Legendary saxman Frank Catalano consistently headlines world-class festivals and sells-out venues throughout the USA, Europe & Japan. Thanks to his signature sound & renowned reputation, Catalano averages 150 concerts a year with his jazz quartet. As a coveted guest artist, He 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 w/Los Lobos, and performing with Les Claypool, Sean Lennon & the Violent Femmes. He also teamed up on a unique version of the Jane’s Addiction hit “Jane Says” w/Perry Farrell, Billy Corgan & Jimmy Chamberlin. 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 & reveals his candid musings with the backdrop of iconic Chicago locations in the city where he was born. While just a teenager, he 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. His tribute to John Coltrane, “Love Supreme Collective”, debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts & remains a fan favorite. 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 & 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. 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. 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 & Rovner Ligatures.
I had the pleasure once again to get some time to hang with Brother Frank as he prepares to bring his quartet to Madison for CODAFEST at Cafe Coda on September 25th. We dive ear first into what he says will be a John Coltrane inspired set for this event. he mentioned a few tunes he knows he will feature and gives a few clues as to other possibilities. As we talk about how it makes him feel to be with the same quarter for so long, we get into the music, relationships and the music business. One of my favorite things about Frank is that he is never at a loss for words to describe his scene. We break down what the next couple of years look like and what he has been up to leading to these future endeavors/projects. You’ll recognize a few friends of this program names as he lists off the work. Wherever he is, in whatever form, quartet, sideman or soloist, Mr. Frank Catalano can fill the room with what it needs.
