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| Jazz/Hip Hop Catholic Priest Returns The world's only jazz, hip hop happenin' Catholic priest, Father Stan Fortuna, returns to the GTA on February 28th and will be preaching and performing at various schools and events until March 4th. He will be participating in the "You Are The Light of the World" Youth Rally at Ricoh Coliseum on Feb. 28th at which the newly-installed Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins will be present. Fortuna recently played the prestigious Birdland ('jazz corner of the world') in Manhattan with his trio, Scola Tristano, and released his third rap album, "Sacro Song 3" last year. He is currently working on his third book, "U Got To Love" and is the subject of a Canadian documentary on his life and work entitled "Sent". Fortuna has been written up in various religious and mainstream media. The current issue of Bass Guitar Magazine, a leading music publication says: "Man of God and heavenly bebop . . . To see him onstage – a Catholic priest in traditional monastic garb scatting on standards, rapping over looped percussion, and playing up-tempo bebop lines on a fretless Fodera 6-string – is to realize that God does indeed work in mysterious ways." E.E. Bradman (Editor) XXL Magazine, one of the leading hip hop publications in the US, states: "Although it's sacrilegious, rappers often profess to spit gospel through their bars and hooks. While a few have even attempted to spread the good word via rhymes, the message usually got blurred by the messenger. But in the Bronx there's an MC making religious raps – and he's got the credentials to back up his preaching. . . Call it hip-hop from a higher power." B. Miller (Staff Writer) The New York Press says: "Though versed in the street currency of 50 Cent, Fortuna and drummer Peter Scattaretico both drew personal inspiration directly from mentor Lennie Tristano. The Scola Tristano trio, rounded out by veteran guitarist Peter Prisco, is a breathing tribute to the free-jazz pioneer once described as an 'adamant iconoclast' at the keyboard." J. Funke (Music Writer) Fortuna studied with Lennie Tristano (oft-dubbed the "father of improvisational jazz") and previously made a living as a much sought-after professional bass player touring throughout the U.S where he performed with renowned jazz artists Lou Konitz, Warne Marsh and Lou Stelutti playing venues from Birdland to Lincoln Center. He first got involved with rap music when he was studying for the priesthood and continued with it hoping to reach a diverse crowd. He now travels the world preaching and doing concerts encompassing a variety of musical genres as a part of his unique ministry. Fortuna will preach and perform at Ricoh Coliseum on February 28th at the "You Are The Light of the World" rally, hosted by the St. Bernadette Family Resource Centre. He will also be speaking and incorporating his unique brand of music at various Oakville/Burlington high schools and at the "Catholic Faith Leadership Youth Conference" on March 3rd as well as at an "Evening of Lent" on March 4th, both at Mary, Mother of God Church in Oakville. Fortuna has been involved with community development and positive social change in his neighbourhood of the South Bronx for almost two decades. He is an original member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal who developed a faith-based plan to clean up the district in the late 1980's. They have since expanded worldwide and have opened a homeless shelter, a food bank, a community centre with numerous after-school and weekend programmes, and a free medical clinic for impoverished families in the area. All proceeds from Fortuna's concerts/talks and merchandise sales go towards his non-profit organization, Francesco Productions' hands-on work with the poor. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |