Grammy Award-winning guitar virtuoso Frank Gambale will ignite the Musicology Sessions stage on April 2, 2026, alongside his All-Star Group, delivering his legendary, passion-driven sound, described by Rolling Stone magazine as “ferocious.”
For over 36 years, Frank was a member of Chick Corea’s Elektric Band, performing alongside Eric Marienthal, John Patitucci, and Dave Weckl. He spent twelve years as part of Vital Information, led by Steve Smith, and also joined Return to Forever IV with Stanley Clarke, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Lenny White.
“Everything you touch with the guitar turns to gold, it always has.” Chick Corea
A legendary guitarist, Grammy winner, and three-time nominee, Gambale is an undisputed innovator. He created the groundbreaking “Gambale Sweep Picking Technique” and his revolutionary “Gambale Tuning,” both of which continue to inspire generations of musicians.
The Frank Gambale All-Star Group is fiery, dynamic, and full of stunning diversity for guitar enthusiasts. Frank performs on raw electric guitar, jazz guitar, and often acoustic guitar. He also sings with a silky yet powerful voice that surprises many, though not his devoted fans, who are well aware of his vocal talent.
The All-Star lineup features an extraordinary roster of musicians, including bass stars Federico Malaman and Martin Gudics, the always impressive drummers Gergo Borlai, Yoann Schmidt, and Marcello Gudics, keyboard masters Jerry Leonide and Tom Schuman, and the exceptional lead vocalist Boca Gambale.
His music is alive, dynamic, and deeply moving. Frank Gambale is not just a guitarist, he is a living legend and proof that music created with passion and mastery transcends time, genres, and expectations.
- Looking back at your career, what has been your most memorable moment on stage?
It’s difficult to choose because there have been so many. Performing for 80,000 people at Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo with Chick Corea and the Elektric Band stands out. Also performing with my band on Brazilian national television on a popular late-night show, and three concerts at my favorite venue in the world, Jazz à Vienne, and many more.
- How did your famous Gambale sweep picking technique come about?
I discovered it at age thirteen while living in Canberra. It grew out of my desire to play keyboard and saxophone lines on the guitar. Today, it has become part of the standard guitar technique vocabulary.
- Your music spans jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and Latin influences. How do you choose the genre for a new song or project?
I don’t really think about genre. The most important thing for me is to never feel limited while composing. Art is free expression. I don’t like being categorized, for me, something is either good or it isn’t.
- What inspires you when writing songs, especially those you perform with your wife, Boca Gambale?
For the past five years, I’ve lived near Barcelona, a place I had long dreamed of moving to. I’m inspired by great art. Salvador Dalí’s house is just 45 minutes away, and the works of Gaudí, Miró, Dalí, and Picasso leave me breathless. I wanted to breathe the same air and be surrounded by that creative energy.
Growing up, I listened to The Beatles, John Mayall, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Eagles, Lindisfarne, Jean-Luc Ponty, Chick Corea, Steely Dan, Sting, The Police, Earth, Wind & Fire, and many others.
Writing is an act of love. It requires work, time, focus, and hours spent with instruments hoping the result will be something beautiful.
- Can you share an anecdote from your time with Chick Corea’s Elektric Band or Return to Forever IV?
My audition with Chick is legendary. I wanted that job desperately. I played as if it were my last performance. After one tune “Rumble” Chick stood up, shook my hand, and said, “Your amp will be positioned at a 45-degree angle across the stage.” I honestly thought I was dreaming.
Playing in Return to Forever IV was an honor beyond words. Touring throughout 2011 was fantastic.
- Do you have any pre-show rituals?
No special rituals, just new strings. Coffee is absolutely essential before going on stage, along with a deep breath.
- What can the Belgrade audience expect in April?
I love bringing my music to audiences around the world. In Belgrade, I’ll perform a diverse repertoire from my catalog spanning many years. I’m especially happy that my wife Boca will join me to perform several Soulmine tracks from my last two albums.
The band is in top form: Tom Schuman (co-founder of Spyro Gyra) on keyboards, Gergo Borlai on drums, rising bass star Martin Gudics, and of course the beautiful and incredibly talented Boca Gambale with her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence.
It will be a concert you won’t want to miss.
- What will be the highlight of the evening?
Everything!
- What advice would you give young musicians?
Music comes first, technique comes far behind. We are musicians, not Formula 1 drivers. If you play well, understand different styles, show up on time, and shower regularly, people will call you back.
- What are you currently working on?
More concerts, more music, and more educational content for my online school:
http://www.FrankGambaleGuitarSchool.com
Event Details
April 2, 2026
Doors open: 8:30 PM
Musicology Showcase by Lenovo: 9:00 PM
Frank Gambale All-Star Group: 10:00 PM