Top 5 with Frankie Italiano of Stretch & The Armstongs

The first of FIVE TOP 5's with my buddies from Stretch & The Armstrongs (SATA)!

Today, we get to know more about Frankie Italiano, bass player of SATA and a cool dude AND find out his Top 5....Bass Players!

Frankie's first intro to music was through his two older brothers that played in a band that covered Queen, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and more. His brother Peter played drums and his brother Sal played bass guitar. But he had no interest because he was more into sports. At age 11, he was forced to take piano lessons and hated it. But it did help him later on to understand music theory and reading music. Around the age of 16, some neighborhood friends formed a band and his brother Sal gave him a bass and some lessons. Sal was a huge influence in everything he knows today for which he will always be grateful for.

Prior to playing with SATA, Frankie played in Maiden NY tribute band and No More Tears, which covered the best of Ozzy and Black Sabbath. Today, you can find Frankie grooving on the bass for SATA covering your favorite 70s and 80s classic rock, yacht rock and disco.

Now onto that Top 5!

Top 5 Bass Guitar Players with Frankie Italiano of Stretch & The Armstrongs

1. STEVE HARRIS - My biggest influence who molded my style of bass playing

growing up. He’s the bassist to my favorite band, Iron Maiden, so much so

that I played in an Iron Maiden Tribute band called MAIDEN NY. I was fortunate

enough to meet Steve and become friends with him. To this day, we are still close

friends.

2. RUDY SARZO - Was the touring bassist for Ozzy Osbourne in the 80’s alongside

guitar great Randy Rhoads. Rudy had a tremendous influence on me with his

unique live performance onstage with his showmanship.

3. BOB DAISLEY - Was the recording bassist for Ozzy Osbourne in the 80’s also

alongside guitar great Randy Rhoads. Bob definitely helped me in learning how to

play bass guitar and developing a style for myself.

4. PAUL McCARTNEY - I don’t feel an explanation is needed here for bass players.

But if you need one just BRILLIANT.

5. SEAN HURLEY - Has recorded and toured live with John Mayer, who’s also a

favorite artist of mine. Sean has a bass playing style that I’ve gravitated towards in

my years of playing. He seems to always be in the right place with his simplicity

and tastefulness approach towards a John Mayer song.

And that's a wrap kitty kats. You can catch Frankie with Stretch & The Armstrongs this Friday, August 1 at the Golden Nugget in AC and August 22 at Bar A in Belmar.

Thanks Frankie!