Q & A with Braves Organist Matthew Kaminski

When you're watching the Phillies games this week in Atlanta, you may notice the appropriate tunes of Braves organist Matthew Kaminski.

Kaminski is responsible for playing the batter entrance themes for the visiting team, as well as entertaining fans in between innings (the Braves come to bat to their own pre-selected music).  Kaminski has earned a reputation for playing timely and relevant songs, based on a player's name or circumstance.

We had a chance to talk with Matthew about what he does, and what his plans are for when the Phillies come to town this week.  You can request songs from Matthew on Twitter @bravesorganist.

And yes, he will be playing the Mister Softee theme for Chooch.

Read the interview after the jump.

How long have you been doing this?

 

This is my second season.

 

Is the organ a bit of a lost art at baseball games?

 

It's getting that way. I think that more teams are opting for 'pre-recorded' or CD music these days. I'm happy that the Braves have kept it alive!

 

You’re famous for your player specific music.  How much do you have to know about the games/players to play timely and appropriate music?

 

Actually, not much these days. I have a twitter account ( @bravesorganist ) and I get so many suggestions that all I have to do is pick my favorite, or the best one for the situation. I do have to make sure there's a specific reason for what I play, unless I don't know, for example, who a pinch hitter is going to be. Then I might play something like 'Who Are You'. 

 

Is there a favorite song you like to play?

 

My wife was born in California (from a military family) and I love the Beach Boys, so I love playing 'California Girls' for her. Recently, I just learned the 'Family Guy' theme, which seems to be a favorite of the crowd. 

  

Any player ever given you a hard time about songs you’ve selected for them?

 

Not yet.

 

Now, the Phillies.  Is there a player you look forward to picking on with one of your song selections?

 

Most recently, I've been playing 'Jesus is Just Allright' for Jason Werth. I hope he doesn't shave his beard again!  (interview was conducted pre beard death.  R.I.P. Beard)

 

You played “The Office” for Ryan Howard.  Do you have to constantly have to learn new songs?  And do people ever ask you about obscure references like that?

 

Yes, I have to learn at least 10 new songs each series. It's actually been good for my 'ear training', meaning, being able to pick up a song really quickly by listening to it a couple of times. And yes, I get questions all the time and I try to get them to figure it out themselves, but I'll give them the reason for the reference if they really can't figure it out. 

 

How did you go about getting a job with the Braves?

 

One of my adult organ students knew the person that was hiring and hooked me up. Shortly afterward, I had an interview with Scott Cunningham, the director of game entertainment for the Braves. He had me 'audition' in the 2 spring training games last year at Turner Field. I guess I did pretty well for those games, because I got the job!

 

When you’re not playing baseball games, where else do you play?  Tell us a little about your personal career.

 

I'm primarily a jazz organist (I'm an endorsee for the Hammond Organ Company) and have just released a new album on Chicken Coup / Summit Records entitled 'Taking My Time'. You can purchase it on my website at: http://www.matthewkaminski.com . My jazz organ group plays around the Atlanta area with different vocalists. Also, I play the piano for a Salsa band called 'Orquesta MaCuba' whenever I can. We play at an Atlantan restaurant called 'Loca Luna' on most Saturdays. In October, I play the accordion occasionally with a Polka band called 'Laurentz Und Die Katzen' (Lawrence and the Cats). Moreover, I freelance as an organist, pianist, accordionist with different vocalists and instrumentalists. You can view clips of some of these groups at my YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/organizedtime

Strangest thing seen from the press box?

 

Hmmm, some foul balls have come in, but I have yet to catch one! 

 

Ever made a mistake that you hoped no one would notice?

 

I make them all the time, probably every game. I just pretend like it didn't happen and am pretty good at 'covering up' my mistakes. 

 

Do you have any players/teams that you look forward to getting creative with?

 

Hmmmm, I don't know about specific players, but I would love to play Monty Python's 'The Lumberjack Song' for someone named Jack! Also, for someone named Tony, I'd love to play 'Tiny Dancer' - 'Hold me closer Tony Danza'! Or someone named Bruce could get 'Don't Bring Me Down' by ELO. There's a part in that song that sounds like, 'Don't Bring Me Down. . .. . Bruuuuuuuce. . !"

 

 

You use Twitter a lot to engage fans for feedback.  Have you ever received any off the wall requests?

 

Always! One unusual one was for an internet cartoon theme song called 'Trogdor'. Also, the reporters in the press box with me always have requests. In particular, the Phillies reporters absolutely love Yacht Rock songs by Michael McDonald, The Doobie Brothers, and similar artists. 

 

 

Will you play the Mister Softee theme for Carlos Ruiz?  Long story on this one.

 

I did play it and will play it again when the Phillies come back. I don't think we have Mister Softee here, so I wasn't familiar with the song. Does he like ice cream that much?!!!

 

Anything funny planned for the upcoming Phillies series?

 

I was thinking about a couple of songs for Ryan Madson like 'Head to Toe' by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam or 'Tip-toe Through the Tulips'. 

 

What do you do on off days/weeks when the Braves aren't at home?

 

I'm a husband and about to be a father (our daughter is due any day now). I teach about 30 piano/organ students, gig with various groups, am pursuing a Masters Degree in Music at Georgia State University (part time), and try to keep up with things to do around the house!

 

I see that you are also an accordionist - just like former Braves pitcher/current Braves announcer John Smoltz.  Have you ever considered asking him to do an accordion duet at a game?

 

I actually haven't met John yet, but I heard he was really good at the accordion as a child. I would love to talk to him about it. I'm more self taught on the accordion than the piano and organ, and perhaps he could show me a thing or two!

 

Are there any other fan bases who are very vocal/interactive with you besides the Atlanta ones?  Who gives the most requests?

 

The Phillies fans are definitely the most vocal! Also, the Cubs fans have been vocal this year as well. I grew up in Chicago, so we had a lot to go back and forth about. I would also say that the teams in our division (the Marlins, Nats, Mets) are also vocal because they hear me a lot more. 

 

A lot of stadiums use canned organ music (or no actual organ music at all) and the Ted used to be one of them.  What made them decide to go to live organ playing again?  What would be your best argument to persuade other teams into doing the same thing (back to live organ music)?

 

Scott Cunningham, our director of game entertainment brought the organ back to be more interactive with the crowd. That would be the best argument, because I can play anything that comes to mind for a specific situation, whereas a CD of canned organ music will have the same 20 songs being played at every game. Moreover, my interaction with the fans through Twitter and by meeting some of them in person gives the fans an added 'excitement' to their experience at the game. When a fan makes a request and I play it for them a couple of minutes later, they get a really big kick out of that!

Comments

[FightinPhillies]

Nice interview, I would like to see the Phillies get an organist back, since Paul Richardson passed away no one has said anything. The Phillies made him play out on Ashburn Alley until he passed away, that was foul.

Let's get a petition up to get an organist at Citizens Bank Park!

Rich
http://fightinphillies.com

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