MASTERCLASS SERIES

JUly 11, 2026, 1:00-2:30pm jAZZ Interactions W/ saXOPHONIST Frank Catalano

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About the Artist:

“FRANK CATALANO IS JOHN COLTRANE ENERGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY!!!”

-Downbeat Magazine

“Frank Catalano is John Coltrane energy for the 21st Century” - Downbeat Magazine

Legendary saxman Frank Catalano consistently headlines world-class festivals and sells-out venues throughout the USA, Europe, and Japan. Thanks to his signature sound and 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, performing with Les Claypool, Sean Lennon, and the Violent Femmes, and executing a unique version of the Janeʼs Addiction hit "Jane Says" with Perry Farrell and Billy Corgan.

A Belgian documentary about Frank entitled “Sugar Jazz” premiered at the Tokyo Liftoff Film Festival and has since screened worldwide. The film captures Frankʼs 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.

Recent Frank Catalano albums include “Tokyo #9” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts and consistently tops Spotify and Apple Music playlists. “Set Me Free” was recently #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts. His tribute to John Coltrane, “Love Supreme Collective”, debuted at #1 on the Apple Music Jazz Charts and remains a fan favorite. Catalanoʼs recording with alto sax star David Sanborn, “Bye, Bye, Blackbird” dominated the Billboard Jazz Charts for 30 straight weeks. Other noteworthy releases include Catalanoʼs widely lauded Savoy label recording “Bang!” and his live release “Mighty Burner”, which spent 20 straight weeks on the Billboard Jazz Charts. Its title track is one of Frankʼs most requested songs at live shows near and far.

Catalano is the only known saxophonist to have performed 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. Frank has been heard by millions thanks to his collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Maurice Joshua, Destinyʼs Child, John Legend, Tony Bennett, Seal, etc.

Upcoming recording projects include sessions with Fareed Haque, Chuchito Valdes, Paquito DʼRivera, Randy Brecker, Lurrie Bell, The Headhunters, Mike Clark, Bill Summers, and a live recording from Madame Zuzuʼs with Mike Garson, Jimmy Chamberlin, and Billy Corgan.

Frank has been profiled by Forbes, Downbeat, CMJ, JazzIz, Jazz Times, NPR, PBS, Chicago Tribune, The Huffington Post and many others. When featured in The New York Times, the article largely focused on Frankʼs vintage saxophone collection, considered one of the best and largest in the world.

Catalanoʼs numerous accolades include an IMA award presented 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 developments. 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” by Hal Leonard Publishing and his song “Mighty Burner” is featured in “The Real Book Volume 6”, ensuring his influence on musicians, students, and audiences around the globe.

Frank loves composing music and holds a BA in Classical Composition from De Paul University. He and his wife Sona spend time between homes in Chicago and New York and life on the road. In his rare free time, Frank donates his musical services to charities including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Peoples Music School, and Off The Street Club. Frank endorses Yamaha Saxophones, JodyJazz mouthpieces, DʼAddario Reeds, and Rovner Ligatures.