Retro Crooner Frank Lamphere

Frank Lamphere delivers a powerful show at Harrah's on New Years Eve

2012-01-12T17:09:00.001-06:00


New Years Eve 2011 - The Vegas Room at Harrah's in Joliet where retro crooner Frank Lamphere and his quintet performed.

The Rat Pack Jazz Bandstand at Harrah's Joliet

Frank Lamphere's "Frank Swings" EP is Released Digitally

2011-12-06T10:23:00.002-06:00

Crooner Frank Lamphere's new EP "Frank Swings" is released in digital form on December 04, 2011.
The physical CD will be released on February 01, 2012

Frank Lamphere | Frank Swings | CD Baby

Frank Swings to be released

2011-09-25T15:09:00.001-05:00

Crooner-songwriter unveils his new CD "Frank Swings" .

The disc will be available this Fall on CDBaby.com as well as I Tunes.

Retro Crooner to Sing at the Taste of Chicago

2011-05-15T17:28:00.001-05:00

Retro crooner Frank Lamphere will be appearing with the Mike Jeffers Trio on the Gallo Wine Stage at the Taste of Chicago on Sunday June 26.

Frank Lamphere to release his second CD "Frank Swings"

Frank will perform for half the set that begins at 5:00 p.m and goes until 7:30 p.m. Expect Rat Pack covers and some of Frank's originals as he prepares to release his second CD "Frank Swings" this Fall. The Mike Jeffers trio includes: Mike on drums, Demos Petropoulos on keyboards and Mike Frost on sax.

Retro Crooner Frank Lamphere: Really want to hire a Frank Sinatra impersonator for your event?

2011-04-17T15:42:00.002-05:00

Retro Crooner Frank Lamphere asks: Really want to hire a Frank Sinatra impersonator for your event?

Singer Frank Lamphere plays the Empire Room in the Palmer House Chicago

2011-04-15T09:04:00.004-05:00

On Friday, April 08 2011 singer Frank Lamphere and his jazz trio were hired to perform at the President’s Reception in the Empire Room at the Palmer House. The event was a part of the Audiology Now conference that took place in Chicago that week. Frank and his group had a great time making music on the very stage that has played host to so many great entertainers through the years. Among the entertainers that have perfomed on that stage are: Bobby Darin, Lou Rawls, Jimmy Durante, Maurice Chevalier, Liberace, Harry Belafonte, Peggy Lee, Eartha Kitt, Nancy Wilson and many others. Frank's musical highlights included a salute to three big U.S cities I Left My Heart in San Francisco, My Kind of Town (Chicago Is), and the theme from New York New York.

The Palmer House Hilton is dubbed the longest continuously operating hotel in North America.

Another Great Frank Sinatra Song Listening Experience March 03, 2011

2011-03-04T01:07:00.001-06:00

Wow, songs I have heard literally hundreds if not thousands of times over the last 30+ years, played in a particular order in my I Tunes library really stopped me in my late night "computering" tracks. The time is ten till' eleven. My wife Daniela has gone to bed and baby Deanna has already been asleep since around 9:30 p.m. Having to write up a contract for a deck repair job, that came in yesterday I opt for some background music. Slip on the headphones and quick scroll from the "A"s to the "F"'s stop! Frank Sinatra, good! Baubles Bangles and Beads from the first Jobim album about 1966. (I just checked. It was January '67. That kind of seemingly trivial stuff is important to us Sinatraphiles) Anyhow, it was a good choice for doing some paperwork. I type and ten songs have already played. The entire Jobim album with its two and three and a half minute songs. All of a sudden I am struck by the sounds of what I believe is Bill Miller playing the intro to one of my top five Sinatra favorites (one which I also perform) Drinking Again. My god, how long as it been since I've heard this recording? Two maybe three weeks! Too long in any event. This is the epitome of a “saloon song”; I think every bit the equal of Angel Eyes and One For My Baby. The great Will Friedwald may have written that in Sinatra, The Song Is You, I don't recall exactly. I just know I enjoy the heck out of Frank's vocals and Claus Ogerman's strings.

This is followed by a tune from the same session Something Stupid. This is also among my favorites. Sure, Nancy got the credit but its Frank singing the lead. I have enjoyed this song since I was a little kid. I'm sure that it was still being played on the radio in the early 70's; for me to be so familiar with it by the time I bought my first Frank Sinatra's Greatest Hits in 1982. This was not a highly regarded song nor was a lot of his output from this time period. I beg to differ. To listen to Frank Sinatra from about 1962 through I'd say 1968 or '69 is to hear the master. A voice less than perfect but very rich and full of character. There is a vocal maturity that he had that more than made up for an occasional bad note. This was the supreme story teller. In this regard I think the only person at that time that was in his league was Tony Bennett.

