GABE KATONA

Gabe Katona has been making things happen since he launched his career as a teenager when he was recruited by a number of jazz, soul and R&B bands. Listening to The Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, The Modern Jazz Quartet, Nancy Wilson (jazz singer), and Dave Brubeck inspired his interest in jazz. Playing in the Los Angeles, California music scene through his high school and college years, Gabe gained notoriety and became an LA studio musician and songwriter for various publishers. Among them, he was signed as a songwriter with Motown’s Jobete Publishing.

Gabe strengthened his presence in the music industry through working with many major artists. He toured and recorded his keyboard work on four of Rick Springfield’s platinum albums and the gold single, “Jessie’s Girl”. As a member of Rare Earth, he co-wrote 2 of their Billboard charting songs, recorded and toured. He was regularly called to play keys in LA music sessions, including for artists such as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Temptations, Jackson 5 and Richie Furay and for legendary artists Redbone, Player, Climax Blues Band and Motown artists. That’s Gabe driving the groove with his clavinet on the Jacksons’ “Dancing Machine”.

Gabe played keyboards and saxophone for three years with Starship as they performed across the U.S, Canada and Japan. He performed on some of Starship’s recordings from live concerts and appeared in some of the videos. Gabe’s diverse career crosses a variety of genres in his work with many other artists, film and television projects.

As a solo artist, Gabe was inspired to blend his jazz, R&B and rock experiences and influences to create his melodic and soulful contemporary jazz album “Bridge”.