Francesco blends his guitar, vocals & champion whistling to make exciting new music - from jazz, blues, country, folk, rock, ethnic, classical & electronic music.
"As one of the world's premiere whistlers, Francesco is in effect his own Stradivarius." - David Amram composer/conductor/instrumentalist
Internet DJ Dr. Mike Metheny (www.radioio.com) was so impressed he featured "Air Play" for a month. "Francesco's debut CD "Air Play" is a cool name for what it is, and I dig it. It's good laid back jazz and we are providing only the best for our audience!" "Air Play" includes jazz standards and original bebop, ballads, Brazilian, and modern material. Bonifazi's whistling is as complex and versatile as piano, guitar and voice.
In addition to winning 1st place at the 2003 International Whistling Convention, Francesco has performed throughout the US and Europe.
A frequent radio guest, he has appeared on the SKY Satellite TV Network, "CBS Sunday Morning," the BBC, and PBS.
Latest News
Francesco is finalizing his tracks for his 2nd CD - New Americana, which will include many Friends who've played with him over the years.
Not a Jazz or whistling release - Francesco is mixing elements of Americana music in new and exciting original tunes. Yes, a bit of whistling in there, but most just good honest (no AutoTune or processors) vocals, guitar, keyboards, mandolin, fiddle, bass and percussionn - creating Folk, Blues, Rock, Country and Bluegrass.
Biography
Francesco (Frank) Bonifazi has earned international recognition both as a jazz musician and as whistler. He was invited by a panel of music producers and jazz musicians to appear at the 2005 International MusiCamdo Jazz and Blues Festival in Camerino, Italy, and to compete for the prestigious Massimo Urbani Award. After numerous performances and elimination rounds, Bonifazi made it to the finals?and his impromptu performance afterwards drew the SKY- Satellite TV Network TV camera crew back to the stage for broadcast. And in 2003, his award-winning performance in the 2003 International Whistling Convention's popular music category was captured by ?CBS Sunday Morning,? the BBC, and PBS.
Bonifazi played jazz flute and saxophone before focusing on whistling. His ?puccalo? (as it was dubbed by the late great jazz whistler Ron McCroby) is as complex and versatile as voice, piano, guitar and other instruments. He also plays guitar and sings. He has appeared internationally and nationally with bands, singers, and as a soloist, accompanying his whistling with guitar and vocals.
Bonifazi?s recently released CD, ?Air Play,? reflects his breadth and depth of musical styles including bebop, ballads, Brazilian, blues, and modern jazz. It also includes several of his own compositions, including the romantic ballad, ?Heaven;? the compelling, rhythmic ?Funky J;? and the up-tempo multi-track humor of ?Self Talk.?
He frequently collaborates with Billboard Magazine Top 10 pianist Mark Sloniker, and their interplay is a highlight of the CD. Bluegrass musician Patrick Sites lends his mandolin on ?Summertime.?
Bonifazi and his wife Wendy, a journalist, live in Fort Collins, Colorado.
In addition to traditional music venues, he also performs at private parties, schools, corporate events, health facilities, and festivals.