Music Films - Promotional, Documentary and Music Videos

JB Letchinger loves music; father Irving was a conductor and music teacher. JB has played the piano all his life and is working on the bass. Filming music and musicians is a superb combination of interests, skills and fascinations. This is a partial list of artists worked with, lit, filmed, or taped over the years. Click on the names you're interested in and check out JB's anecdotes and links to the music videos, docs and project samples, many specially edited for this website.

Aaliyah * Ajaramu * Rasheed Akbar * Natasha Bedingfield * Beyoncé * Blues Traveler * Bone Thugs * Chris Botti * John Carpenter * Bobby Columby * Dada * Neil Diamond * Chuck D * Bob Dylan * John Fogerty * Steven Foster * Delta Goodrem * Grammys * EmmyLou Harris * Ice Cube * Jawbox * John Jensen * Elton John * The Jonas Brothers * Keb Mo * R. Kelly * Kris Kristofferson * Joe Krown * K.D. Lang * Tommy Lee * Irving Letchinger * Jerry Lee Lewis * MC Lyte * Maroon 5 * Material Issue * Johnny Mathis * Billy May * Mercury Rev * James Moody * Charles Moore * Ivan Neville * Pantera * Pavement * Michelle Phillips * Poe * Rebirth Brass Band * Little Richard * David Sanborn * Fred Schneider * Nancy Sinatra * Slash * Sister Machine Gun * Snoop Dogg * Sting * Irma Thomas * Urge Overkill * White Zombie * Wyclef Jean

Detailed list follows (Internet Explorer users: try resizing your window as large as possible to help display issues resolve)

Aaliyah, 1993, Music Video, credit: Gaffer

"Let me Know," - with cameos by R. Kelly - shot in one day in and on top of a parking garage in Chicago. Working with the talented Romeo Tyrone behind the lens. We wrapped at sunrise and used many intense gels and a few big lights. See the youtube clip here: Aaliyah- let me know. RIP.




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				JB Letchinger loves music; father Irving was a conductor and music teacher. JB has played the piano all his life and is working on the bass. Filming music and musicians is a superb combination of interests, skills and fascinations. This is a partial list of artists worked with, lit, filmed, or taped over the years. Click on the names you're interested in and check out JB's anecdotes and links to the music videos, docs and project samples, many specially edited for this website. Aaliyah * Ajaramu * Rasheed Akbar * Natasha Bedingfield * Beyoncé * Blues Traveler * Bone Thugs * Chris Botti * John Carpenter * Bobby Columby * Dada * Neil Diamond * Chuck D * Bob Dylan * John Fogerty * Steven Foster * Delta Goodrem * Grammys * EmmyLou Harris * Ice Cube * Jawbox * John Jensen * Elton John * The Jonas Brothers * Keb Mo * R. Kelly * Kris Kristofferson * Joe Krown * K.D. Lang * Tommy Lee * Irving Letchinger * Jerry Lee Lewis * MC Lyte * Maroon 5 * Material Issue * Johnny Mathis * Billy May * Mercury Rev * James Moody * Charles Moore * Ivan Neville * Pantera * Pavement * Michelle Phillips * Poe * Rebirth Brass Band * Little Richard * David Sanborn * Fred Schneider * Nancy Sinatra * Slash * Sister Machine Gun * Snoop Dogg * Sting * Irma Thomas * Urge Overkill * White Zombie * Wyclef Jean Detailed list follows (Internet Explorer users: try resizing your window as large as possible to help display issues resolve) Aaliyah, 1993, Music Video, credit: Gaffer "Let me Know," - with cameos by R. Kelly - shot in one day in and on top of a parking garage in Chicago. Working with the talented Romeo Tyrone behind the lens. We wrapped at sunrise and used many intense gels and a few big lights. See the youtube clip here: Aaliyah- let me know. RIP. [back to top] Ajaramu, 1991, Live Video Performance, credit: Producer AACM founding member and Chicago jazz legend played a wild gig and we recorded in multi-track and shot it on video. Unfortunately no edited record of this was preserved. My interest in recording live music was building. [back to top] Rasheed Akbar, 2005, documentary, credit: Director/D.P. I met Rasheed in New Orleans while shooting a documentary for Equator HD. Our musician story had evaporated (it was one of three segments) and I volunteered to scope out local talent. I found Rasheed playing in front of Preservation Hall and got him in our documentary. After Katrina, I reached out to him and found him surviving in Memphis. He invited me out to "document" the aftermath and what was happening with the musician community there after Katrina. Long story short - I have been working on that project off and on ever since. Rasheed is a