Frank Catalano

American jazz saxophonist Frank Catalano was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 12, 1977. He learned the instrument at the age of seven, and continued to play despite an accident at the age of sixteen, while repairing a car. After an operation, he took up the saxophone again and began to make a name for himself when he toured with the Santana group. Signed to the Delmark label, he recorded his first album as a leader, Cut It Out!?! (1998), accompanying a host of musicians including Tony Bennett, Kenny Loggins, Clark Terry and Jimmy McGriff. In 2000, he collaborated as a duo with Von Freeman on the album You Talkin' to Me?! and welcomed Randy Brecker on the live recording Live at the Green Mill (2001). Inspired by the metal band Ministry, he uses a sampler attached to his saxophone to create sound effects. Following the albums Mighty Burner (2006) and Bang! (2008), the tenor saxophonist began a regular collaboration with Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. Together they recorded the albums God's Gonna Cut You Down (2015), Bye Bye Blackbird (2016) and Tokyo No. 9 (live, 2017). In 2024, Frank Catalano teams up with blues guitarist and singer Lurrie Bell for the album Set Me Free.