Returning to the listening experience. I didn't mention that in my I Tunes library the selections playing are in the order that they were recorded; since they were copied from my Complete Reprise Collection CDs. So, there is obviously a real consistency in his sound. After the guitars, heavy pop beat and beautiful pop strings of Something Stupid, here comes You Are There. Another killer! Very dramatic orchestral introduction of the song. It's the theme from the movie The Naked Runner which happens to be a very enjoyable film, also. Frank has so much attitude in the films at that time. Had to hit the pause button before the vocal started. Pour a nice glass of red wine to add to the moment. Unfortunately there was not even a quarter of a glass of wine left in the bottle. I've got to say that I have rarely enjoyed a glass (Okay, an eighth of a glass) of red wine as much as this. Sinatra displayed some effective vocal power on this one. The tune is utterly haunting! Adding to the listening experience is the oboe or bassoon coming from the left side of the headphones while strings and piano exit the right. You just don't get that sound with two speakers four feet apart and aimed directly at you.

Next is The World We Knew (Over and Over). Of course being on the Reprise Greatest Hits album, I've played it a half million times and liked it, every time. When I think about the hippies, the Vietnam War, and all the crappy music that was popular at this time, these performances jump out as being diamonds in the rough. It's really sad that this music was quickly becoming passé at this time. From here my concentration was broken as I had completed typing the deck contract and was thinking of putting my thoughts down in writing. However I just had the fortune of listening to about forty minutes of a high art form. I was emotionally transported to another dimension. Where the only thing that mattered for a few moments was soaking up the sounds created by The Chairman of the Board and his arrangers and musicians. I'd been to that dimension before but more often than not, of the many vocalists that I have enjoyed listening to, over the years, the one that takes me there most often is Frank Sinatra. I’d bet millions of others have had this kind of Frank Sinatra experience. I’m grateful that I have the musical tastes that I have. There is so much to enjoy. And to enjoy Frank Sinatra one doesn’t have to go deaf from the excessive volume of distorted guitars or suffer through listening to bad poetry and poor grammar.

-Frank Lamphere

Careful hiring a Frank Sinatra impersonator for your event.

2011-03-03T14:11:00.005-06:00

Here are some of pitfalls and what to normally expect when you hire a Frank Sinatra Impersonator or imitator

There was only one "Chairman of the Board". Most of the pop and jazz music authorities agree that Frank Sinatra was an innovator, a stylistic genius, a musical communicator, and hundreds of other "things". There is no shortage of essays and texts written about Sinatra, perhaps the most influential singer of the twentieth century. There is also no shortage of Frank Sinatra imitators and impersonators. It would seem obvious why so many would seek to emulate Frank Sinatra. Certainly it comes from the pure awe and respect of his legend, artistry and musical legacy, that they so frequently don the tux and fedora. It probably also doesn’t hurt that being in costume aides in masking the musical shortcomings and inadequacies that most of the karaoke Sinatra’s possess. To be Sinatra for even a minute is an impossible undertaking! Amateurish at its most profound!

Live Music Is The Only Way!

People in professional music circles understand the concept of creation and improvisation. A virtuoso pianist or any artist for that matter would probably not perform a note for note solo at the same musical passage, during every performance. It would become tiresome and after all, an artist needs to continue the creative process. An artist, worth his salt, must improve on his works by phrasing something slightly different or at times completely recreating the composition. This is the nature and definition of an artist and is especially relevant to the jazz musician. This is one of the reasons why jazz and music played in this vein (when played right) is special. It’s the unknown, the uncharted, the original, the moment. This is not possible by any means other than spontaneous performance (as opposed to prerecorded backgrounds). Anything else is imitation. The magic in Frank Sinatra’s choice recordings is there in the recordings. There were at times, numerous takes of a particular song, before the right combination of factors presented themselves. When, they all came together, a great recording was made. They never sounded quite the same when he sang them at his live performances. They weren’t supposed to. Not that there was anything wrong with the live versions (in fact some live performances undoubtedly superseded the studio versions of the same songs) they were simply different versions.

Frank Sinatra Imitators by the Dozens

The web is filled with men who think they can fill the shoes of Frank Sinatra by singing the songs to identical arrangements that Sinatra used (and in the identical manner). First of all, you'll agree that about 3 in 1000 have the voice. Therefore, 997 in 1000 do not. Second, they are using prerecorded tracks (no band or orchestra). These tracks are often made with electronic instruments that don’t even come close to sounding like the instruments they were intended to substitute. How uninspiring and unexciting! There can be little spontaneity by the vocalist when he is locked into this framework. Lastly, there are few professionals out there. One becomes a professional with intensive study and from working regularly at his chosen profession. There are truly few performing opportunities for a singer to become proficient at commanding a band or a crowd of attentive listeners, aside from the karaoke bars that now dominate the landscape. And "that don't cut it!"

The Bottom Line
If you hire a Frank Sinatra impersonator you generally wind up with a not-too-talented individual copying Sinatra's precise arrangements (however never equaling or superseding them) who does his best to exactly copy Frank Sinatra's phrasing, intentionally changed lyrics (as in "...That's why this chick is a champ"), hand gestures, and out of date humor (broads, ring a ding ding) etc... But the voice? What about the quality of the voice? More often than not, it’s mediocre to "under any circumstances, don't quit your day job!"

- Frank Lamphere

Consider hiring retro crooner Frank Lamphere for your event. Frank delivers quality music that captures the essence of Sinatra without the nonsense described above. 630-202-4887

Announcing "Senior's Dinner Dance" in West Suburban Villa Park, Sunday, April 03 at 3 P.M

2011-03-02T13:17:00.005-06:00

We are proud to announce the first of three senior targeted dinner dances at the VFW Post in Chicago's western suburb of Villa Park. The dinner dance billed the Famous Sunday Afternoon Dinner Dance in Villa Park will take place the first Sundays of the month starting April 03 with May 01 and June 05 being the other scheduled dates.

The dance portion, that begins when the doors open at 3 p.m will feature Chicago based crooner Frank Lamphere and his swingin' band of Larry Harris, Joe Policastro, and Bob Rummage. That is a musical combination that will really swing! Lamphere plans a formatted show for the first set that will include several Dean Martin and Jack Jones numbers. The show will be followed by two sets of music primarily for dancing.

The early evening will be capped off with a delicious buffet style dinner catered by George's Catering.

There will be a cash bar open the duration of the event.

Tickets for the dance only are $12.00 at the door. Please phone Frank directly at 630-202-4887 to reserve your dance tickets.

Tickets for the dance and dinner are just $26.25 which includes 7.2% sales tax and a $1.00 ticket handling fee for the online ticket company.

The Villa Park VFW is located at 19 E St. Charles Rd. Villa Pk. (Approx. 1 mile west of Rt. 83)

For additional details see the official event page here

To purchase tickets now click here

Frank Lamphere Sells Out at Jumpin' Jazz Ballroom in Milan

2011-02-14T21:24:00.005-06:00

By the start of the Frank Lamphere show on Saturday, January 15 all tickets were sold out. Italians have an appreciation for good crooners especially American ones named Frank Lamphere. Frank also sold out the Jumpin' Jazz Ballroom three years earlier.

The same musicians accompanied Frank as at the previous performance less the trombonist and trumpeter.
Carlo Uboldi played piano, Antonio Cervellino on upright bass, Walter Ganda at the drums and the solid Marcello Noia played tenor sax.

Frank and the band performed three sets of songs from the Great American Songbook

The band at Jumpin' Jazz Ballroom 1-15-2011

(L-R) Ganda, Noia, Lamphere, Uboldi, Cervellino

Frank Lamphere's CD near completion

2011-01-06T18:20:00.002-06:00

There is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel as the final of two of Frank Lamphere's mixing sessions was completed on Monday, January 03. I Never Forgot, Chicago is For Me and That's the Way Our Story Ends were expertly mixed by recording engineer Scott Steinman at Studiomedia recording studio. Frank was present and seated alongside of Scott, who handled all the session's recording, as well. The first mixing session took place on 12/27. Completed was the mixing of Be Happy and I Like Your Smell.

Frank is now working on the artwork for the CD that's working title is Frank Swings

The mastering, replication and promotional work will begin when Frank returns from his trip to Italy. Frank will be performing at a couple of venues in Milano including the Jumpin' Jazz Ballroom on January 15.

Above is recording engineer Scott Steinman during the

November 01, 2010 session.

Vocal Session for Lamphere's E.P. Completed on Thursday December 09

2010-12-13T16:06:00.001-06:00

Frank was in the studio on the evening of December 09 to record the vocal tracks for his E.P. project. He was in fine voice as the tracks should demonstrate. The next trip to Studiomedia will be to mix and put the E.P together.

Frank Lamphere's Recording Session a Success!

2010-11-20T15:14:00.003-06:00

On November 01 Frank Lamphere and his quartet entered the Studiomedia recording studio in Evanston, Illinois and recorded five of Frank's originals.

The session lasted for about four hours. Almost all of the songs were completed with 2-3 takes. (a testament to the outstanding musicians)

Now, with the rhythm and sax tracks "laid down" Frank will add the trumpet and ensemble parts to the mix. Then it will be time for the final vocals. He's back in the studio November 22.

Retro Crooner Frank Lamphere Set to Record an E.P of Original Compositions

2010-10-29T11:05:00.006-05:00

Singer-songwriter "Mr. Rat Pack" Frank Lamphere will enter Studiomedia recording studio on Monday evening, November 01.

