in an arena. They all screamed at once. It was so loud I felt like I was underwater. Then we faced the audience behind the stage, giving them front row seats... The crowd screamed even louder. For the second show the handlers told us just to face front...

What's the song or piece of music you wish you could hear again for the first time?

"Now and Then" by the Beatles.

Comments