great man, a talented musician, articulate and philsophical. Watch a short version of his story. Watch the trailer Christian White cut for the project. email me for more info. [back to top] Natasha Bedingfield, 2006, EPK, credit: D.P. I was hired by Sony Music and their contractor, Soma Cinematics to D.P. an EPK for Natasha, we were invited to tape her live while she recorded and shoot interviews as well. I was allowed in the vocal booth and quietly shot some takes. Natasha was a sweetheart, easy to be around and very talented. View part of the "Unwritten" EPK [back to top] Beyoncé, 2004, EPK, credit: D.P. A fashion magazine EPK for broadcast release, we did a short interview with Beyoncé and some B-roll. [back to top] Blues Traveler, 1998, Music Video, credit: 2nd Unit D.P. After the band wanted a new story-line for their video, their label found a director to reshoot it, Marc Webb. He hired me to lens the new footage, featuring Denise Richards and Jeremy London. Yes, the Bond Girl met the Party of Five star in this video! A kind of love story ensued. Webb went on to direct for DNA and Denise to marry Charlie Sheen. Go figure. We had a crane, remote head and a good time shooting this one - 35mm. View the music video here on youtube. [back to top] Bone Thugs, 1999 Music Video, credit: D.P. The Bone Thugs 'n Harmony were doing some guest artist work on a "We are the World" style video I was working on. I spent an evening with them in the recording studio shooting their vocals and just hanging out. It was a blast. They really can party, lots of food and refreshments abounded. [back to top] Chris Botti- 2006, Documentaries and performance, credit: D.P. I was hired to shoot a making of documentary, shooting at Capitol Records, Studio A. Stunning studio sessions left me amazed at the talent surrounding me. Billy Childs, Botti, Anthony Wilson, Christian McBride, Al Schmidt engineering, Bobby Columby producing, Renee Olstead doing guest vocals. We knew we had something special in this session, but the video was not showing off the true talent of the players. The producers commissioned a live shoot with 5 cameras, to take place in the studio, as an extra to the dual Disc. That was a great shoot, I DP'd, Matt Skerrit directed and we had a blast, brought in lots of light from ELS, focused leicos from all corners of the studio - dimmer board, etc. A few months later, when Chris played at the Wiltern, I was tapped to provide documentary services again in support of the PBS broadcast of the live show and the DVD released later. Watch some of the Chris Botti live session . Here's a bonus clip from that session [back to top] John Carpenter, Documentary, 2004, credit: D.P. Called in by the Recording Academy (N.A.R.A.S. - the Grammys) to work on their archival history collection (a project I've done many days for). I had the pleasure of shooting John Carpenter and hearing all about the evolution of the Carpenters. This was in-depth - over an hour and a half. [back to top] Bobby Columby, 2005 Documentary and EPK, credit: D.P. I was lucky enough to work briefly with Bobby on the Chris Botti project. I went to his house and shot an interview with the pianist on the project: Billy Childs. I also shot him producing at Capitol Records on "To Love Again." [back to top] Dada, 1993, Music Video, credit: Gaffer Known mostly for their song "I'm going to Dis-knee Land," I gaffed that video way back when. We put dolly track in a circle and spun the D.P. around and around and around. Fun band, too bad they went away. [back to top] Neil Diamond, 2005, documentary/EPK, credit: D.P. I was allowed in the studio during the recording of "12 Songs," with producer Rick Rubin in the house. This was an awesome experience. I literally got chills while listening live. Neil's management wanted to know "what had happened" - he had only approved 10 minutes of behind the scenes shooting - but had allowed me to tape for almost an hour. Experience pays off. [back to top] Chuck D., 1991, Music Video, credit: Gaffer Working with the intense Prince Akeem in Chicago. Chuck D. flew in and made a cameo. Powerful voice. [back to top] Bob Dylan, 2002, EPK, credit: D.P. I was on set of "Masked and Anonymous" shooting for the movie's EPK. Got to see one of my heroes in person. He wasn't too into being photographed in a candid setting, but it was cool anyway. [back to top] John Fogerty, 2006, Documentary, Credit: D.P. We taped John offstage after he recorded with Jerry Lee Lewis for the Jerry Lee Lewis Live