Frank and his carefully selected band will be laying down 4-5 tracks for a soon-to-be-released CD. The project has been in the planning stages for more than a year. Session musicians will include: pianist Jim Ryan, bassist Jim Cox (veteran basist that has appeared on more than one hundred studio albums), drummer Bob Rummage and Chicago great Eric Schneider, who will play both tenor and alto saxes on varying songs. It is anticipated that trumpeter Art Davis will contribute to the project as well.

Among the self-penned songs that Frank has chosen for inclusion in the project are:

That's How Our Story Ends. After long consideration, the subject has decided that he's had enough of his mate's philandering inclinations. Lamphere likes to refer to this one as That's Life Part 2

I Never Forgot. A song that talks about old times and future possibilities when two former lovers meet, years after their memorable relationship had ended.

Chicago, Is For Me. The windy city is the subject of this hard swingin' jam.

I Like Your Smell. What could be taken initially as a perfume commercial, laughs at the clumsily spoken sweet nothings aimed at the "prey" of a non-native English speaker. Set to a catchy Louis Prima type, late 50's shuffle.

Be Happy. A song of simplicity with it's message about being positive no matter what the circumstances.

This will be Frank Lamphere's first effort with non-cover material.

Thursday's "Senior Prom" fundraiser-dance at assisted living center in Batavia a big hit!

2010-10-03T11:53:00.007-05:00

Last Thursday's (9/30/10) "Senior Prom" at Heritage Woods of Batavia an assisted living community, was a smashing success says the event's cooridinator Laurie Guidry. For singer-entertainer Frank Lamphere hired to entertain at the event, it was a musical reunion of sorts. Frank's regular accompanist, pianist Larry Harris who is also the director of liturgy and music at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Aurora was flanked by high profile drummer Rusty Jones. Rusty who was legendary pianist George Shearing's drummer for a number of years, along with Harris, was a part of Frank's band at Villa Verone in Geneva in 2009.

The activities area at Heritage Woods was turned into a beautifully decorated ballroom as the attendees danced to swing, latin, classic ballads, and even some 50's rock n' roll. Wine, beer and hors d'oevres were served as a prom king and a 103 year old female resident was crowned queen.

Below is some video footage from the event. The songs featured are: Nevertheless, Dream Lover and Meditation.

More about the event on the BMA Blog

Heritage Woods of Batavia's "Senior Prom" Plays Host To Mr Rat Pack Frank Lamphere

2010-09-29T09:57:00.000-05:00

On Thursday September 30 Mr Rat Pack Frank Lamphere and his band will be performing a benefit at the Heritage Woods of Batavia an assisted living community.

In addition to Frank and his band, the Senior Prom will feature appetizers, cocktails, and the crowning of the 2010 Senior Prom King and Queen.

The cost is $6 per person and $10 per couple, with proceeds benefitting the Heritage Woods of Batavia resident activity fund.

Please RSVP for this event by Thursday, Sept. 23, by calling 630-406-9440.

The Heritage Woods of Batavia affordable assisted living community is located on Wilson, west of Kirk Rd., in Batavia, Illinois. will start at 6:30 PM and go until 9PM.

Visit the Heritage Woods of Batavia website

Frank Lamphere to Perform in Italy January 2011

2010-09-21T17:27:00.004-05:00

Singer Frank Lamphere will be exporting his style of small group swing to Italy. Accompanied by a native quartet, the concert set for Saturday January 15 will be at the Jumpin' Jazz Ballroom in Milan. This will actually be Frank's second appearance at Jumpin' Jazz as he performed with a sextet back in January of '08.

Aside from Milan, Lamphere is in discussions with some other venues in Rome, Naples, and southern Switzerland.

In addition to working, Frank and his wife Daniela will be baptising their daughter Deanna, in Puglia.

FRANK LAMPHERE AND BAND PERFORM AT ARLINGTON PARK RACETRACK SUNDAY AUGUST 22

2010-08-19T08:37:00.002-05:00

Local to Chicago singer-entertainer Frank Lamphere will sing with his quartet this Sunday, August 22 at the Arlington Park Racetrack in Arlington Heights, Illinois. As a part of the special event "Horsepower" Frank and his high-powered jazz group will be performing between races, in the park area (to the left of the track). Big crowds are anticipated, as the Arlington Million runs the day before.

Lamphere will put out high energy, hard swinging "Rat Pack type" standards as well as sing some of Dean Martin, Elvis and Tom Jones' well known songs. General admission is $8.00 Racing begins at 1:00PM

Joining Frank Lamphere on the bandstand are a Who's Who of Chicago jazz luminaries:

Jim Ryan - keyboard
Andy Brown - guitar
Jim Cox - bass
Rusty Jones - drums

Mr Rat Pack Frank Lamphere in Naperville July 09 & 23

2010-05-13T16:33:00.001-05:00

Frank returns to the City Gate Grille with his high powered trio. Music starts at 8PM

Chicago Wedding Reception Rat Pack Band and D.J Combo

2010-04-25T17:50:00.006-05:00

Chicago singer Frank Lamphere now offers his one-of-a-kind live musical entertainment with a world class deejay. Frank says "For years I have been hired with my band to perform at wedding receptions providing a live element to the early part of the evening while then turning the reins over to a D.J. I don't try to fool anyone. I am a specialist. I have no desire to sing much of the music outside of my genre, that is typically played at weddings. It's hard to beat the real recordings!"

