Fratangelo, Larry

Percussionist who has carved a niche for himself as a valuable session musician and bandleader. A list of artists and groups with whom he has worked includes George Benson, Anita Baker, The Boston Pops, The Dramatics, Aretha Franklin, Earl Klugh, Thelonius Monk, Ted Nugent, Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Ruffin, Mitch Ryder, and Was Not Was. In the early 2000s, he performed with the Drum Devils on Live at the Zoo and Taming the Russian Dragon. He has since formed an all-percussionist, Detroit-based band called One Nation (Under a Groove). His list of personal achievements includes performing for the British Parliament and the White House, and appearing on the Grammy Awards and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies. Some of the instruments he plays are the caxixi, cuica, gong, ocean drum, pandeiro, and shekere. Horror fans may have heard some of these unusual instruments on the Evil Dead soundtrack. Larry has poured his capital and street cred into Brother Angel Productions, which coordinates the scheduling of concerts and recording dates. In 2008, he and his One Nation band are going on tour of the American Midwest with Kid Rock.

Sources: