Musician MATT CATINGUB wears many hats: saxophonist, woodwind artist, conductor, pianist, vocalist, performer, composer, and arranger. Born in 1961 to parents of Polynesian descent, he was the youngest son of the late great jazz vocalist Mavis Rivers. He started on piano at age seven and at 16 began emphasizing the alto sax as his main instrument. Within a year, Catingub had joined the Louie Bellson Big Band – the youngest member of that ensemble. Just a few months into his stint, Catingub’s composition “Explosion” was recorded on Bellson’s album Dynamite (Concord Jazz). Two years later he joined the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band as lead alto saxophonist.

In 1983, Catingub recorded My Mommy and Me (SeaBreeze Jazz), which featured his own big band and his mother Mavis on vocals. His latest CD Hawaiian Swing, introduces his new big band, Big Kahuna and the Copa Cat Pack. Catingub is also in demand as guest Pops conductor and in 1998 began full time duties as Principal Pops Conductor for the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. To date, he has conducted and/or arranged for of artists including Maureen McGovern, Kenny Rogers, Al Jarreau, Lou Rawls, John Bayless, Jim Nabors, Judy Collins, Doc Severinsen, The Smothers Brothers, Rosie O'Donnell, Rosemary Clooney, Roberta Flack, and Michael Feinstein.

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