Lamphere has teamed with a highly respected D.J company and has musical entertainment packages that start as low as $3495.00 Frank states "You get the best of both worlds" Frank Lamphere has probably the largest repertoire of Rat Pack songs in the U.S and he sings them in his own inimitable style. On the menu: full swingin' renditions of retro-pop at cocktail hour followed by easy listening standards during dinner. At 8:30 or 9:00 the D.J comes in, takes it up several notches and crams the dance floor for the next 3 hours. Truly a memorable, exceptional and unique offering for the Chicagoland area that has brides and guests raving.

See the Rat Pack Jazz website for details:

http://www.ratpackjazz.com/weddingreceptions.html

Mr. Rat Pack Returns to Naperville Saturday March 20, 2010

2010-03-20T09:26:00.003-05:00

"Mr. Rat Pack" Frank Lamphere sings at City Gate Grille in Naperville on Saturday March 20. 630-718-1010

Frank will be accompanied by his trio of pianist Larry Harris, bassist Doug Hayes and drummer Mike Jeffers. Music starts at 8PM. City Gate Grille is located the first light north of I-88 and east of Route 59.

The City Gate Grille's website is here

Lamphere and his trio spent the early part of 2007 performing at Jilly's in downtown Naperville. Here is a video clip from Jilly's

Mexican Restaurant in Glen Ellyn to host Male Vocalist and Rat Pack Jazz on Thursdays

2010-01-02T22:47:00.000-06:00

La Playa Cantina
790 Roosevelt Rd.
Glen Ellyn (near Trader Joe's) 630-790-3436

Every Thursday beginning January 14

Show starts at 8PM

"The best retro-pop and swingin' jazz vocals of this type this side of the Rio Grande"

Rat Pack Jazz Dinner Show Thursdays at La Playa Cantina in Glen Ellyn (Pickwick Plaza near Trader Joe's) First margarita toast is at 8PM.

2010-01-01T12:10:00.016-06:00

La Playa Cantina in Glen Ellyn, is where the huge stuffed fish (on the wall) greets the happy patrons upon entering the dining room (the Rat Pack Room), where the margaritas flow like mountain water and where the air fills with the fragrant aroma of freshly fried tortilla chips bathed in fresh pico de gallo ~~sauce~~ salsa.

It's A Fiesta Every Thursday at 8PM
Frank Lamphere and his "extraordinarily" talented
Rat Pack Jazz Trio
Are out to show you a good time!

•Large Dance Floor
•Large Fish on the Wall
•Tremendous menu of authentic Mexican cuisine
•The word for playa in Italian is spiaggia

Larry Harris piano
Joe Policastro bass
Bob Rummage drums
Frank Lamphere microphone

"This band is so hot, that I may have to shut the joint down"
-The Fire Marshal

Amazing entertainment for the price of a movie ticket!
Cover only $10.00 at the door
(You didn’t think the profit from half a dozen tacos could pay for this marvelous band, right? Of course not!)

690 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn
(Steps away from Trader Joe’s)
630-790-3436 for reservations

Opening Night January 14

HALLOWEEN DINNER SHOW at VIAND, CHICAGO

2009-10-15T17:00:00.006-05:00

“Mr. Rat Pack” Frank Lamphere and Viand Present
Rat Pack Jazz
Saturday October 31, 2009

Lamphere, who performs with his all star jazz trio has been a regular on the Chicago music scene for a number of years. His long list of credits include: numerous club dates, industrial shows, commercials, being the Friday night vocalist at the “5” star Peninsula Hotel, electrifying big crowds at Jilly’s Naperville when they opened in 2007 and last year played a concert at the prestigious Jumpin’ Jazz Ballroom in Milan, Italy.

155 East Ontario (Lower level)
of the Courtyard by Marriott

"Mr. Rat Pack" Frank Lamphere Sings Fridays at Viand in the Courtyard by Marriott Magnificent Mile

2009-09-14T08:37:00.023-05:00

"Mr. Rat Pack" Frank Lamphere will be performing every Friday thru December at Viand Restaurant. Viand features outstanding contemporary American cuisine and is located in the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Chicago. Just a half block from the Michigan Avenue, Viand will be filling an important musical void for this area (Streeterville). "It's harder and harder to find good live music these days" says a local resident. Frank Lamphere, should nicely fill that void.

Frank will be accompanied by his longtime pianist Larry Harris and drummer Mike Jeffers. Larry Harris, a fine singer in his own right, was a part of Frank's trio along with drummer Rusty Jones at Villa Verone earlier this year. Drummer Mike Jeffers so frequently seen on Lamphere's bandstands, is the Publisher of Chicago Jazz Magazine and is also now hosting a local radio show.

