Frank Portolese | Chicago Jazz Guitar

Thanks for visiting. Even as the summer winds down my duties at UIC and Elmhurst College, it beckons with some nice gigs and the Interlochen Jazz Camp come July. My CD, "Plectrum Jazz Guitar Solos" is available here (store page) and also on iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon as well as other online sources. Check out my video of "St. Louis Blues", and the "Media" page to see reviews. Hoping you like it, and please help me spread the word.

I am a guitar player, and I live in the Chicago area. I play all styles except classical, but I am mostly active as a jazz player. I have played all over the U.S. as well as in the U.K. and Europe. I work as a leader as well as a sideman.

I teach at UIC and at Elmhurst College, in the Chicago suburbs. At UIC I teach Electric Guitar Ensemble and Jazz History. At Elmhurst I teach the Jazz Theory and Improvisation classes as well as combo and private lessons. Former teaching gigs include the University of Michigan(the travel was finally too much), American Conservatory of Music and the Jamey Aebersold Summer Camp. Summers I do the Interlochen Jazz camp (second session)an unbelievably effective high school level camp. Never saw anything like it. They just play way better after three weeks. If you a serious young jazz student you simply must go.

That's all for now. Hope to see you at a gig. Check the "Shows" page for details.

I endorse and use Acoustic Image amplifiers and Raezer's Edge speakers. Finally, I am happy with my electric jazz guitar tone.

Frank