Frank Katz: a biography

Frank Katz was born and raised in Manhattan, New York.  He was Inspired by his father, the respected jazz pianist Dick Katz, to learn music, choosing the drumset as his instrument. Katz took his first lesson with Connie Kaye of the Modern Jazz Quartet, and developed his chops at the famous Drummer’s Collective in New York, under the guidance of tutors, including Kim Plainfield, Kenwood Dennard.

His unique style and technical brilliance were noticed at an early age.  Jazz drummer, Mike Clark, rated Katz as “one of the most exciting discoveries since Jack Dejohnette and Tony Williams”. He recorded his first album at seventeen and joined the staff at the Collective at nineteen – counting Sterling Campbell (David Bowie) and Keith Carlock (Steely Dan, String) among his numerous students.

Frank became known for his unique linear drumming style, featured to maximum effect on his albums and tours with Brand X. He was equally sought for his soulful grooves, and command of diverse styles, recording and performing with numerous artists including Jill Sobule, James Blood Ulmer and Percy Jones. He was planning a return to his first love, jazz, when he died in 2022 from an unexpected illness, at the age of 55.