Lamphere whom has been a perennial "favorite" male vocalist in Chicago, performing at venues like the Peninsula Hotel, Green Dolphin Street, Sopranos, and the Hyatt Regency is pleased to be returning to the downtown area after a several year hiatus. His ever expanding repertoire at Viand will include more of the retro-pop & jazz standards that he's noted for including many new Dean Martin song arrangements. Frank will also be singing a few of his original songs, that he will record in the near future.

The music begins at 8PM on Friday October 02 and will continue through December.

Viand is located at 155 East Ontario (southwest corner of Ontario and St. Clair)
Mapquest Here For reservations phone 312-255-8505

LuvGrams Singing Telegrams in New York, Rips Off Performers and Maybe Customers

2009-08-16T15:30:00.018-05:00

The phone rings and you see an out of state area code on the caller ID. You answer and the person on the other end describes herself as a singer-songwriter-performer with a successful national singing telegram business. She has a particular client in my geographical area and having checked out my website realizes that my qualifications perfectly match the job. If I am available on a particular Saturday she would like to hire me to perform a singing telegram at this residence.

The woman's first name is Gayle, she lives/works in New York, she advertises her company as LuvGrams and she's anything but a professional songwriter or ethical business person.

Gayle phoned my office in 2005 and offered me $275.00 to drive 20 miles on a Saturday afternoon to sing a couple of songs for an elderly woman's birthday. In this case, Mrs. Mazzone who lived on the Northwest side of Chicago was the client. Gayle, who as it states on her website Luv-grams.com has a staff of professional songwriters (her) offers custom designed, tailor made lyrics and she had written one such parody to the melody of the Dean Martin song Volare. When I received the lyrics about a week before the actual job, I must admit, I thought it was a joke. The lyrics seem to have been put together by a five year old child with little sense of rhyme, awkward phrasing, and did not in anyway coincide with the actual melody; making it nearly impossible to sing. I remember calling Gayle several days before Mrs. Mazzone's outdoor birthday bash. I told Gayle that I did not understand the phrasing of the jumbled together words in the context of the melody. By her tone, she was irritated that I had not phoned her immediately. However she "fixed" and clarified a couple of issues while on the phone. It still took several days of repeated readings to understand that it wasn't my problem that I, just couldn't get it. It simply sucked! However it really wasn't going to matter. On her day in the spotlight, Mrs. Mazzone would hear some personal tidbits, a few quirky things in a familiar song, sung by a stranger, while her children and grandchildren were all gathered around and smiling approvingly. And that is just what happened! That little nightmare and two other of her favorite Dean Martin songs were belted out accapella with video cameras rolling. I was kindly offered to stick around and enjoy some food that had been grilled but having my wife in the car, I made my way out of the backyard and drove away breathing a big sigh of relief that it had gone over well.

I did speak with Gayle that afternoon to reassure her that the singing telegram was a success. That was four years ago and I am still waiting for a check. After a couple of calls to her office and an excuse or two, she started screening her calls and no longer answering. I suppose I could have tricked her and called on another phone, but that is not my style.

The one thing I did gain from the ordeal was an understanding of the necessity to get, even the most mundane of business tranactions, in writing. There tends to be a kind of cameraderie in the music business therefore I felt comfortable in allowing Gayle to send a check after the job was completed. (This is common practice) But cameraderie did not apply here. Gayle, with her office that supposedly overlooks Central Park is a thief! Who knows how many other entertainers she has intentionally not payed or paying customers for that matter? Despicable! I wonder what she will think when she reads this posting, as it will be circulating all over the internet within a couple of weeks. Probably not much. For one reason or another she has probably been a scammer all of her life. Like most people, I hate being ripped off! I have run two businesses for nearly twenty years and every now and then, some unethical person sticks it to you.

Stay clear of LuvGrams if you are in search of a singing telegram.

Guidelines & Procedures For Success with Live Music at Your Bar or Restaurant.

2009-07-12T19:01:00.014-05:00

So, you have decided to try live music in your bar-lounge or restaurant. As a singer and music contractor (Rat Pack Enterprises LLC) that has worked in numerous venues over the last twenty years that have included Chicago’s only five star hotel “The Peninsula”, quaint piano bars, old styled supper clubs, and more Italian restaurants than you could find even in Rome! (Well, not really) I have definite opinions on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to live music. More important than my viewpoint as an entertainer is the perspective that comes from being the owner of a small business for the last seventeen years. These are my guidelines and business procedures for success and hence profitability for hiring live music for bars and restaurants.

I am not aware of any book or manual that states specific rules on hiring musicians. There are many misconceptions regarding hosting live music, as proven by the way in which business is typically done. Consequently poor standards have been adopted and have led to what I believe is the horrible state of music in most establishments.

