Philip Andrew Appelbaum

December 20th, 2021

I met Phil just over two years ago through his very good friend Mike. From the moment I met him, Phil was sweet, kind, caring, funny, and truly an amazing human. I’m grateful for the movie nights we had at his house pre-pandemic (with his famous martinis), followed by hours of phone conversations when we couldn’t see each other in person. Phil and I talked about dreams (him especially about his dreams of his dad), music, movies, and differing philosophical perspectives on life. Even though I didn’t know him long, Phil is one of the best men I’ve ever met. My prayers and gratitude go to his family for bringing such an awesome person into the world.

~Bryce Downey
~friend, Santa Fe, New Mexico

December 19th, 2021

Phil sold me my first ticket to a Todd Rundgren concert way back in 1973 when he worked at ARS in Winnetka. We became fast friends. We spent many times over the years sharing and enjoying the music of Todd, and good scotch. He helped me throw a 4th of July backyard concert with Todd here in Kenosha in 2001. We will once again listen to his 6-hour New Year’s Eve countdown CD set and raise a glass to our friend, Uncle Phil.

Sincere condolences to his family-

CLB

~Cathy Lee Brandstetter
~Friend, Kenosha, WI

December 17th, 2021

This picture was taken when Phil came to visit me after I broke my leg! He helped me to get through a very rough time with laughter and with great friendship! He was a beautiful man

~Karla Puariea
~Friend, Albuquerque, NM

December 16th, 2021

I met Phil in 1985 here in Albuquerque. He became the “Sound Czar” (Phil’s term) for our band “The Fascinators”, and we worked with him exclusively for the next 8 months. Music business changes sent us separate directions for awhile, but he returned to do our final show in May 1987. We were a good band, and Phil’s wonderful abilities helped us be a great band. We met up with each other at many events over the years, and we last got together at a concert in February 2020. We will all miss you, Phil.
Love,
Steve Brittenham & Heidi Hilland

~Steve Brittenham
~Friend and Music Associate, Albuquerque

December 16th, 2021

When you consider the list of people he has worked with, it reads like a history of New Mexico music, from Carl Silva, The Muttz, Alma, Chuck Coulter, Strictly Taboo, The Strawberry Zotz, The Philisteens, Femme fatale, Cadillac Bob & the Rhinestones, Chris Dracup, Wendy Beach, Bert Dalton….the list is endless.

He had world class chops, but preferred to practice his art in New Mexico after moving from Chicago via LA in 1974. He worked with national and international artists including Spencer Davis, Harriet Schock, Chris Calloway, Doug Lawrence and many more. He did work for NASCAR and NBC television. You could find him in the company of people like the Rolling Stones or Todd Rundgren.

Phil won no fewer than 37 MIC Awards, the progenitor of the NM Music Awards, including Album of the year in 1992 and 1994 for Strictly Taboo’s Playing with Fire and Speak No Evil, also taking home the best producer award in 1992.

Phil was meticulous, at one time re-setting all the clocks in his house and studio before his morning coffee. We will always remember him colorfully dressed and glass raised in celebration. God bless you Phil for helping to make us what we are today; a world class music community.

~Jose Antonio Ponce
~New Mexico Music Awards Producer, Albuquerque

December 16th, 2021

From the family of Philip Appelbaum

~Judy Appelbaum
~Mother, Highland Park, IL