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, 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” w/Perry Farrell, Billy Corgan, & Jimmy Chamberlin, Frank’s longtime friend & 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. 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. 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. Frank’s numerous accolades include an IMA award at Lincoln Center and induction into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. He has featured on 3 Grammy‐winning & 11 Grammy-nominated recordings and received a Tech Grammy Award for his numerous patents & developments. At 19 years old, Frank was the youngest sax player to be voted into the Downbeat Critics Poll. Head to his website to find pout more about all he does/did. Amazing cat!
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. Bell’s career was on a path to stardom when his undiagnosed bipolar and schizophrenia go the better of him. Initially, he failed to receive the medical treatment he needed and unfortunately experienced periods of homelessness and other adversities. Thankfully in 2016, Lurrie’s album “Can’t Shake This Feeling” received a Grammy nomination and his career was again on an upward trajectory. It is clear that Mr. Bell has some soul in his blues and the music he and Frank present, shows that off from the first note.
I had thre chance to play catch-up with friend of the proGram, Frank Catalano ahead of the event with him and Lurrie Bell (bringing along the quintet as well) on May 24th at the North Street Cabaret. We get into what the creation of this project and new album has them doing since late last year. The Summer sounds super busy and as we spoke, he was playing the next day with Mr. Randy Brecker. Frank is one of my favs because of that versatility you’ll hear him mention during this call. Know so much as a jazz guy, not a single avenue would not be neglected by him, I think. The people that call him to be a part of things is wide and wild. We find out who is the band joining them here and Madison and we spent a good chunk of time getting to know the new Set Me Free record. All the things he did, from producing to playing, the soul of this album is felt throughout. Frank tells the tales of the album and some of the tunes – not be be missed, as the feelings are true and need to be heard. Frank also does the same while building a setlist around a track or two from the new record. Absolutely always a good chat (and concert) with Frank Catalano.
