The Album the Music Industry Has Been Practically Begging For (For 25 Years) "Frank Songs, My Way," a Swinging Frank Sinatra Tribute by Chicago Crooner Frank Lamphere, Is Set For Release Available on Valentine's Day 2025, traditional pop singer Lamphere's album of entirely different versions of Frank Sinatra recorded standards, is bound to leave a long-lasting impression on the beloved genre.
CHICAGO, Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Traditional pop singer Frank Lamphere (LAM-fear) on February 14, 2025, will release a new album "Frank Songs, My Way" (more than three years in the making). The recording is a new high point in a music career that has included four studio albums and thousands of performances across the US.
Frank Songs, My Way - Traditional pop singer Frank Lamphere's 15 song tribute to Frank Sinatra
Traditional pop-jazz singer Frank Lamphere
Not a pure jazz album, nor the too common Frank Sinatra "copycat" record, but Lamphere's original brand of Rat Pack Jazz (a musical "bridge" connecting pop & jazz). Lamphere understands and agrees with many Sinatra aficionados, that "Frank" is a genre, all its own. "Hey, what are you listening to?" Response "Listening to some Frank." This project began with the premise that nobody could equal, let alone surpass, the quality of Frank Sinatra's beloved recordings. To not invite comparisons, this Frank took a group of mostly well-known "Frank Songs" and along with his top-notch musical colleagues, crafted fresh interpretations for them. Author-jazz historian Scott Yanow wrote, "He avoids copying him and, while many of these standards are closely associated with Sinatra, Lamphere comes up with fresh interpretations that uplift the material."
My Way is the album's opening track and is like no previous version. Unlike the Sinatra hit, this version is a finger-snapping, mid-tempo swinger, with trumpet and sax. Similarly, Fly Me To The Moon bears little resemblance to the iconic Sinatra version. It was recorded as an uptempo jazz waltz and features solos by former Count Basie Band saxman Eric Schneider and acclaimed pianist Jeremy Kahn. Stellar guitarist Dan McIntyre who worked for Frank Sinatra Jr and currently on tour with Mark Tremonti, plays on all but one track. On That's Life, The Shadow Of Your Smile and others, McIntyre demonstrates why he is a first-call guitarist in this setting. Other tracks include a bluesy Drinking Again, a brief Count Basie-like I've Got You Under My Skin, Strangers In the Night becomes a late-night ballad and a fast-paced version of Just In Time.
Lamphere has made a career of performing pop music from the generation before his own. Frank states, "Even though I listened to the Top 40 as a kid, for whatever reason, from about sixth grade on, this became my music." He also readily admits that had he recorded this album earlier in his career, he may not have been capable of doing "much" that hadn't already been done with these popular songs. Lamphere's signature swinging style is abundant on these melodies. His vocal lines are crisp, strong and imbue a sense of realness. The album was made primarily over two sessions at Crystall Recorders Studio in October of 2021. The time was right! In fact, Chicago Jazz Magazine writes, "This could be one of the best Frank Sinatra tribute albums ever."
Lamphere's music brand Rat Pack Jazz was conceived in the early 2000s. In addition to the music business, he is a successful deck builder-contractor. He started his A-Affordable Decks in 1992. Happily married, with a couple of children, his music career highlights include four studio albums (the latest Now THAT'S Amore! in 2023), steadies at top jazz clubs in Chicago, headlining numerous Rat Pack tributes and Italian fests across the country, corporate gigs from Las Vegas to New York. Lamphere's original song I Never Forgot from his 2012 CD "Frank Swings" was featured prominently in the award-winning film Theresa Is a Mother. Prolific in the recording studio over the last several years, Frank has been utilizing the great jazz talent in Chicago and has recorded two more albums, one of these dedicated to the songs of Dean Martin. Lamphere is available for musical performance nationwide.
"Frank Songs, My Way" will be available (here) for CD sales and downloads.
July 30, 2024 - Lamphere has been in the studio putting final touches on his upcoming 13 song Dean Martin tribute album "Frank Sings Dean". This will follow the release of the Frank Sinatra tribute album "Frank Songs, My Way"
Lamphere's performance at Festa Italiana Milwaukee 2024 (below)
May 09, 2024 - Frank will be returning to the Milwaukee Festa Italiana for two Rat Pack themed shows. Saturday June 01 at 11:00 am Frank and his five piece band will open up the Festa on the US Cellular Stage. The band this day will include the vaunted Andy Brown Quartet that have performed at Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago every Sunday, night for years. Joining the group for this special performance will be legendary saxman Eric Schneider.
Then Sunday June 02 3-4:30 pm Frank will perform another show. Frank's band Sunday will include Eric Schneider again on sax as well as Frank Sinatra Jr's guitarist of 30+ years Dan McIntyre. The great Bobby Schiff will play piano (Bobby performed many times at the Festa with vocalist Frank D'Rone). Ernie Adams (toured with Jerry Vale & many jazz stars) will play drums and Milwaukee's very own, star bassist Jeff Hamman, will complete the group.
April 02, 2024 - "Blue-Collar Jazz" was "born" yesterday April 01 2024
January 10, 2024 - Frank had a very productive recording session on Monday, January 08, 2024. Seven songs were recorded for a future project. One of these songs was an original "If You like Frank". The powerhouse band for this recording date included: pianist Jeremy Kahn, guitarist Dan McIntyre, bassist Mark Sonksen and drummer Phil Gratteau
October 13, 2023 Frank Lamphere was in the recording studio to final-mix his 13 song Dean Martin tribute album. "I'll Be Seeing You" (the album's likely title) is a radical take on the famous Martin recordings and will be marketed about the same time as "Frank Songs, My Way" (Lamphere's next release)
Among the songs on Lamphere's upcoming Dino tribute are: Volare, Ain't That a Kick In the Head, Sway, Everybody Loves Somebody and a swinging version of the Neapolitan classic O Sole Mio.
June 05, 2023 - Frank Lamphere is recording tracks for a follow-up to his not-yet-released
Frank Sinatra tribute album "Frank Songs, My Way"
Chicago jazz greats Jeremy Kahn, Eric Schneider and Art Davis at the June 05, 2023 Frank Lamphere recording session
May 13, 2023 - Lamphere on stage, May 10 at Untitled Supper Club where he performed selections from his new album "Now, THAT'S Amore!" Here a clip of the second track form the album "Around the World"
March 08, 2023- Frank's new full-length albumNow THAT'S Amore!will be released May 10.
Reviews are good! Stay tuned.
This will be followed up by an album of unique covers of 15 Frank Sinatra recorded songs and a Dean Martin tribute as well! Rat Pack Jazz is making recordings.
COMING MAY 10 2023!
January 02 2023 - Frank and his quartet will perform on Wednesday, January 11 at Untitled Supper Club in Chicago.
October 30 2022 - Lamphere returned to the recording studio. Seven tracks were recorded on October 18 at Crystall Recorders, for his future Dean Martin tribute album. The identical musicians accompanied Lamphere that were on his first session for the Frank Songs, My Way album
Pianist Jeremy Kahn and guitarist Dan McIntyre at Lamphere's recording date Oct 18 2022
Bassist Mark Sonksen and drummer Greg Rockingham at the Lamphere recording session Oct 18, 2022
May 16, 2022 Frank Lamphere and quartet at the end of a productive recording session. (L-R) Larry Harris, Greg Rockingham, Frank Portolese, Mark Sonksen and Frank Lamphere
June 12, 2022 - Frank Lamphere was back in the studio again on May 16 to record tracks for a future Dean Martin tribute CD. The songs were recorded with former Chicago (now residing in Florida) jazz guitarist Frank Portolese and Lamphere's frequent collaborators: pianist Larry Harris, bassist Mark Sonksen and legendary Chicago drummer Greg Rockingham.
The group recorded 6 original takes on well-known and obscure Dean Martin songs.
Now That’s Amore – Frank Lamphere’s new CD
April 15, 2022– Retro jazz crooner & occasional songwriter Frank Lamphere is set to release his fourth CD “Now That’s Amore”. Recorded with his frequent collaborators, veterans of the Chicago jazz scene, the album contains fourteen songs, of which four are originals. Of these originals, Do You Like What You See? is an thumping, bluesy, pop song ala 1967 as is I’d Like to Come Back to You. Both songs feature Hammond organ accompaniment. Think Happy is a swinger, with a message inspired by the brilliant radio talk show host Dennis Prager, about thinking positively. Frank revives his previously released baseball song, this time as The Braves Go All the Way.
Of the covers, Dean Martin's, That’s Amore receives a makeover becoming a jazz waltz, but with plenty of Italian flavorings. The album's opening track Love Theme From the Godfather (Speak Softly) is now a full-fledged swinger. Lamphere tackles the fresh take in English and then an alternate take (with vibes) sung in Italian. Two Henry Mancini tunes: the very up-tempo Charade and the ballad Slow Hot Wind are found back-to-back on the album. The Irving Berlin God Bless America, receives a 4/4 rendering. Completing the session are: Bacharach’s The Look of Love, a Buddy Greco"ish" Around the World and the 1934 standard For All We Know.This album was recorded over two primary sessions in 2020 and 2021.
Frank Lamphere has been a professional singer in the specialized genre, nowadays known as traditional pop and straight-ahead jazz. Lamphere has been honing his swinging style for 25 years. A style which has borrowed from the titans of popular music prior to 1970: Ol’ Blue Eyes, Dino, Jack Jones, Buddy Greco, Tony Bennett and a few others.
Frank's musical journey began at a young age, singing along to the records he played, on his "record player". While in his late-teens and early 20s opportunities to sit-in with local bar bands and mini sets with a wedding band were a great introduction to performing in front of a live audience. Later, jazz took on a profound role in his musical direction when he "found" pianist Billy Pierce and also began frequenting several jazz jam sessions. A lucky break around 1997 earned him steady club work with the popular Johnny Gabor Trio, Shortly after, he began successfully taking on his own gigs, not only in the Chicago area but all over the country. Over the years, Lamphere has retained a day-job. Deck contractor and owner of A-Affordable Decks, which achieves 30 years in business in 2022.
Frank's first release was 2002s thirteen-track tribute to lyricist Sammy Cahn. The album “Ain’t Love a Kick” attracted positive national attention. Concentrating on his live performances and a new family, it was ten years until Frank put out his next release, a five song EP of original songs entitled "Frank Swings". In January 2021 “America the Beautiful, Swinging” a seven-song disc was released. This one featured his original Las Vegas recorded with nine horns.
Career highlights include singing for radio and television commercials, headlining numerous Rat Pack themed shows across the Midwest, corporate gigs from Las Vegas to New York, and jazz clubs in Milan, Italy. The song I Never Forgot from his CD "Frank Swings" was featured prominently in the award-winning independent film Theresa Is a Mother. Frank continues to be hired across the U.S. to perform his specialty "Rat Pack Jazz" when “the Music Needs to be Right”. He has more album projects coming soon, including a jazzy Frank Sinatra tribute that has already been recorded. Lamphere is married and has two children
Frank Lamphere in the recording studio October 25, 2021 Recording songs for his upcoming release "Frank Songs, My Way"
Nov 05 2021Frank Lamphere returned to Crystall Recorders Studio (Lombard IL.) recording studio on October 25 & 27 to record 12 songs for his CD to be released sometime in 2023 "Frank Songs, My Way". The two sessions featured two different all-star rhythm sections with the exception of guitarist Dan McIntyre who played on both of the sessions.
The project, which Frank had been considering for many years, was to make an album of songs easily identifiable as "Frank Songs" but to really make them not at all comparable to the unsurpassable Sinatra versions. Now, it's true that the words "make them his own" are frequently stated with other similar projects, but Lamphere mean't it and followed through. The selections were carefully chosen but virtually no thought was needed for inclusion of iconic songs like "Fly Me to the Moon" and "I've Got You Under My Skin". These two were rarely not included in a performance during Lamphere's 25 year performing career. Others such as: Call Me Irresponsible, More (Theme from Mondo Cane) and How Deep Is the Ocean were also recorded by many recording artists in their day, but were not "shoe-ins" for album inclusion.
In addition to Frank's regular accompanist on his previous two albums, Larry Harris, Lamphere enlisted the immense talents of pianist Jeremy Kahn for the first session. Together with bassist Mark Sonksen, drummer Greg Rockingham, Dan McIntyre and the other "essential" instrumentalist on Frank's projects, saxman Eric Schneider, the results are extreme swinging with a slightly soulful vibe.
