Frank Colón
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Frank Colon | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | October 13, 1951 |
| Origin | Washington, D.C U.S.  |
| Genre(s) | Jazz fusion Latin jazz World music |
| Years active | 1960s - Present |
| Associated acts | Solo The Manhattan Transfer Wayne Shorter |
| Website | http://www.frankcolon.com |
Frank Colón (born October 13, 1951, in Washington, D.C.) is an American musician and martial artist, of Puerto Rican descent.
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[edit] Biography
Moving to Puerto Rico at the age of five, Frank's musical instruction began at age eleven, beginning with classical piano lessons, under the guidance of Angelina Figueroa and Rafael Figueroa, both members of Puerto Rico’s most prestigious classical music family. Frank kept up his piano studies throughout his teenage years, trying his hand at pop guitar, electric bass, and trap drums, as well. He was also very active in municipal and collegiate sports, martial arts, and amateur theater. During this time, he worked with various local pop music groups throughout the island of Puerto Rico.
In 1970, he moved to Washington, D.C. to attend college at American University, where he majored in Political Science. During this time, his musical orientation changed from melodic instruments to percussion. Finishing his university requirements, he turned full-time to his music.
In 1976, Frank moved to New York City, on a call to work with his friend and mentor, the legendary drum master, Julito Collazo. Through Julito's guidance, he became proficient at playing the Batá drums, sacred to the Orisha (Santería) religion.
Frank has played Brazilian percussion since the time he lived in Washington, D.C. Besides learning other rhythms and instruments from the interior of Brazil, he excels in his knowledge and skill of the Capoeira. Having always pursued knowledge in both music and martial arts, Frank is today one of only a handful of American black belt instructors in the Israeli self-defense system called Krav-Maga, having been certified as such by the Wingate Institute of Israel and Krav-Maga International, Inc.
[edit] Solo works
Frank released two albums as a leader:
- Frank Colón Live at Vartanjazz
- Frank Colón Latin Wonder
[edit] Collaborations
A partial list of whom Frank Colón has performed, recorded and/or toured with includes The Manhattan Transfer, Wayne Shorter, Weather Report, Thalía, Mary J. Blige, Harry Belafonte, Gato Barbieri, Chet Baker, Pat Metheny, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Gilberto Gil, Larry Coryell, Janis Siegel, Jimmy Smith, Minehaha, Milton Nascimento, The Kremlin Chamber Orchestra, Tania Maria, Ernie Watts, Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Valentin, Jon Lucien, João Bosco, Francisco Buarque de Holanda, Michael Wolff, Cesar Camargo Mariano, Ney Matogrosso, Elba Ramalho, Marina, Adam Klipple, Roman Miroshnichenko, RPM, Larry Coryell, Billy Taylor, Gal Costa, Azymuth, Dianne Reeves, Michel Camilo, Nestor Torres, Felix Cavalieri, Airto, Mickey Hart, Samir Chatterjee, Michael Galasso, George Benson, among many others...
[edit] Filmography
- Frank has been featured in numerous television specials all over the world.
- He is also featured in the movie, Calle 54, by Oscar-winning director, Fernando Trueba.
