Phil Sunkel

American jazz composer, trumpeter, cornetist, and flugelhorn player.
Born: November 26, 1925 in Zanesville, Ohio, Died February 27, 2023, New York, NY.
Phil Sunkel II, 11/26/1925-2/27/2023 - Phillip Charles Sunkel II, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 in New York City. He had a long, wonderful life. He was born in Zanesville, OH and spent his early years in OH. After serving in the Army in WWII at age 18 (combat and playing trumpet for the Army Band) overseas, he returned home and went to the Cincinnati Conservatory on the G.I. Bill where he honed his trumpet, flugelhorn, and cornet skills. He ended up in New York City in the 1950's and 60's, which was an exciting and vibrant time for jazz. In addition to albums of his own "Jazz Concerto Grosso," and "Every Morning I Listen to Phil Sunkel's Jazz Band," he appeared live and on numerous jazz albums as a sideman with the likes of Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Gil Evans, Tito Rodriguez, Woody Herman, Dizzy Gillespie, Sauter-Finegan, Claude Thornhill, Charlie Barnet, Dick Meldonian, and many others. He once said, “MY idea of a jazz band, is something between a small combo and a big band incorporating the good features of both. Here we have the flexibility of a small group which allows the soloist a maximum of freedom, plus the color and drama produced by the different ensemble sounds.” He was the trumpet player on the Merv Griffin Show in the early 1960's and played with the Playboy Club Orchestra for 7 years, he played at numerous resorts, and played for Broadway musicals. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Sue, who took great care of him in his final days, and also a beloved father, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, certified organic farmer, foodie, wine maker, and a dog & cat lover. He died peacefully in his sleep in a nursing home in Queens, NY.