For the second session (two days later) with pianist Harris, Lamphere brought back the longtime Chicago jazz dynamic duo of bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer George Fludas. McIntyre and Schneider completed the superb quintet.
October 07, 2021 Lamphere along with his jazz trio, recorded a commercial for producer Terry Sweet. Sweet, wrote and produced the memorable jingle (Terry is highly regarded in the industry and has produced hundreds of jingles for both radio and television) for The Packing House, a well known Milwaukee steakhouse.
April 10, 2021 Frank is recording a full length CD (12-13 songs) The near future album will contain 4 original compositions with the balance being unique covers of songs from the 1940-60s.
March 10 - Frank and an allstar quartet (4 of Chicago's very best jazz musicians!) will perform
February 06, 2021 Frank heads into the recording studio on the week of Feb 07 to work on a handful of songs for his next major album project. More details to follow.
Order the CD "America the Beautiful, Swinging" direct
Congratulations on another album replete with fantastic vocals, world-class musicianship, and top notch, hard swinging arrangements! This album is as good as anything out there - Ben Dockery
Sunday, March 22 Flashback to 2009. Stan's Fit For Your Feet in Milwaukee WI runs this TV commercial with a familiar voice, singing the jingle.
March 14, 2020 On Monday March 09 Frank Lamphere was back in the recording studio to record a couple of alternate versions of The Cubs Go All the Way. A very productive session, in addition to a re-recording of his own 2012 Be Happy, he introduced his original blues-infused Were You Thinking About Me?, and I'd Like to Come Back to You. Rounding off the recording session were covers of the 1956 movie theme Around the World and the 1961 Mancini-Gimbel A Slow Hot Wind.
Personnel returning from the America the Beautiful Swinging (2020) session were: pianist Larry Harris, bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer George Fludas. Nationally celebrated guitarist Dan McIntyre, played guitar.
These tracks will be part of a near-future album project.
Lamphere's original song (preview) posted on official Chicago Cubs website
August 17, 2019 - Lamphere and his longtime pianist Larry Harris were in the studio on August 15 to oversee the recording of the horn parts for Frank's song Las Vegas. Almost there!
A run through of Frank Lamphere's new song Las Vegas
Frank & Trio @ Untitled Supper Club in Chicago, Friday July 05 2019 10:30 pm
July 05, 10:30-1:30 am Frank and Trio
Larry Harris keys,
Stewart Miller bass
Dan McIntyre guitar
June 06 2019Frank recorded six songs on June 04. These songs which include "Las Vegas" (Lamphere's first original composition, written in 2007) will be part of the CD "America Swinging" and it features a who's who of Chicago Jazz titans.
June 04, 2019 The view from one isolation booth to another. (L-R) Andy Brown guitarist, Bill Klewitz photographer, Dennis Carroll bassist.
Frank & Trio @ Untitled Supper Club in Chicago, Wednesday May 22 2019
Feb 01, 2019
Frank and his trio will be returning to Untitled Supper Club on Wednesday May 22
The show begins at 7:30 pm
"This is one of the nicest rooms in Chicago. The decor, the sound and staff are really top-notch!"
- Frank Lamphere
Untitled Supper Club
111 W Kinzie St. Chicago, IL60654
(312)880-1511
Lazarus House Gala & Benefit
"Unmasking the Face the Homelessness"
Phantom of the Opera January 26, 2019 6:00pm until midnight
Q Center 1405 North Fifth Ave. St. Charles, IL 60174
You are cordially invited to our 4th annual Lazarus House Gala & Benefit. Please join us and enjoy the "Music of the Night." Mingle with friends, bid on silent auction or purchase a mystery bottle of wine. Enjoy a delicious plated dinner, sweets, a heartwarming presentation and an exciting live auction! And that's not all, Rat Pack Jazz with authentic retro style vocalist Frank Lamphere will perform immediately following the program. So put your dancing shoes on and join us for an evening of helping your neighbors in need!
