Artist description Fr. Stan Fortuna has been playing music since the 2nd grade when his father gave him his first instrument for Christmas - a red electric guitar! His love for music grew into early adulthood as he began the life long journey of learning the art of improvising by practicing countless hours and playing lots of sessions in the New York area. It was during that time that Fortuna began hearing his true calling in life and was eventually ordained a Catholic priest. He is one of the eight original members of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a community established in the Archdiocese of New York under the jurisdiction of John Cardinal O'Connor in 1987.Fr. Stan established Francesco Productions in 1987, a non-profit record company which makes his music available on cassette and CD. From Contemporary Christian to Jazz, Folk and Rap, this incredible musician and composer has produced music for the enjoyment of all ages and walks of life. He has released numerous CD's of original music and standards, arranged in his very original style. All of the proceeds from the sales of the CD's and cassettes goes to the Community's hands-on work with the poor.Although Fr. Stan lives in the South Bronx where he serves the poor and needy families, he is internationally known for his music as well as for his powerful preaching. Fr. Stan travels extensively, performing his music and proclaiming the Gospel at conferences, retreats, and both national and international youth prayer festivals. He has been a featured speaker at Franciscan University's High School Age Youth Conferences and Youth 2000 events for several years. He has also appeared numerous times on EWTN's Life on the Rock.In January 1999, Fr. Stan was asked to preach and perform at the youth rally in St. Louis during Pope John Paul's visit. He is now serving full time in the preaching apostolate using his gift of music, a powerful means to reach deep into the heart and soul of both the young and old throughout the world.

Music Style Contemporary Christian

Musical Influences Lennie Tristano

Instruments Guitar, Bass, Piano, Percussion, Midi Keyboards

Albums 1. I Will Worship You 2. The Second Collection 3. Traditional Catholic Hymns 4. Sacro Song 5. Fr. Stan Live - The Spirit of the Lord and the Art of Improvising 6. Loved By You 7. First Collection 8. Take My Heart 9. Surrender To Stillness

Press Reviews 1. Amazon.com "Friar Stan Fortuna, Catholic priest and member of the order of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York City's environs, is also a recording artist whose message is delivered in the musical idiom most suited to his audience. On Sacro Song, his listeners are today's Catholic youth and Fortuna churns it up with rap and hip-hop laced with jazz horns, samples, and electronic programming. Backed by a group of highly stylized vocalists and rappers, Sacro Song both ends and begins with "Glory B," updated versions of what many will recognize as the popular Benediction hymn, "Gloria Patri." "Never Been Born" raps on the pain of pro-choice and the mercy of forgiveness, while "The Zipper Zone" speaks out for chastity and "Kumbya" stands up against drugs and teen suicide. Other numbers are anthems of praise, brotherly love, and spiritual renewal, all of which are done with taste and surprising aptitude, a happy marriage of evangelism and street credibility."--Paige La Grone 2. Catholic New York - Friar's Hymns on CD Have Universal Appeal By CLAUDIA McDONNELL From two classic versions of ''Ave Maria'' to a rap on ''Come HolyGhost,'' there is something for everyone on the latest CD--his ninth--by Father Stan Fortuna, C.F.R. Titled ''Traditional Catholic Hymns,'' it has 13 selections that incorporate orchestral, classical jazz, Latin jazz, Celtic, folk and contemporary music styles. Like the Church, it is universal. ''Musically, it's catholic with a small c,'' Father Stan said in an interview. ''Spiritually, it's Catholic with a large C.'' Among the selections are ''Ave Maria'' by Bach/Gounod and by Schubert,''Prayer of St. Francis,'' ''Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All'' and ''On Eagle's Wings.'' Father Stan offers an evocative, a cappella rendition of''The Water Is Wide.'' His version of ''I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say''reflects a Celtic influence; it begins with uilleann pipes, and Father Stan's voice echoes their timbre. He sings and plays piano on ''Come, Holy Ghost,'' then moves into a rap that is sure to catch the attention of teenagers. The CD begins and ends with ''Immaculate Mary''--the first track traditional, the final one a Latin jazz interpretation that will delight younger listeners and grow on older ones. Father Stan said that music is ''just part of my vocation.'' ''It's an essential aspect of who I am as a person. Therefore, it manifests itself in what I do,'' he said. His inspiration and motivation are rooted in his priesthood and his consecrated life as a Franciscan. ''One of my obligations as a priest is to administer the mysteries of God and preach the word of God, and music is a very, very powerful means to do that,'' he said. He added that ''exuberance'' is part of being Franciscan, and ''music is a key to release the spirit and joy of St. Francis.'' All proceeds from his concerts and the sale of his CDs and cassettes go to his congregation, the Community of Franciscans of the Renewal, based in the South Bronx, for its work with the poor and homeless, families and youth. ''Traditional Catholic Hymns'' and Father Stan's other recordings are available from Francesco Productions, 420 E. 156th St., Bronx, N.Y. 10455. Orders and requests for a catalog: (718) 401-7349. Cost: $15 per CD, $10 per tape, plus $3 shipping and handling. Reprinted with permission Catholic New York copyright April 27, 2000.

Location Bronx, New York - USA

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