2023 Inductee
Frank Tornoe
Frank Tornoe’s musical journey all started with a song calledGreen Eyed Lady by Sugarloaf. That was the first record Frank ever bought. It was a 45 rpm. And that purchase sparked an interest and a love for music that continues to this day.
Curiously, Frank’s first instrument was NOT a bass, but a sousaphone. The school marching band needed bodies so it was Frank Tornoe to the rescue. He joined the Palmyra, New Jersy, High School marching band.
Soon after, a bunch of friends formed a band and needed a bass player. Again, Frank Tornoe to the rescue! To quote a dear friend from his first band: “A solid bass player and drummer are the foundation of any band”. They hold it down, keep it all together, and keep it moving and grooving. They are what the rest of the band builds on. Frank always did and continues to do just that: work with the drummer to lay down that beat and keep the groove going.
From his humble beginnings in his high school band, Frank has continuously sought to perfect his skills and has played in numerous bands over the years, from New Jersey to North Carolina, and since 2012, here in Bisbee, Arizona, with side trips to other states and other countries.
In North Carolina, Frank’s wife, Naomi, began taking bluegrass fiddle lessons. From there, a friendship was formed with the instructor and a band was born: Betsy in the Gene Pool. Lifelong friends were made, and the band was even showcased in Nashville. Additionally, North Carolina was where Frank started realizing another passion: recording. The band recorded their music to much acclaim and sold many CDs. Frank established an impressive studio and enjoyed playing with other notable musicians in the Central North Carolina music scene and had a great time, playing and recording his music and that of other artists.
Fast forward to 2012, when Frank and Naomi realized a lifelong dream of moving to Arizona. Bisbee, of all places! The first gig Frank played was with Beca Reyes and Scott Muhleman, on the Poco stage. Again, Naomi reaching out to a random person on the internet made for another amazing friendship and musical collaboration. Naomi asked Beca about the music scene and what was going on for bass players. Beca responded resoundingly and positively. Even today, Frank and Naomi still credit Beca for their making Bisbee their home.
In 2013, Frank heard that Buzz and the Soulsenders were looking for a new bass player. Frank messaged Buzz, and the rest is history. Frank has said that playing with Buzz and the Soulsenders was the greatest musical experience of his life. This really shaped Frank’s musical chops. The musicianship, talent, love, and friendship continue to thrive, and he remembers Buzz with the greatest affection. Many of us in Bisbee remember those amazing days. Buzz was a brother to Frank, and the community of musicians here in Bisbee have become Frank’s and Naomi’s extended family.
Other notable Bisbee musical collaborations that Frank has been a part of include Juan de Bisbee, Little Sugar, Chad West, Carolyn Toronto, Melissa Reaves, Mike Montoya, TS Henry Webb, Pat Gahn, The Panther Band, and One Ghost. Who knows what’s next?
What many don’t know about Frank is that he is also an accomplished ambient music composer in his own right. Chasing Light Recording is Frank’s studio and creative sparks are constantly flowing as he spends many hours composing and recording his own music, which is available on CD or to stream online at Franktornoe.com. He also has a steady stream of recording clients who know a good thing when they hear it as Frank provides a creative space for musicians realize their own dreams.
And so, for these reasons, for his contribution to the Bisbee music scene, Frank Torno was inducted into the Bisbee Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
