Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai)
Music has been the focus of Philip’s life since early childhood. His father played string bass in an orchestra and his mother played cello. They wanted all of their five children to learn a musical instrument. So, at age six, Philip began to study cello. Later, he studied guitar. But it wasn’t until he picked up his father’s electric bass in sixth grade that he found his “voice.” Soon after, he joined a band called “The Soul Explosions.” All throughout middle and high school, he played in every band he could.
After high school, Philip attended The Berklee College of Music in Boston. He studied with Wit Brown and practiced for hours every night. Then he joined a cover band called “Flash” and began playing six nights a week in a local nightclub.
He changed bands several times in the ensuing years. Eventually, Nuno Bettencourt of “Extreme” introduced Philip to Mike Mangini. Soon, he and Mangini were playing together in the "Rick Berlin Band." They entered and won a rhythm section competition in Massachusetts. And it was Mangini who later got Philip an audition with Steve Vai.
All the years of discipline and steady playing paid off. Philip landed the gig. He recorded and did many world tours with Vai. He received three Grammy Award nominations for his work.
In 2005, he received an Emmy Award for his work on the soundtrack for a remake of Reefer Madness.
Philip continues recording, touring and playing out. His versatility keeps him in high demand with an eclectic range of artists. He also teaches bass and ensemble work at the L.A. Music Academy in Pasadena.
As a labor of love, Philip is currently recording and releasing children’s albums with two groups, “PB & Deb” and “Jambo”. And he’s writing and producing many different kinds of music with various artists.
Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai)
Music has been the focus of Philip’s life since early childhood. His father played string bass in an orchestra and his mother played cello. They wanted all of their five children to learn a musical instrument. So, at age six, Philip began to study cello. Later, he studied guitar. But it wasn’t until he picked up his father’s electric bass in sixth grade that he found his “voice.” Soon after, he joined a band called “The Soul Explosions.” All throughout middle and high school, he played in every band he could.
After high school, Philip attended The Berklee College of Music in Boston. He studied with Wit Brown and practiced for hours every night. Then he joined a cover band called “Flash” and began playing six nights a week in a local nightclub.
He changed bands several times in the ensuing years. Eventually, Nuno Bettencourt of “Extreme” introduced Philip to Mike Mangini. Soon, he and Mangini were playing together in the "Rick Berlin Band." They entered and won a rhythm section competition in Massachusetts. And it was Mangini who later got Philip an audition with Steve Vai.
All the years of discipline and steady playing paid off. Philip landed the gig. He recorded and did many world tours with Vai. He received three Grammy Award nominations for his work.
In 2005, he received an Emmy Award for his work on the soundtrack for a remake of Reefer Madness.
Philip continues recording, touring and playing out. His versatility keeps him in high demand with an eclectic range of artists. He also teaches bass and ensemble work at the L.A. Music Academy in Pasadena.
As a labor of love, Philip is currently recording and releasing children’s albums with two groups, “PB & Deb” and “Jambo”. And he’s writing and producing many different kinds of music with various artists.