Jazz is Frank Proto’s native language.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Frank spent his days studying with Fred Zimmermann and his nights hanging out at Birdland.
I love hearing Frank describe what it was like studying with Fred. In fact, Frank’s lesson slot was right after Charles Mingus.
Talk about being a part of jazz history!
Frank’s journey from the jazz clubs of New York City to the Cincinnati Symphony is remarkable…and that’s putting it mildly!
Here are just a few of his many career highlights:
- Bassist and composer-in-residence for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
- Over 20 large-scale works premiered by CSO
- Countless shorter works and arrangements premiered by CSO
- Over 400 performances of Carmen Fantasy for Trumpet and Orchestra
- Over 500 performances of Casey at the Bat
- Composed music for Dave Brubeck, Eddie Daniels, Duke Ellington, Cleo Laine, Benjamin Luxon, Sherill Milnes, Gerry Mulligan, Roberta Peters, François Rabbath, Ruggerio Ricci, Doc Severinsen, Richard Stoltzman and Lucero Tena
I could go on and on.
Frank has impacted the world of the double bass immensely.
But he has gone way beyond that.
Best of all, he hasn’t slowed down. In fact, he is continuing to explore new ideas and unexpected collaborations.
I can’t wait to see what he does next.
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Links to check out:
Liben Music (Frank’s publishing company)
Brandeis Jazz Festival – Fred Zimmermann, Charles Mingus, Gunther Schuller, George Russell
Brandeis Jazz Festival (YouTube)
All About Rosie (YouTube)
‘Round Midnight – Harry Lakoofsky performance (YouTube)
Music featured in this episode (all written by Frank)
- Sonata No. 2 – with Catalin Rotaru
- Sonata No. 3 – with Szymon Marciniak
- Sketches of Gershwin – with Eddie Daniels
- String Quartet No. 1
- Duo for Viola and Double Bass
- My Name is Citizen Soldier
- Variations on Dixie
- Ghost in Machine
Thanks to our sponsor!
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