Mike Catalano (musician)

Mike Catalano is an American contemporary jazz pianist, composer, and producer who has worked and recorded with many artists in the contemporary and Brazilian jazz genres. He is known for his work composing original music for Fox Television programs and his “affair” jazz albums, including A Rio Affair (1989), A Manhattan Affair (2007), and Themes and Dreams, Cinematic Music Vol. 1 (2025). He has also composed music for various television and stage productions. Career Catalano began composing and performing in his late teens, collaborating with established New York City session musicians. His early work was produced and engineered by guitarist Dean Bailin, whose credits included Rupert Holmes. The album was released by Maracujazz and distributed by Polygram in Brazil. A Manhattan Affair (2007) Catalano’s follow-up album, A Manhattan Affair, was co-produced by bassist Will Lee. The album consists of thirteen tracks, including Catalano originals and jazz standards such as “The Fool on the Hill” and “Beauty and the Beast”. The project featured guest appearances by pianist Bob James, guitarist Chuck Loeb, and Brazilian singer-songwriter Ivan Lins. Matt Collar, reviewing the album for Al