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Frank Basile

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Since moving to New York in 2001, Frank Basile has been fortunate to establish himself as one of today's most in-demand baritone saxophonists.



Dubbed a "prized sideman" by The New Yorker, Basile has been called upon to perform with, record with, and tour the world with many of jazz's finest musicians and ensembles. Among this distinguished list are The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, The Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, The Jimmy Heath Big Band, The Bob Mintzer Big Band, The Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, The Joe Lovano Nonet, The Dave Holland Big Band, Dennis Mackrel's Manhattan Symphony Jazz Orchestra, The Christian McBride Big Band, The Count Basie Orchestra, Michael Bublé, Pablo Mayor’s Folklore Urbano, The Richie Vitale Quintet, The Fabien Mary Quintet, and The Osian Roberts-Steve Fishwick Sextet.



Born in Illinois in 1978 and raised in Nebraska, Frank Basile began his musical studies in grade school. After four years on clarinet and alto saxophone, he made a permanent switch to the baritone saxophone. Once in high school, Basile’s interest in jazz began to grow and, with the help and encouragement of his parents, he sought out further instruction on the ins and outs of this great music. Basile was soon playing in numerous big bands and combos throughout the Omaha area.



Basile enrolled at the University of North Texas to continue his musical studies. While at UNT, Basile played in the world-renowned One O’clock Lab Band for six consecutive semesters. After graduating with honors and a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from UNT, Basile moved to New York in the summer of 2001 as a selected member of the first Jazz Studies program at the Juilliard School.



As an educator, Basile has maintained a private studio for the past decade and has served as an adjunct faculty member at The New School. He has also been called upon to teach lessons or masterclasses at such institutions as New York University, the Eastman School of Music, Temple University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, SUNY Purchase, the University of Nebraska, and the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Orchestra.



In addition to his activities as a sideman and educator, Basile also takes an active role as leader of his own quartet, quintet and sextet. To date, Basile has released three recordings as a leader, and his band has headlined at many of New York's major jazz clubs.

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Frank Basile Productions

 
[Broadway, 2010]
Reed 5
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Broadcast Media/TV Production
 
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[Broadway, 2006]
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[Los Angeles, 1986]
Musical Director

Frank Basile News


Executive Director Of Storytelling Arts Of Indiana Will Retire


Indiana's premier organization for the preservation and promotion of stories is about to begin a new chapter, but first must pay homage to its legendary first act and the individual who has been one of its main authors and most dynamic protagonists. Ellen Munds is retiring from her role as executive director of Storytelling Arts of Indiana on June 30, 2024.

Joe McCarthy's New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band to Embark on Pan American Nutcracker Suite Holiday Tour


Join Joe McCarthy and his New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band on their Pan American Nutcracker Suite Holiday Tour. Experience a unique Latin Jazz adaptation of Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet suite. Find tour dates and locations for a swinging holiday performance near you.

Frank Basile Presents Emerging Stories Premiere A FORERUNNER OF FREEDOM: INDIANAPOLIS BETHEL AMC HISTORY TOLD THROUGH STORY, SONG AND DANCE


In 1991, The National Park Service put Bethel Cathedral AME at 414 West Vermont Street on the National Register of Historic Places, making it the first Black church in Indianapolis to earn that distinction.

A Fond Farewell To Maestro Larry Woodard


The Laurie Beechman Theatre was flooded with fond memories of a man whose life was music and whose memory lingers on.

Nicole Zuraitis, Slide Hampton Octet Celebration, and More to play Birdland This Month


Birdland has announced jazz programming at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater running January 9 through January 22. Performers appearing at Birdland Jazz Club include Nicole Zuraitis, Slide Hampton Octet Celebration, Delfeayo Marsalis Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Joey Alexander Trio, Stacey Kent, Billy Hart Quartet and Adam Birnbaum Quartet.

Richard Cortez, Ben Allison With Ted Nash and Steve Cardenas, And More Coming Up At Birdland, January 2 - January 15


Get the scoop on all jazz programming at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater running January 2 through January 15.

