Frank Toscano Performs in New Movie “The Many Saints of Newark”
January 1st 2021
Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor Accordion USA News

Video: Official trailer of “The Many Saints of Newark”
Accordionist Frank Toscano was asked to arrange and perform music for the soundtrack of a new movie, “The Many Saints of Newark” which will be released worldwide on March 12, 2021.
Frank recorded eight songs and performed in the movie. Frank appears in the film with guitarist, Steve Lucas, in the scene of the confirmation party for Janice, Tony’s sister. The movie is a prequel to the popular series “The Sopranos”.
It was very interesting to speak with Frank and hear him share his fascinating experiences during the filming. Among the songs he played were “Ferry Boat Serenade”, “Volare”, “The Nearness of You” and “Core Grate”. For the scene Frank wore a red tuxedo jacket and slicked back hair. He played a Verde acoustic accordion. Frank said the director and cast enthusiastically applauded him at the end of the scene.
The music/soundtrack was recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City. The challenge, according to Frank, was to play the song during filming exactly as it was recorded at The Hit Factory since the recording was used during the filming of the movie. Of course, Frank was able to easily accomplish the task.
A professional musician since the age of eight, Frank Toscano has made music and the accordion his entire life. Born and raised in New York, Frank came from an Italian family who valued the idea of music being played in the house constantly. Without a choice from his father, Frank took lessons on the accordion under the direction of Emilio Chiesa and never dreamed that it would became the passion of his life!
Frank said, “Emilio provided me with a solid classical foundation, for which I am forever grateful. I was very fortunate to have such a great teacher who he himself is also a Virtuoso Accordionist.” As Frank continued through the years practicing, he mastered the instrument and it was only natural for him to become a professional musician. He wanted more though…more music… and so he learned, studied jazz and mastered the art of playing the Piano (taught himself) and at the age of twenty-one opened the Frank Toscano Music School.
Now some 50 years later the school continues to flourish with young and not so young talent. Still teaching everyday, his undying passion for music and performing never seems to subside. He has performed live with and for many artists including Michail Baryshnikov and Aidan Quinn and can also be heard on many recordings of other artists… too numerous to mention. Frank performed for Steve Schirripa and the entire Soprano’s Cast to help launch an up and coming new T.V. show.
He has also had the pleasure of performing with Joe Piscoppo and Vocalist Debra Toscano. Frank has performed many steady engagements at many prominent clubs in the Tri-State area such as the Playboy Club, North Hempstead Country Club, Rockland Country Club and many more.
Among his accomplishments Frank arranged, conducted, and performed on three great CD’s. “Accordion To Frank”, a solo CD which embraces the flavor of Traditional styled music laced with a hint of Modern Jazz paying homage to his Accordion heritage.“The Amazing Accordion Kings” Volumes One and Two were arranged, performed and conducted with two other great Accordionists, Angelo DiPippo and Manny Corallo. These CD’s contain compilations of Opera to Jazz. Frank Toscano, a true musician, a true professional…and most certainly a true artist.
Frank told me, “The future of the accordion is bright, its a beautiful sound, and with modern technology, electronic accordions will help make it popular again.” Frank Toscano is an inspiration to all accordionists and demonstrates clearly that the accordion is a continuing and integral part of the world of music.
For further information: franktee@optonline.net or info@franktoscanoMusicSchool.com