The first step in assuring financial success with live music is to have a clear understanding that, music is an investment. Whether or not music is a good investment for your venue will depend on a number of factors. These are the four major principles that I would like to highlight.

To be a worthwhile investment, you must invest in a high quality music product. You must market the product. You must be consistent. You must be committed to all of the above.

Investing in a high quality music product is perhaps the area most subjected to diverse opinion. Naturally everyone has their own musical preferences, and the key here is to select a genre and stick with it. Give it a chance to succeed. Without a musical direction, with a lack of vision (like most venues) you are thinking in the short term. Short term thinking will hurt you. If you feature a 1960’s R&B group one Friday and an acoustic pop duo the following Friday you are confusing and perhaps worse, upsetting your client base. A French bistro doesn’t change to a Mandarin Chinese restaurant from one week to the next. In this sense, thinking that variety is a good thing is absolute hogwash! Variety within a genre (new and old selections), variety within a 50 minute music set (fast, slow tempos) is essential but, haphazardly mixing genres from one week to the next is wishy-washy and will likely lead to financial failure. Another important rule must be “Hire the highest caliber, most polished band you can find”. There are some indicators of a band’s desire to stand out from the rest of the pack. Aside from a quality demo and hearing them live, perhaps the next most important qualifier is their sound system. I will tell you right now that most clubs and most bands have a poor sound system. When I say poor I mean, not capable of reproducing the accurate sound of the vocals, the instruments, having distortion, being too loud etc. It’s hard to find an excellent quality speaker under $800.00. Ditto for the P.A. It really requires a substantial outlay of cash for a quality sound system, despite what the kid at Guitar Center says.
Serious musicians will have already figured this out.

Each year I have also found that more and more people listen with their eyes. A great visual presentation is crucial. Therefore the proper lighting is essential. Red, blue, and white stage lights all have their place in a serious musical venue. As does a band that dresses consistent with the genre they are performing. A jazz trio should not come dressed as if they were auditioning for a slot on Hee Haw. Music and bands are not interchangeable. Better quality bands will draw and hold more people. Better quality bands that take care of business will cost more than those that do not. For those of you that hire karaoke singers or groups that primarily use backing tracks, “Shame on you!” Don’t do it. This is truly “Music with no soul”. People that “know” music understand that most performers (but not all) that use the background tracks really scrape the bottom. It is not live entertainment! It’s a bad trend and about as tasteless as it gets. It will be difficult to fill a room when the performer works this way. Pay the extra for real performing musicians or don’t have music. You will have a unique offering compared to most other venues that will lead to increased revenues. I’ll leave you with this thought, “A poor music choice in your lounge is akin to having an outbreak of food poisoning in your restaurant”. It will most likely be very damaging. “Often the difference between spectacular and garbage is a few hundred bucks”.

Now you are convinced that you will hire great quality bands. This leads us to the next and most neglected part of the success quotient, marketing. Unless you have a fabulous high traffic (Rush Street) location, you’ll need to market. How will people know that you have this wonderful music in your lounge Telepathy? Word of mouth? (It’s not enough!) The little sheet of paper taped to the door at the entrance? Perhaps “Live Band” on the marquee out front. That’ll really pack ‘em in! Give me a break! How vague and disrespectful to the entertainers and potential customers. Remember that bands are not interchangeable. If you are ashamed to display the band’s name, to be specific about the type of music you have, or lack confidence that displaying something other than “Live entertainment in our lounge” will be effective, then why are they there? Those are the most common marketing methods in use. Meaning, there is little or no marketing at 80% of venues. All of the available resources must be used by the sly marketer. Free insertions in entertainment newspapers, online event sites, prominent and detailed displays on your business website, table tents or some form of description of the band that builds value in the eyes of the patron. Sell, sell, and sell. If you have a niche type band you will probably need to draw from a larger geographic area. Consider putting out the bucks for a display ad in a major newspaper. It can payoff not only in immediate profits but if your service and food are “together”, also in residual business.