See Marylin Maye, SWINGIN' SONDHEIM & More at Birdland in January 2023


Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are open this January with a full slate of nightly performances! See the lineup, how to get tickets, and more!

Sierra Boggess to Teach Fall Classes At Discovering Broadway Inc.


On Saturday October 15th, Sierra Boggess will teach two in-person auditioning classes at Discovering Broadway Inc. in Indiana. The nonprofit incubates Broadway bound musicals and offers master classes to local artists. Twenty-five percent of the class participants are sponsored at-risk youth and BIPOC artists.

Dizzy's Club Announces May and June Lineup


Jazz at Lincoln Center announced its May and June 2022 programming at Dizzy’s Club, featuring a diverse lineup of club favorites and rising stars alongside the launch of a new concert series, special events, and celebrations of giants of jazz history from Slide Hampton and Ralph Peterson to Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk.

BIRDLAND Releases Programming Through March 13th


The Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater has announced their programming from the week of February 28th - March 13th. Artists appearing at Birdland Jazz Club include The Cookers, a celebration of the Slide Hampton Octet, Maria Schneider Orchestra and Grace Fox Big Band. 

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater Announce March 2022 Schedule


At Birdland Jazz Club, catch The Cookers, Celebrating the Slide Hampton Octet, Maria Schneider Orchestra, Grace Fox Big Band, Maqueque, Sean Harkness Quartet, Monty Alexander, and Emmet’s Place Live.

MEAN GIRLS Star Erika Henningsen To Host Master Classes For Discovering Broadway Inc.


Broadway star of Mean Girls, Erika Henningsen, is coming to Central Indiana February 27th to teach an audition class and a Mean Girls Callback class at the Cole Porter Ballroom located in the Hotel Carmichael. Safety is a top priority, with COVID-19 regulations being implemented.

The Django Announces March Line-Up: Celebrating Women's History Month


THE DJANGO, downtown Manhattan’s premier jazz club, is commemorating Women’s History Month by hosting more than 20 leading female jazz artists on its stage during March.

Mary Jo Huff to Premiere 50-YARD-LINE MOMMA IN ROW 20 at Storytelling Arts of Indiana


Storytelling Arts of Indiana will present the story of its newest Frank Basile Emerging Stories fellow, who relates to the highs and lows of raising a son who plays football. Mary Jo Huff will premiere “50-Yard-Line Momma in Row 20” on Sunday, November 7, 2021.

BWW Review: Big Smiles As Big Band Returns To Birdland


Last Friday the Birdland Big Band returned to the scene of their two-decade-long residency, and the patrons of the legendary nightclub could not have looked (or sounded) happier.

Blackhurst, Rice, Mark and More Appear in BACK TO THE 20s! On August 8th


Celebrating the song and dance world of the Roaring 20's, BACK TO THE 20s! promises great entertainment.

Streamed Recording of THE WOLVES to be Presented by Lincoln Center Theater


PRIVATE REELS: FROM THE LCT ARCHIVES, streamed recordings of outstanding LCT productions in their entirety, will continue on Thursday, July 22 with the Lincoln Center Theater production of the Drama Desk and Obie award-winning, THE WOLVES by Sarah DeLappe, directed by Lila Neugebauer.

PRIVATE REELS: FROM THE LCT ARCHIVES Continues With MARYS SEACOLE


PRIVATE REELS: FROM THE LCT ARCHIVES, streamed recordings of LCT productions in their entirety, will continue on Thursday, June 10 with the Lincoln Center Theater/LCT3 2019 world premiere production of MARYS SEACOLE by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury (Fairview), directed by LCT Resident Director Lileana Blain-Cruz.

Celeste Holm: Rare Estate Sale Supporting The Actor's Fund


Celebrate the legendary Celeste Holm, own a piece of Broadway and Hollywood history, and support The Actor’s Fund!

BWW Flashback: Relive the Career Highlights of Stage and Screen Legend Celeste Holm


This could be your week to own a piece of history from one of the brightest stars of Broadway's Golden Age. Doyle will feature pieces from the Celeste Holm Collection as a special section of the inaugural Stage & Screen auction benefitting The Actors Fund.

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