Chicago has
a rich tradition of nurturing and producing bold and innovative tenor
saxophonists. Gene Ammons, Johnny Griffin, Fred Anderson, Von Freeman, Clifford
Jordan, Red Holloway, Eddie Harris, and Sonny Rollins all cut their chops in
the Windy City and made indelible marks on its jazz scene (and, of course, the
music world in general).
For about
twenty-five years, Frank Catalano has been billed as a "young,
up-and-coming, prodigy" saxophonist cut in this Chicago tenor tradition.
But a musician can only retain the "young prodigy" title for so long.
Now 39-years-old and a fixture in Chicago's music scene, such as through his
weekly late-night gig at the legendary Green Mill, Catalano has assumed his
rightful place as a torchbearer of the great Chicago tenor saxophone tradition.
Catalano's
instantly recognizable, powerful and dynamic tenor playing--yet at the same
time nimble and thoughtful--is on full display on his upcoming May 20 release,
Bye Bye Blackbird: Blowing In From Chicago For Von And Eddie (Ropeadope). To
stay true to his Chicago roots, the album pays homage to his heroes and mentors
Von Freeman--affectionately known throughout Chicago as Vonski--and Eddie
Harris.
Catalano
pays tribute to the soulful, R&B-tinged Harris with the equally soulful and
funky original opening track, "Chicago Eddie." Harris had a
remarkable ability to use simple yet infectious melodies as the starting points
for exploratory, virtuosic improvisations. You can hear this throughout Catalano's
music. "I had the chance to perform with Eddie a few times while I was
playing with Charles Earland," said Catalano, referring to his work as a
teenager in Hammond B-3 master Earland's group. "He was always very nice
to me, and of course, I grew up listening to him, being inspired by his
playing." Catalano was able to channel Harris' tone when he was featured
on recordings by Beyoncé and John Legend.
In honor of
Freeman, the title track is a standard that often found its way into the
saxophonist's performance repertoire, and which Freeman recorded on at least
one occasion. "Vonski was such a mentor and inspiration to me," said
Catalano, who recorded and released in 1999 an album with the late Freeman, You
Talkin' To Me?! (Delmark). "I first sat in with Von at age 10 at Andy's
Jazz Club in Chicago. Thanks to Von, I got to jam with Miles Davis, Better
Carter, Tommy Flannigan, Charles Earland, Elvin Jones...Do recordings for
Delmark, Blue Note, and Savoy... I will never be able to say thanks
enough."
The title
track is much more than just a tribute to Freeman. It is also the first of two
tracks on the album--the other being the Stanley Turrentine-penned soul jazz
classic "Sugar" - on which the legendary alto saxophonist David
Sanborn trades solos with Catalano. Sanborn's distinctive alto proves to be a
perfect complement to Catalano's sound, as their soloing appears to seamlessly
build upon the other's playing. "I am so honored that David agreed to play
on these tracks," Catalano said. "He has had such an influence on
jazz and on my playing. I remember watching 'Night Music' as a kid and was
inspired by seeing amazing jazz on TV."
Catalano
continues what has become a musically simpatico and prolific relationship with
Jimmy Chamberlin, who is best known as the drummer of the pioneering Chicago
alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Chamberlin has collaborated on
Catalano's Ropeadope albums Love Supreme Collective (#1 on iTunes) and God's
Gonna Cut You Down (#1 on Billboard Charts). Chamberlin and Catalano have been
touring together over the past four years and have been friends for nearly 20.
"Jimmy and I have really built up a rapport," Catalano said. "He
swings, grooves and really propels the group. It's so exciting to play with
him, to build something great musically."
Rounding out
Catalano's band on Bye Bye Blackbird are New York-based guitarist Nir Felder
and Chicago's Demos Petropoulos on Hammond B-3 organ, both of whom throw down
with the groove, drive, grit and grease that hearken back to the heydays of
organ jazz groups, such as when Catalano spent his formative years in Earland's
group. The band offers a grooving version of Miles Davis' "All
Blues," a powerful interpretation of the Etta James vehicle "At
Last," and closes with the Catalano live staple "Shakin'." It's
a high-energy ear worm that bears Catalano's trademark powerhouse, inspired,
and most importantly, Chicago-based playing.
"I'm at
a point in my career where an album like this just feels right," Catalano
concluded. "My wife and I recently purchased a cozy loft in Greenwich
Village and we are really enjoying seeing the world. I'm looking back at the
artists and sounds that made me who I am as a musician, while at the same time
placing my stamp on music I love. We are touring Japan in May and then going to
France. I can't wait for the release of this album and everything ahead. It's a
very exciting time."
Upcoming
Frank Catalano Performances:
April 27 /
The Green Mill / Chicago, IL
* April 29 /
Club Bonafide / New York, NY
May 4 / The
Green Mill / Chicago, IL
** May 10 -
13 / Cotton Club Tokyo / Tokyo, Japan
** July 8 -
9 / The Green Mill / Chicago, IL
** August 6
/ Deer Park Jazz Festival / Deer Park, IL
* feat. Nir
Felder, John Benitez and Francis Benitez
** feat.
Jimmy Chamberlin
Frank
Catalano · Bye Bye Blackbird / Ropeadope ·
Release Date: May 20, 2016