DVD. Steven Foster, 2005, Documentary, Credit: Director/D.P. Shooting this event for N.A.R.A.S., we met Steven Foster, jazz educator and musician from New Orleans. Relocated to Memphis, I followed up by doin some interviews with Steven for my own project. Here is a link to some of his live playing in a Katrina benefit. Delta Goodrem, 2004 , EPK/extras for Dual Disc, Credit: D.P. I shot a "making of" video on the set of Delta's music video. [back to top] Grammy Awards, 2005,6,7,8 Documentary, web-video, archives, Credit: D.P./ Camera Operator I have been part of the Grammy crew; working with N.A.R.A.S., covering events, rehearsals, and interviews over the entire week. They set me loose to work literally on the red carpet in '06, '07, and '08. Watch clips from this year's red carpet - Click on "Red Carpet" the first 2 clips in the video window are shot by me. I especially like the Dave Grohl shot. Some of my past favorite moments were meeting Dr. John and Allen Touissant, and watching U2 rehearse live. Emmylou Harris, 2007, live performance, Credit: Camera Operator I came onboard to operate on an Emmylou live show at the Derby in Los Angeles. 9 HD cameras. That's the way to shoot live! A BBC director/DP team came out for this. What a voice! I realized she recorded backups on one of my favorite Dylan albums: "Desire." [back to top] Ice Cube, 2004, Network Promo, Credit: D.P. Ice Cube came out to plug one of his movies on Comedy Central. Cool is the word. No wonder his name is Cube. Watch his piece in my reel here: promo reel John Jensen, 1983-1987, Credit: student John was my second piano teacher and left an indelible impression on me. He is still going strong. Moved to Minnesota. I would not be playing blues and jazz today if not for John. [back to top] Elton John, 2005, Documentary, Credit: D.P. I flew to Las Vegas to shoot Elton John and his band recording music for an ABC television show. He was working on the "Red Piano" stage at Caesar's Palace. I went up and back twice over a 3 day period. Elton Rocks! [back to top] The Jonas Brothers, 2005, Documentary, Credit: D.P. I spent 3 days with the Bros. shooting them before they got known. The label and their management wanted a behind the scenes documentary - kind of a making the band project. We shot live performances, rehearsals, meals, meetings, driving around Los Angeles, lots of fun. Congrats to them on their recent success! [back to top] Jawbox, 1994, Music Video, Credit: D.P. Cool band with an interesting sound. We used mirrors and other things. Watch youtube video here: Cooling Card [back to top] Keb Mo, 2005, Documentary/ Performance in studio, credit: D.P. Keb is a modern blues man. I'm convinced he's tapped into the blues spirit and has spent time at the legendary crossroads. His presence and music were both wonderful. We interviewed him and shot video of a live performance. view a part of the project here. R. Kelly, 1993-4, Music Videos, Credit: Gaffer The phenomenon that is R. Kelly. I was at the right place and got hired to gaff 2 videos for R. - Watch the youtube video for Bump N Grind here and also you can check out the youtube version of "Summer Bunnies" - banned from MTV due to - you figure it out. He also appeared in Aaliyah's "Let me Know" another gaffer credit. a Kris Kristofferson, 2006, Documentary, Credit: D.P. We taped Kris offstage after he recorded with Jerry Lee Lewis for the Jerry Lee Lewis Live DVD. [back to top] Joe Krown, 2005, Documentary, Credit: CoProducr - D.P. Joe was helped by Musicares in New Orleans after Katrina. We taped some of his story at his house there. Joe is a great piano player and I have become a fan. His CDs "New Orleans Piano Rolls" and "Old Friends," are in heavy rotation on my ipod. Check out his website here. (photo provided) K.D. Lang, 2003, Documentary, Credit: D.P. K.D. was close with Peggy Lee and for the PBS documentary project: "Fever -the Music of Peggy Lee," we interviewed K.D. Lang at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. Tommy Lee, 2006, Promotional web video, Credit: D.P./crew company Tommy and his "Rock Star Supernova" band came out to a green screen set I lit and I shot them for their Sony BMG website intro. If you have a fast connection it plays pretty well. [back to top] Irving R. Letchinger, 1965-2002, Documentary, Live Performance/Life, Credit: Son When my father got back into conducting after retiring for many years, it was a great opportunity for me to begin taping and filming his performances. He rallied after recovering