Sat May 31
Frank Catalano
9:30PM / $50 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
Frank Catalano
“Frank Catalano is John Coltrane energy for the 21st Century” - Downbeat Magazine
Legendary Saxman Frank Catalano is excited to make his triumphant return to the world-renowned Blues Alley stage. Thanks to his signature sound and renowned reputation, Catalano consistently headlines world-class festivals and sells-out jazz venues throughout the USA, Europe, and Japan.
Now 47, Catalano began playing professionally at age 12. He 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 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.
Frank has been heard by millions of people thanks to his collaborations with Beyoncé, Maurice Joshua, Destiny’s Child, John Legend, Tony Bennett, Seal, etc. 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 for the July 4th Highland Park Victims fundraiser.
Frank is about to release a new album “Set Me Free” with Blues Hall Of Fame Legend Lurrie Bell. Recent albums include “Tokyo #9” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts. 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.
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 new ambassador for New Amsterdam Gin and his trademarked “Catalano Sidecar” cocktail is featured at hundreds of clubs and music venues across the country.
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 many accolades include an IMA award at Lincoln Center and induction into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. He has been featured on three Grammy?winning and 11 Grammy-nominated recordings and received a Tech Grammy Award for his numerous patents and innovations. 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” published by Hal Leonard Company and his song “Mighty Burner” is featured in “The Real Book Volume 6”.
9:30PM / $50 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
1. Final sale, no refunds, not transferable.
2. $15 food/beverage minimum per person not included in ticket price.
3. Seating first come at the door. Doors open 6 PM & 8:45 PM respectively.
4. Photography or Recording of any kind is prohibited during the performance.
5. Keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.