In this episode of Music Matters (NAMM Show edition) we dive into the complex and ever-evolving world of music industry trademarks and intellectual property.

Our guest is internationally recognized entertainment, trademark, and intellectual property attorney-and accomplished musician-Ronald S. Bienstock, joining us from his offices in Morristown, New Jersey.

Together, we explore the legal foundations that protect artists, brands, and creative work in today's global music business.

More about attorney Ronald S. Bienstock

A leader in the industry with nearly four decades of experience, Ron structures transactions and commercial agreements to provide optimal returns for his clients. If a formal dispute arises, he guides them through litigation involving a full range of licensing, patent, trademark and copyright infringement issues. Over his career, he has been involved in multiple landmark music industry and intellectual property cases.

Ron works with music instrument manufacturers, songwriters, producers, recording artists, musicians, authors and others in the entertainment industry, helping to protect their ability to profit from their craft and prevent others from taking advantage of their intellectual property.

office website www.foxrothschild.com 

personal social media www.instagram.com/bassmanesq 

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

Las Vegas-based funky soul favorites Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns make theirNAMM Show debut on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Saturday, January 24 4:30-6 PM in Anaheim, California. 

Trumpet player and acclaimed musician Danny Falcone joins the podcast to talk about the band's journey, their upcoming NAMM performance, and his rich family musical legacy that continues to shape his career. 

More about Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns

This band is the culmination of the dreams of all of the individual musicians in the band. We all dreamed about what the 'ideal' gig would be, and it went something like this: To play music that moved, challenged and inspired us without the usual external restrictions, influences, or boundaries that come with every other (paying) gig,... To make that music with people we love and respect both personally and musically. And to be able to share it with others.

That is what Santa Fe & the Fat City Horns is all about. The band is a throw back to all the horn bands that influenced us all growing up, as well as a tribute to our musical heroes and friends mixed with our own music and arrangements. Old School and raw, but polished with pride and discipline. 

Santa Fe website www.santafeandthefatcityhorns.com 

social media www.instagram.com/santafeband

Danny Falcone social media www.instagram.com/danielfalconemusic 

Jazz Vegas Orchestra social www.instagram.com/jazzvegasorchestra 

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

Well known concert pianist Kimball Gallagher has made a huge impact on the lives of countless young people through his global non profit "88 International"

Kimball Gallagher recently wrapped a two-week U.S. tour with the Tunisia 88 Alumni Choir, a group of young musicians who helped build those clubs from the ground up to what eventually became 88 International. The tour moved through universities, community spaces, and cultural institutions along the East Coast, with collaborations at Yale, Princeton, Bowdoin, Duke, and others. Along the way, the choir shared the story of how a student-led movement grew into an international network, and the tour set the stage for what Kimball is building next.

On April 13th, Kimball returns to Carnegie Hall for his first solo recital there in over a decade. The program will combine classical repertoire with music shaped by his experiences working with students across Africa and Asia, with members of the Tunisia88 Alumni Choir joining him on stage, bringing the exchange and energy of the tour back to one of the world's most iconic halls.

Kimball's path also defies the traditional classical trajectory. Raised in Boston, he pushed back against a strict musical upbringing, rediscovered the piano on his own terms, and later studied at Rice and Juilliard. Early on, he questioned the narrow routes available to concert pianists and began experimenting with salon-style house concerts that emphasized connection over convention. His idea to fund a piano by asking 88 donors to sponsor 88 keys became a turning point, showing him how music could build community far beyond the concert hall.

That experiment led to a seven-continent concert journey and eventually to the founding of 88 International. Supported by partners including the European Investment Bank, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the U.S. State Department, the organization has reached more than 200,000 students and helped spark programs across North Africa, West Africa, and Southeast Asia.

With the Tunisia88 Alumni Choir's U.S. debut and his upcoming Carnegie Hall recital, Kimball is reconnecting his global work with his artistic roots. It's a full-circle moment for an artist who has spent the past two decades blurring the lines between performance and purpose.

website www.kimballgallagher.com www.88international.org 

 social media www.instagram.com/kimball.gallagher www.instagram.com/88internationalmusic 

YouTube Tunisia88 https://youtube.com/@tunisia88?si=vCabRnbVuxOKuL8q 

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

Rick Morse is a Senior Financial Advisor along with being a Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Long Island, NY. In this episode Rick talks about music, your money, and planning your future!

Rick graduated from Ithaca College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He earned his Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and the Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ designation. He is a member of Investment Management Consultants Association, CFP Board of Standards and the Institute for Preparing Heirs.

Rick grew up navigating two worlds with complimentary sets of values. One culture focused on achieving success while the other focused on enjoying success. His focus includes multi-generational wealth planning, business succession strategies and tax aware investment management. He advises high net worth families, corporate executives, foundations and profit sharing plans. His goal is to help clients bridge the gap between building wealth and preserving it and has his clients make thoughtful, unhurried decisions. Rick has the knowledge, experience, and access to fully capitalize on the extensive resources and global reach of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. 

Website https://advisor.ml.com/sites/ny/melville-ny/morse-group

Listed as Richard Morse on the website

Location Melville, NY

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

About Michael Hampton 

After studying jazz guitar in high school, an impromptu backstage audition for George Clinton in 1974 earned 17-year-old Michael a seat on the Parliament mothership alongside the immortal Eddie Hazel, under the name "Kidd Funkadelic".

