This album is a fingerprint that I want to leave on MUSICLAND. I don't want to try to change the world with this project. I simply want to say "Hey, this is what I did when I was 28". Not change the landscape of Jazz. However, what did end up being changed was the lives of those that are involved with the project. You can look forward to me being in Good company....
John Beasley Piano
Bob Hurst Bass
Marvin "Smitty" Smith Drums
Chembo Corniel Percussion
and a few guest, including:
Ronald Muldrow Guitar
Nick Mancini Vibes
Influences
John Coltrane, Bob Marley, KRS1, Miles Davis, Machito, Branford Marsalis, Maraca, Whitney, Jerry Bergonzi, Cubanisimo!, Larry Harlow, Cannonball Adderley, Bach, Wayne Shorter, Richard Egues, Jose Fajardo, N.W.A., Los Muniquitos De Matanzas, Joe Henderson, Hank Mobley and..... These Guys........ THE APEX THEORY
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Saxophone.com - The Player's
Choice
"Wisdom Rising" is the title of Frank Fontaine’s debut recording as a leader, Wisdom is thee most appropriate attribute that we can anoint this young man with. Frank is the Saxophonist of choice for an incredible array of artists - from the masters of the music to the hottest young players of today - and is equally in demand as a Flutist and arranger.
Born in East Los Angeles California into a musical family, Frank absorbed a great deal from his father Frank Sr., who is a 10 veteran of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and is closely affiliated with many jazz greats such as Harry “Sweets” Edison, Frank Morgan, Freddie Hubbard and Mercer Ellington. By age 16, he was performing with Harry Sweets Edison, Billy Higgins and Kenny Burrell. By the time he was 21, Frank had become the "first call" jazz saxophonist in Los Angeles working and touring with some of the biggest names in Jazz including Michelle Coltrane and Elvin Jones.
After Frank’s move to New York City, he joined the Latin-Jazz sextet of Grammy Award Winner Larry Harlow. Several tours, recordings and years later, Frank finds himself on several Jazz and Latin-Jazz recordings that have earned a Grammy or Grammy Nomination.
Demonstrating his stylistic diversity, Frank is also featured (on multiple instruments) on recordings by Patti LaBelle, Tyler Perry’s Soundtracks, Gladys Knight, Celia Cruz, Bobby Matos, Anita Baker, Gym Class Heroes and The Latin-Grammy Nominated Charanga Cubana.
Currently, while he continues to perform and record with a wide variety of artists, Fontaine leads this dynamic group of veterans all across the globe. Outside of his many touring and recording accomplishments, Frank continues to cultivate his musical prowess at The Manhattan School of Music, a conservatory second to none, in a city second to none. Wisdom Rising, a literal depiction of hard work and a metaphoric depiction of Frank Fontaine’s powerful career!
Known internationally for his innovative spirit and broad musical palate, Frank has "punched the clock" with the small groups of Horace Silver, "Sweets" Edison, Elvin Jones and Spanky Wilson, a short roster to say the least. Frank finds himself at home on the stages of the world’s greatest jazz clubs and equally @ home in the company of the worlds biggest Pop Stars. Mariah Carey, Patti Labelle, Marc Antonio Solis, Anita Baker, Celia Cruz and many others are collaborators with Frank's talent. Still, Frank does not limit his musical pursuits to touring and live performance. His has participated in various film scores as composer, arranger and or a featured soloist. Sami McKenny and Patti LaBelle have insisted on Frank's production and sax work for years now. Such credits and success in the arranging business have made Frank one of the most sought after session producers in the field. Welcome the MYSPACE for the musician you have already heard but didn't know it.
Hey Frank, you sound great man, look forward to hearing more from you... I use to live in the Bronx until '76 from '69. I'm at the Iridium in April, if you're around come down.
Just wanted to wish you a great weekend and to let you know my OFFICIAL web site is now LIVE www.gracetrabucchi.com be just great to get your feedback.
Mr Frank Fontaine... Thank you for the compliment on my page... I'm a fan of yours too. Hope all is well in music and I can catch a show of your again... Saw you up in the hollywood hills with a big band one night... great stuff! One of my dreams is to sing some standards in a super cool =, small private venue. I cannot remember the name of that place... Hmmm gonna have to research that... Pce - greg esparza
Online Now!
, you are great sax. One bye to Francisco. Playng with me in Italy. Bye, Mauro
