Frank Sullivan Trio

The Frank Sullivan Trio has been Gainesville, Florida’s premiere small jazz group for more than 20 years.  Frank has backed up literally dozens of visiting artists for the Gainesville Friends of Jazz dating back to early 1980’s and continues to be a most popular performer for GFOJ audiences. Ali and Billy are considered by other area musicians to be “tops” on their respective instruments.

Frank Sullivan, on piano, is Gainesville's premier jazz musician.    Following college, he was the leader of a jazz combo that played throughout much of the central Midwest. After honing his jazz talents playing clubs in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area, Frank moved to Gainesville and recorded a solo album on the Rainbo label in 1979.  He has played with such well-known jazz musicians as John Abercrombie, Buddy DeFranco, Nathen Page, Bobby Shew and Ira Sullivan. Frank has also taught jazz piano at the Navy School of Music, the Miami Conservatory and the Gainesville Academy of Music and Art.

Billy Bowker, on drums, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. For many years, he backed up a veritable ”who’s who” of nationally known jazz musicians as part of the Gainesville Friends of Jazz concert series at the Thomas Center. Billy continues to be a first call drummer for a variety of musical groups.

Ali Che'ree, on bass, started his musical career as a featured singer with the Malaysian National Orchestra.  He has performed with such luminaries as Wynton Marsalis, Ary Piazzarollo and Braxil Express. Ali also performs frequently with flutist and vocalist Gosia Sobala at venues throughout the Southeast U.S.

The Frank Sullivan Trio recorded a CD, “Beginnings,” on the Vita Records label in 1997. In addition, Nick DeCarlis completed his first CD, “The Thrill of That Moment,” with the Frank Sullivan Trio. A new CD, “Songs Sinatra Sang,” a live recording of the same-named 2004 presentation, will go on sale at the DOUBLE TAKE concert.