FRANK CATALANO
Two legendary musicians, after many ups and downs, reunite after almost 30 years to record a new album,’“Set Me Free.’ This recording is “Chicago Blues with a touch of Jazz at its very finest” – New City.
Frank Catalano and Lurrie Bell were both signed to record deals in 1995 by famed producer Bob Koester; Catalano was only 18 and Bell was 36 at the time. Both musicians went on to have storied careers.
Lurrie Bell is bonified blues royalty and was recently inducted into the Blue Hall of Fame in Memphis. He started playing with his father Carey Bell at age 7 and went on to play with Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, and many other blues giants.
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FRANK CATALANO IS JOHN COLTRANE ENERGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY!!!”
-Downbeat Magazine
Legendary saxman Frank Catalano consistently headlines world-class festivals and sells-out venues throughout the USA, Europe, and Japan. Thanks to his signature sound and renowned reputation, Catalano averages 150 concerts a year with his jazz quartet.
As a coveted guest artist, Frank often lends his sax stylings to high-profile rock groups. Recent highlights include playing a 7-minute improvised sax solo at The Hollywood Bowl with The Smashing Pumpkins, closing out the Chicago Blues Festival with Los Lobos, and performing with Les Claypool, Sean Lennon, and the Violent Femmes. He also teamed up on a unique version of the Jane’s Addiction hit “Jane Says” with Perry Farrell, Billy Corgan, and Jimmy Chamberlin, Frank’s longtime friend and collaborator.
A Belgian documentary about Frank entitled “Sugar Jazz” premiered at the Tokyo Liftoff Film Festival and has since screened worldwide. The film captures Frank’s musical essence and reveals his candid musings with the backdrop of iconic Chicago locations in the city where he was born.
Frank is the longtime ambassador for Drambuie Scotch Liqueur, a position once held by Ella Fitzgerald in the 1970’s. Thanks to this partnership, his trademarked “Catalano Sidecar” cocktail is featured at hundreds of clubs and music venues across the country and his social media reach has greatly expanded.
While just a teenager, Catalano signed to Delmark Records and released a string of critically acclaimed recordings with jazz greats including Randy Brecker, Ira Sullivan, Willie Pickens, Paul Wertico, and his mentor Von Freeman. His co-led album with Freeman, “You Talking To Me” remains a cult classic.
Recent albums include “Tokyo #9” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts and consistently tops Spotify and Apple Music playlists. His tribute to John Coltrane, “Love Supreme Collective”, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts and remains a fan favorite. Catalano’s recording with alto sax star David Sanborn, “Bye, Bye, Blackbird” dominated the Billboard Jazz Charts. Other noteworthy releases include Catalano’s widely lauded Savoy label recording “Bang!” and his live release “Mighty Burner”, which spent 20 straight weeks on the Billboard Jazz Charts. Its title track is one of Frank’s most requested songs at live shows near and far.
Catalano is the only known saxophonist to perform with Miles Davis, Charles Earland, Elvin Jones, Junior Wells, Randy Brecker, Stan Getz, Betty Carter, Tito Puente, Tony Bennett, and Louie Bellson while still in high school. As a sideman, Frank has been heard by millions thanks to his collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Maurice Joshua, Destiny’s Child, John Legend, Tony Bennett, Seal, and countless others.
Fellow musicians respect Frank’s musical prowess as much as his upbeat personality. Frank has been profiled by numerous media outlets including Forbes, Downbeat, CMJ, JazzIz, Jazz Times, NPR, PBS, Chicago Tribune, and Huffington Post. When featured in The New York Times, the article largely focused on Frank’s vintage saxophone collection, considered one of the best and largest in the world.
Catalano’s numerous accolades include an IMA award at Lincoln Center and induction into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. He has featured on three Grammy‐winning and 11 Grammy-nominated recordings and received a Tech Grammy Award for his numerous patents and developments. At 19 years old, Frank was the youngest sax player to be voted into the Downbeat Critics Poll.
Frank is the author of the highly-rated book “Modern Saxophone Techniques” by Hal Leonard Publishing and his song “Mighty Burner” is featured in “The Real Book Volume 6”, ensuring his influence on musicians, students, and audiences around the globe. Catalano is also on the Board of Directors for the National Saxophone Museum, a first of its kind.
Frank loves composing music and holds a BA in Classical Composition from De Paul University. He and his wife Sona split their time between homes in Chicago and New York and life on the road. In his rare free time, Frank donates his musical services to charities including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Peoples Music School, and Off The Street Club. Frank endorses Yamaha Saxophones, JodyJazz mouthpieces, D’Addario Reeds, and Rovner Ligatures.-Info artists WebSite .
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