Frank Vicari

Photo by Sean Sheridan

Frank Vicari (April 11, 1931 – October 20, 2006) was a New York-based jazz saxophonist.

After serving in the Air Force from 1951–55, where he played in various service bands, Vicari returned to New York City and played in various bands until he joined Maynard Ferguson's big band in 1960.^[1] When the Ferguson band was dismantled in 1965, Vicari briefly joined Buddy Rich but that same year joined Woody Herman and his Thundering Herd ^[1] and remained until 1970.

Closely associated with New York's vibrant music scene of the 1970s and 1980s, Vicari frequently played alongside fellow NY-based session and studio musicians such as Steve Gadd, Mike Mainieri, Randy and Michael Brecker, etc.

Among the many artists and groups Vicari played and/or recorded with are Dave Matthews, the White Elephant Orchestra, George Benson, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Billy Eckstein, Tom Waits, John Lennon, Woody Herman, and the Saturday Night Live Band.^[2]

He died in New York City at the age of 75.

Discography

With George Benson

• Good King Bad (CTI, 1975)

With Art Farmer

• Something You Got (CTI, 1977)

With Maynard Ferguson

• Color Him Wild (Mainstream, 1965)
• The Blues Roar (Mainstream, 1965)
• Ridin' High (Enterprise, 1967)

With Urbie Green

• Señor Blues (CTI, 1977)

With Blue Mitchell

• Many Shades of Blue (Mainstream, 1974)

With Tom Waits

• Foreign Affairs (Asylum, 1977)
• Blue Valentine (Asylum, 1978)

References