from a heart attack at the age of 88 - and decided to go to Vegas - of all places. This struck a chord in me, and I felt it was a documentary opportunity I could not pass up. Watch some of the new "My Life in Music" documentary - taken from the documentary film also online: "Taking Chances with Irving." [back to top] Jerry Lee Lewis, 2006, Documentary, EPK, Performance, Credit: D.P./addl. D.P. I jumped at the chance to shoot Jerry Lee Lewis playing in studio (Phillips Studio) in Memphis. This led to a second trip to Memphis - the Lewis Ranch and shooting a few more days in L.A. Jerry Lee is one of a Kind, that is for sure. View some of the Jerry Lee Lewis live session from that first trip and view some of the Jerry Lee Lewis documentary here [back to top] MC Lyte, 1999, Independent Film, and EPK Credit: D.P. It was a pleasure working with "Lyte" on the film: "A Luv Tale." She also had me shoot some community events she did for her EPK. [back to top] Marroon 5, 1995, EPK, Credit: D.P. I shot an EPK for broadcast release, we did an interview with the band and some B-roll. [back to top] Material Issue, 1993, Music Video, Credit: Gaffer I gaffed a couple videos for this band. RIP Jim Ellison. Watch youtube video here: What Girls Want [back to top] Johnny Mathis, 2005, Documentary/EPK, Credit: D.P. Sony's production company had me go to a studio in the valley where Johnny was recording and shoot behind the scenes. I got to tape a live vocal track, standing with him in the booth. Also got to shoot some of the full orchestra in the studio. Both were a treat. Getting paid to shoot music, getting in the middle of an orchestra and hearing great vocals live and unamplified, that's a real treat. Also went to Johnny's house for an HDNET/PBS/ Sony doc shoot. Nice indoor pool! [back to top] Billy May, 2003, Documentary, Credit: D.P. Billy had some great stories for us when he interviewed him for the PBS documentary: "Fever - the Music of Peggy Lee." He passed away soon after our interview. RIP Mr. May. Mercury Rev, 1992, Music Video, Credit: Gaffer Way out band with big European following. Wild concept. Watch youtube video here: Car Wash Hair [back to top] James Moody, 2003, Documentary, Credit: D.P. Called in by the Recording Academy (N.A.R.A.S. - the Grammys) to work on their archival history collection (a project I've done many days for). I had the pleasure of shooting James Moody and hearing all about his career in music. This was in-depth - over an hour and a half. [back to top] Charles Moore, 2005, Documentary, Credit: Director/D.P. Shooting a live benefit performance in Memphis for N.A.R.A.S. and Musicares, I met Charles Moore, musician from New Orleans. He had relocated to Memphis after Katrina. I followed up by doing some interviews with Charles for my own project: "Survivors." Watch Charles playing live, and check out a few minutes of his conversations with me from the "Survivors" project. [back to top] Ivan Neville, 2005, Documentary/EPK, Credit: D.P. We taped Ivan in another studio, after he recorded with Jerry Lee Lewis for the Jerry Lee Lewis Live DVD. We provided a documentary crew to shoot simultaneous to the main performance crew on a nearby studio in the Jim Henson studios. (Formerly A and M records, formerly the Chaplin Studios in Hollywood.) Urge Overkill, 1993, Music Video, Gaffer I went to Miami to work on this for 2-3 days. Couldn't say no. We had a great time with Urge. Too bad they went away, but they ROCKED. Power pop. Watch youtube video here for Sister Havana. Pantera, 1993, Live Music Video, Credit: Gaffer Unbelievable live show. Crazy! Got hassled by the hard-core roadies on Pantera's crew. Rigged some hot lights at the Riviera, I believe it was, in Chicago. The crowd found some of our dimmer cables and unplugged them, had to operate them by hand back-stage! Check out the stage diving - hang on and see the youtube video already watched 2.4 MILLION times: WALK! [back to top] Pavement, 1995, Music Video, credit: D.P. I had a blast working with Pavement and the Drag City directors. Kind of an "anti-MTV" aesthetic. With all the rock on my reel at the time, what they liked was a student film I had shot in a very naturalistic way. Go figure. Cameo by Veruca Salt. Watch youtube video here: Painted Soldiers [back to top] Michelle Phillips, 2005, 2008 Documentary, Credit: D.P. For the PBS documentary: "Fever - the Music of Peggy Lee," we interviewed Michelle at her home and at a studio. I recently returned for another PBS project. Great lady.