Hampton has spent the past half-century playing nearly 400 shows with the band, in 25 countries across 6 continents. Highlights include multiple appearances at world-renowned festivals like Montreux Jazz, Glastonbury, Reading, Woodstock

'99, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Roskilde, Lollapalooza, Fuji Rock, and Isle of Wight, and venues like the Apollo Theater, The Fillmore, Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Troubadour, Red Rocks, The Beacon, and Sydney Opera House.

Among Hampton's Funkadelic writing credits are group staples like "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!" and "Funk Gets Stronger", both released during the group's late-'70s/early-80s hit run. His lead guitar is also embedded in the DNA of 90s hip-hop's G-Funk movement-Dr. Dre's "Let Me Ride" samples Parliament's "Mothership Connection", Ice Cube's "Bop Gun" borrows elements of Funkadelic's "One Nation Under a Groove"

Michael's latest album "Into the Public Domain" is available now on all streaming outlets. 

Social Media:

www.Instagram.com/michaelwhampton www.youtube.com/@MaWaHa

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2Je4BDRuE01NHCoWlw5hG9?si=pECMNHHxT6-tUONc9pbi-g 

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

Harmony Shay: Inside the Heart and Hustle of a Breakout Las Vegas Singer-Songwriter!

Las Vegas singer-songwriter Harmony Shay is quickly emerging as a standout voice in modern alt-country. In her recent Rounder Magazine interview, she shared that her passion for music began at age three, inspired by her father's vocal impersonations and early encouragement with a microphone. Writing all her own songs, Harmony uses music as both expression and healing, crafting lyrics that reflect real emotions, personal challenges, and the desire to help listeners feel understood.

Blending heartfelt storytelling with a fresh country sound, Harmony has built growing momentum through her live performances, expanding discography, and her recent Rounder Magazine cover feature. As her fan base continues to rise, she remains focused on creating music that resonates deeply and authentically.

Website: https://harmonyshay.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonyshaymusic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonyshay

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ow353TU7ZCA4bjn2C5XYs?si=HEb6IsaZQCuWLhVQ1TQfJw 

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

The Elvis phenomenon continues to captivate fans around the world, and in this episode we dive deep into its enduring magic with top Elvis festival producer Kurt Brown. From the cultural impact of Elvis Presley to the behind-the-scenes work that brings major tribute festivals to life, Kurt shares rare insights, unforgettable stories, and a firsthand look at why the King's legacy remains stronger than ever. Whether you're a lifelong fan or newly discovering Elvis, this conversation sheds light on the timeless appeal of an icon who changed music and show business forever! 

Website www.brown-productions.com

Social Media www.Instagram.com/kbrownpro

All Shook Up website: www.allshookuptribute.com

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

In this fun episode, we chat with Bass Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jon D'Auria about the upcoming Bass Magazine Awards Show, presented in partnership with the 2026 NAMM Show. The Bass Awards will take place at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California, on Thursday, January 22nd.

The Bass Magazine Awards celebrate outstanding bass players from around the world-recognizing both legendary figures who have become household names and emerging talents across all genres.

Websites www.BassMagazine.com 

www.bassmagazineawards.com 

Social Media www.Instagram.com/bassmagazineonline 

NAMM Website www.NAMM.org

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

About this episode's guest Indie Artist FIREROSE.

The definitive version of her album's title track, "Shining Armor (Rise Again)" marks a powerful new chapter - one of independence, renewal, and self-rescue - and anchors the larger story she's finally ready to share publicly for the first time. That story continues next month with her new podcast, No One Asked Her, a series named for how the world once decided she didn't need to be heard.

Firerose is a survivor who has lived through more than her share of hardship - addiction, abuse, and years of being silenced in relationships - yet has emerged with her faith, strength, and perspective intact. She's smart, passionate, and deeply thoughtful, with a story that deserves to be heard on her own terms.

Born and raised in Sydney, music was her refuge amid a childhood marked by sadness and confusion. As a kid, she filled notebooks with lyrics, turning pain into songs. That survival instinct carried her across the world to Los Angeles, through addiction and a two-month stint in LA County jail that ultimately led to faith and sobriety in 2016. Even while trapped in controlling relationships that kept her from steering her own career, her voice still reached millions with charting singles and performances on Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Grand Ole Opry.

Now, with her new single and upcoming podcast, Firerose is finally telling her story in full - standing in her independence, her faith, and her truth. The title "Shining Armor" speaks to that turning point: after years of waiting for someone else to save her, she realized she had to be her own knight, fighting for her freedom, her music, and her life with God's strength behind her. Her podcast title, No One Asked Her, nods to the way she was often reduced to a one-dimensional figure in the tabloids - someone the world decided didn't need to be heard from. Now, she's claiming her voice and inviting others to do the same.

Website www.firerosemusic.com

Social Media www.Instagram.com/firerose 

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hUvYMF6MBxiZVXjiglBPX?si=v3rJakPSRieeqGpShFuQJg 

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry.

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell (voice over by Nigel J. Farmer