Pianist Aidan Slate and multi-instrumentalist Angelo Catalano make a dynamic duo in jazz. With their combined musicality, tastefulness and synergy, they are sure to bring a memorable night of swinging music that everyone will enjoy. This duo’s typical repertoire ranges from early jazz to hard bop and of course many classic pieces from the Great American Songbook. You can also look forward to some great original compositions. Though both from Massachusetts, they first met as students at the University of Hartford’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and The Hartt School, where they both received their Bachelors of Music.

Aidan Slate’s captivating piano stylings and versatile musical vocabulary have earned him the reputation of being one of the most respected jazz musicians of his generation in the Hartford area. His ability to seamlessly navigate anything from the subtle and sensitive to the dramatic and virtuosic makes him an easy call for any musical circumstance, as both a reliable accompanist and powerful soloist. That’s why he can often be found accompanying instrumentalists and vocalists in everything from duos to big bands. Aidan’s natural musicality and seemingly-effortless yet inspired improvisations will always leave a lasting impression on the audience. He is currently based primarily in Connecticut, where he continues to be a mainstay of the local jazz scene.

Angelo Catalano’s belief is to create fun and interesting jazz music that captivates the audience, and is, above all else, swinging! His performances and compositions have been described as mysterious, beautiful, sensitive, and lively. Angelo’s thoughtful phrasing and tasteful melodic vocabulary pair well with his iconic warm tenor saxophone sound. This is the reason why he became known to his contemporaries as “the poet,” derived from NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison’s remarks of approval after hearing Angelo perform a ballad. As a multi-instrumentalist, he’s known for his unique ability to express himself on many instruments, including less common choices like the C-melody saxophone, french horn, and alto clarinet. He also has a deep passion for the jazz tradition and its history. Angelo’s recent projects included a Duke Ellington 125th birthday tribute concert, featuring a dozen 1920’s & 30’s Ellington arrangements carefully transcribed from the recordings by Angelo.