OUT AND ABOUT: Hanging out with our friends from DAddario (Evans Drumheads, ProMark Drumsticks, Puresound Wires, Planet Wave Cables, and Rico Reeds) and saxophonist extraordinaire and Rico Reed artist Frank Catalano @ LOKaL Restaurant and Lounge in Chicago. Ben OBrien Smith, (DAddarios Percussion Product Specialist) and Nick Barbieri (DAddarios Regional Sales Manager) stopped by Vics this afternoon for a visit. After Vic gave both drummers a personalized tour of the shop, Ben and Nick discussed several of DAddarios latest innovations with the staff such as Evans Level 360 drumheads and ProMarks signature series drumsticks that include the Anton Fig and Bob Gatzen models. We then headed over to Club Lucky for an Italian festuche where we met up with Frank Catalano. After dinner, a quick walk down the block brought us to LOKaL for a nightcap. Fun was had by all as we listened to the sounds of DJ Chris Ill. Vic then took Ben and Nick around the corner to 1728 N. Damen Avenue so they could see the former home of The Ludwig Drum factory. About Frank Catalano: Frank Catalano is the only known saxman who has 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 the age of 18. In recent years, Frank has also worked with artists outside the world of jazz such as Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, John Legend, and Seal. Frank joined forces with drummer Jimmy Chamberlin from Smashing Pumpkins fame to record a new jazz album last year. Their album called Love Supreme Collective was just released and #1 on the Jazz iTunes Charts. The collaboration enabled Jimmy to reconnect with his jazz roots. Fans of Jimmys drumming will be delighted to hear him in this new context as he demonstrates a new range of depth in his playing. (Photos) L to R Ben OBrien Smith, Vic, DJ Chris Ill, Frank Catalano, and Nick Barbieri Love Supreme Collective by Frank Catalano & Jimmy Chamberlin
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 10:06:31 +0000