Frank Catalano

About The Album
Ropeadope Records is proud to release Havana Nu Beat Suite to music lovers everywhere. Saxman Frank Catalano wanted to honor the great citizens of Havana by creating a 6 movement suite. With hypnotic percussion, complex harmony and soft counterpoint throughout, Catalano describes the vibe of this body of work as Avant-Trance. With a great deal of multi-layer improvisation as opposed to traditional soloing, this recording utilizes a saxophone ensemble or 'choir' as Catalano prefers to call it. Havana Nu Beat features many rare and vintage saxophones ranging from sopranino to bass and also includes Catalano's insanely scarce 1929 Conn-o-sax in the key of F. A few years ago, The New York Times did a feature on Catalano's sax collection and his patented saxophone midi device, which was invented out of necessity after his right middle finger was cut off in a tragic accident. Catalano is truly in love with all things saxophone.

Two of Catalano's heroes are notable collaborators on this project. Trumpet Legend Randy Brecker has been mentoring, recording and performing with Catalano for over 20 years. Brecker's solos are virtuosic and inspiring. "I think of Randy as a musical Ironman, there is nothing he can't do," says Catalano. "He really has been a big brother figure to me. My whole family loves him. He was on the other side of the world when Sona and I were married and he took the time to send a sweet video... Randy is truly in a class all his own."

Pulitzer prize winning saxophone genius, Ornette Coleman took a liking to Catalano some time ago while discussing their love of JodyJazz saxophone mouthpieces.  Ornette helped shape Catalano's approach to music and life. "Ornette has a kind, gentle, loving soul that is so big at the same time. I would describe it as a quiet power. The quiet storm. He is the only person I have met like that.

I grew up in a violent household so I was used to people yelling, screaming and hitting all the time to get a point across. Ornette became someone that I wanted to be like as a human being. I felt happy and tranquil just standing near him. Also, the reason I received my degree in music composition was because Ornette stressed the importance of composing. Ornette influenced Coltrane....Not much else to say but Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to Ornette!" Says Catalano.

One critic said 'Havana Nu Beat Suite' reminded him of 'In a Silent Way' by Miles Davis. New York City Jazz Record likened Catalano's Love Supreme Collective with Ornette Coleman's Prime Time Ensemble. Undoubtedly, The legend and legacy continue.

read more: http://www.ropeadope.com/albums/records/havana_nu_beat_suite/

Frank Catalano's new Ropeadope Recording

"FRANK CATALANO IS JOHN COLTRANE ENERGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY!!!"– Downbeat Magazine

Frank Catalano's new Ropeadope Recording debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz sales chart. "Love Supreme Collective" is an homage to John Coltrane and features Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins), Percy Jones (Brand X), Chris Poland (Megadeath), and Adam Benjamin (Kneebody). Frank's Savoy/Columbia recording “Bang!” debuted at #12 on the Billboard Jazz Charts. Frank’s recording, “Mighty Burner” was on the Billboard Charts for 20 straight weeks. Now 37 years old, Catalano is the only known saxman to have performed with Miles Davis, Randy Brecker, Charles Earland, Elvin Jones, Stan Getz, Betty Carter, Von Freeman, Tito Puente, Tony Bennett, Les Claypool and Louis Bellson while still in high school! This led to his signing to Delmark Records at age 18 and a string of critically acclaimed recordings. Catalano has been heard by millions of people all over the world thanks in part to 3 Grammy-winning and 11 Grammy-nominated recordings with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, and John Legend. He recently performed live on the Oprah Winfrey TV show with singer/composer Seal.

No stranger to adversity, Frank cut off his right middle finger in an automobile accident. After several surgeries and much effort, Catalano relearned his signature technique, making him one of the most in-demand musicians today. He regularly donates his musical services to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Also an entrepreneur, Frank has patented a devise that allows him to control his saxophone via midi components. Frank is a spokesperson/clinician/performing artist for companies such as Yamaha, Rico/D’Addario, and JodyJazz. He can be seen in their Print Ads worldwide. Catalano’s songs have been used in the ad campaigns of Motorola, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Budweiser as well as numerous TV and Film productions.

When not on tour or in the studio, Frank enjoys composing classical music. Frank graduated from DePaul University with a BA in music composition and he plays piano, drums and flute in addition to the saxophone. Frank’s non-musical interests include racing his BWM in closed course competition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9f97EjRkM4

Frank Catalano makes his Savoy label ....

Frank Catalano makes his Savoy label debut with “Bang!” Bang! debuted at #12 on the Billboard Jazz Charts. Frank’s previous CD, “Mighty Burner” was on the Billboard Charts for 20 straight weeks. Catalano is the only known saxman to have performed with Miles Davis, Randy Brecker, Charles Earland, Elvin Jones, Stan Getz, Betty Carter, Von Freeman, Tito Puente, Tony Bennett, Les Claypool and Louis Bellson while still in high school!

This led to his signing to Delmark Records at age 18 and a string of critically acclaimed recordings. Catalano has been heard by millions of people all over the world thanks in part to 3 Grammy-winning and 11 Grammy-nominated recordings with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, and John Legend. He recently performed live on the Oprah Winfrey TV show with singer/composer Seal.

No stranger to adversity, Frank cut off his right middle finger in an automobile accident. After several surgeries and much effort, Catalano relearned his signature technique, making him one of the most in-demand musicians today. He regularly donates his musical services to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Also an entrepreneur, Frank has patented a devise that allows him to control his saxophone via midi components. Frank is a spokesperson/clinician/performing artist for companies such as Yamaha, Rico/D’Addario, and JodyJazz. He can be seen in their Print Ads worldwide. Catalano’s songs have been used in the ad campaigns of Motorola, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Budweiser as well as numerous TV and Film productions.

When not on tour or in the studio, Frank enjoys composing classical music. Frank graduated from DePaul University with a BA in music composition and he plays piano, drums and flute in addition to the saxophone. Frank’s non-musical interests include racing his BWM 1-series in closed course competition.