Reservations are $150 per person and can be made online by clicking the button below Tables of 10, cash bar, black & white attire suggested, masks optional
Frank and trio performing a concert on October 02, 2016 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Aurora. This was Lamphere's seventh consecutive year performing at Mercy Fest
May 2016 Lamphere singing on field at US Cellular Field before the Sox-Twins game
May 31, 2016 Frank and his trio will be performing at this years Festa Italiana on Taylor Street in Chicago. Friday, August 19 from 4:00-5:30 pm
Lamphere and his trio performing "A Foggy Day" in May 2016.
Frank performed on the field at US Cellular Field on May 06, 2016. The Chicago White Sox hired Lamphere as a part of their Italian Heritage promotional event.
Frank Lamphere at US Cellular Field
Frank along with his trio of pianist Bobby Schiff, bassist Mark Sonksen and drummer George Fludas performed at the Hearts and Shamrocks fest in Cicero on March 02.
Frank unveiled his new show "Back in the 60s" on Febrauary 23. The show was a great success. The trio consisted of pianist Bobby Schiff, bassist Mark Sonksen and drummer Phil Gratteau.
It'll be 1967 when Frank plays Jimmy's in 2016
Jan. 15 2016 Coming to a lounge near you. Frank and trio will be appearing twice monthly on Fridays starting in March 2016, at Jimmy's Charhouse in Elk Grove Village. 8:30-11:30 pm
March 04, 18 April 01, 15 May 06, 20 June 03, 17 July 01, 15
It'll be 1967 when Frank plays Jimmy's in 2016
Egan 50 Year anniversary party on January 06, 2016 at the University Club, Chicago
Great fun. Frank Lamphere and his Big Swing Machine at the University Club in Chicago January 06, 2016
Nov 18, 2015 Frank and his quintet had a great time performing for Revere Electric's Automation Event at Untitled Supper Club in Chicago (video below from event)
Frank Lamphere and his Rat Pack Jazz Trio performing at Mercy Fest in October 2015
September 11, 2015 Frank Lamphere & Trio at Nuova Italia Ristorante
June 29, 2015 Frank enjoyed singing with Jeff Lindberg's Chicago Jazz Orchestra at Andy's Jazz Club on Monday June 22. Lamphere performed nine songs over the two sets including his own personally commissioned swinging chart of the Dean Martin hit "Everybody Loves Somebody"
Frank is delighted to have been hired to perform with his trio, at the VIP Dinner for the EDM Biz Conferencein Las Vegas. The show will take place at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino on June 17. Chicago pianist Jeremy Kahn will be Frank's accompanist. Drummer Mike Mechem and bassist Danny DeMorales both from Las Vegas will complete the trio.
Frank and his trio that features stellar guitarist Frank Portolese, will perform Fridays March 20, 27 & April 03, 10 from 8:00pm - Midnight at Luigi's Italian Bistro in Palatine (In the video clip below) This trio performing at Luigi's.
Chicago crooner Frank Lamphere performing at the half-time of Bulls-Nets game. United Center 2-13-14
Festa Italiana Taylor Street Friday August 15, 8-10 PM Frank will feature American & Italian songs from the 1950-60s Performed with a handpicked, allstar band. Larry Harris keys Jim Cox bass Dan McIntyre guitar Don Stiernberg mandolin/guitar Frank Caruso accordion Mike Jeffers drums Mark Olen trumpet Eric Schneider sax/clarinet Frank Lamphere vocals
March 14, 2014 Just announced that Frank will headline at this year's Chicago Festa Italiana (Taylor Street) Frank will be accompanied by his six piece band on the Rosebud stage. The date is Friday, August 15 7-10pm.
FEBRUARY 06, 2014 Frank and his Rat Pack Jazz Sextet will be performing at the half-time of the Chicago Bulls-Brooklyn Nets game on Feb 13. The nationally televised game (TNT) will start at 7PM Central time. Frank put together a special medley of songs for the performance, that celebrate Valentine's Day.
November 17, 2013 Lamphere performed for the Little City annual gala last night (11-16). The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Frank's trio of Jim Ryan, Mark Sonksen and Bill Klewitz played during the cocktail hour. Dinner was served and there were numerous speakers before the music resumed. After dinner the original trio became an eight piece band with the addition of drummer George Fludas, Jerry DiMusio on tenor sax, Danny Barber on trumpet, vocalist Laury Shelley and of course Frank.
Frank Lamphere's band performs at the Little City Gala at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. November 16, 2013
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