You know how important having consistent quality is to the food menu. Why would this be any different for the entertainment? Here’s a common scenario. A group of six diners go to an upper scale restaurant that has the appropriate décor, service, and menu. After eating they head to the lounge for an after dinner drink maybe a slow dance. And who’s in there?; Three guitar players ranging in age from 22-26 years with torn jeans and playing music that is completely out of context. There is Surf n’ turf in the restaurant and sloppy Joes in the bar. It’s incredible, yet so common. In addition, the Sports Bar Syndrome is happening. There are four large screen televisions illuminating from every angle of the room. You ask “But what can I do? It’s playoff time. The same two customers come in every day, and want to watch the game.” There’s always a playoff game or race cars or an important Chinese women’s badminton final to see. Once the music begins, let them go elsewhere to watch the game. For success, I’m convinced that it’s got to be either music or televisions, not both. Televisions wreck the proposed atmosphere. It cheapens the entire establishment. I don’t care how much they cost! It’s dumb, and classless. Televisions are not conducive to conversations or socializing. Is that what you want? There is another all-important factor that merits a mention namely “professional service”. Professional bartenders and wait staff are a must. Bartenders, whose goal is to make money for the house and themselves, not to flirt with customers, not to have conversations on their cell phones or tell “cute” stories at the expense of ignoring the other patrons. You need to have bartenders that are able to mix, pour, and sell drinks. A bartender worth his keep, toes the fine line between friendliness and aggressive yet responsible sales. I understand that bad bartenders are just like bad music. If the person doing the hiring was aware that the band sucked, he wouldn’t have hired them to begin with. I’ll bet that most of us have had our share of atrocious bartenders; the kinds that leave you wondering what they are doing there in the first place. This may be typical of the caliber of employee available these days. Get rid of them! They are killing your business! Remember this: With all of the competition in today’s marketplace, “Customers need a compelling reason to frequent one establishment over another, especially during a weekday.” Your entire program has to be together otherwise you’ll be just like all the rest of the joints. To quote many a critic “the devil is in the details”.

Finally these principles need to be applied and adhered to. They are not to be employed until business is good and then discarded. A commitment to quality music, an aggressive marketing plan, consistency of theme, atmosphere, food, and professional service will go far in helping guarantee profitability and success in hosting live music at your restaurant or lounge.

-Frank Lamphere

There is an art to good singing and entertaining. Frank Lamphere is one of the dominant remaining practitioners of this art. Unlike much of the market that uses D.J. type “pre-recorded” music, Rat Pack Jazz, as Lamphere bills his act, uses a live band filled with Chicago’s most acclaimed musicians. But more than just a great singer with a superb band, as a music contractor, Frank and his company Rat Pack Enterprises LLC. have been meeting and exceeding the musical entertainment needs of clients for years. A diversified clientele that includes: Akzo Nobel, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Western Illinois University, Geneva Concours d’Elegance, Radisson Hotels, Wells Fargo Bank, City of Oak Forest, YMCA of McDonough County, Iowa Wesleyan College, the Pfister Hotel and many others.
Frank Lamphere offers a selection of musical entertainment options that include: the “Frank Lamphere Presents Rat Pack Jazz” variety show and two artist-specific shows “Sinatra Spoken Here” and the unique “Dean Martin Tribute Show”. Rather than cheap imitations of the real thing, these high caliber seventy-five minute shows capture the essence of the originals. They are available with 3-10 piece backing bands to accommodate various venues and budgets. All options feature high quality sound and lighting.

Frank Lamphere Unveils his new “Dean Martin Song” this Thursday

2009-05-12T16:34:00.004-05:00

After 8PM he’s a nightclub singer, performing at some of the top venues in the Midwest. In the morning he’s not only a music contractor (acting as booking agent for himself and a small stable of quality musical entertainers) but Frank Lamphere is also one of the busiest deck contractors (A-Affordable Decks) in DuPage County, Illinois. With three professions: agent, crooner and contractor you would think that there wasn’t much time left over to do much of anything else. How about writing songs? Lyrics and original melodies that he conjures up. Frank has always had melodies (songs without the words) come and then just as quickly vanish without a trace. One day in September of 2007 he decided to keep a tape recorder at the side of his bed and low and behold, since that time, Lamphere has completed more than twenty songs. He has been inserting these originals into his sets while performing live, much to the enjoyment of the listeners and dancers. “Variety” says Frank “is the key to keeping people attentive. I’d hate to be predictable”

He has written jazz, blues, 50’s style pop, 60’s type pop, a pair of political pieces, a hard swinging big band number, a James Bond type song, a Christmas tearjerker and a handful of novelties. Thursday, May 14 Frank will unveil his latest creation: Dino On the Rocks. The song is a salute to his favorite singer Dean Martin.

Lamphere has appeared every Thursday at Villa Verone in Geneva, Illinois since the first of the year. He is most frequently accompanied by his fine pianist Larry Harris and drummer Rusty Jones. (With whom he worked with for a couple of years at the Flame of Countryside). Villa Verone is located a block north of Roosevelt Road at 416 Hamilton in downtown Geneva. There is no cover and the music begins at 8PM.

Drummer Rusty Jones On the Cover of Chicago Jazz Magazine

2009-04-20T11:30:00.002-05:00

Veteran drummer Rusty Jones is on the cover of the March/April issue of Chicago Jazz Magazine. Jones for years one of the more popular drummers on the Chicago jazz scene, has had extended stints with George Shearing and Judy Roberts. He currently works as a part of the Johnny Gabor Trio on Tuesday and Saturday nights at the Flame in Countryside and works with vocalist Frank Lamphere on Thursday nights at Villa Verone in Geneva Illinois. Catch Jones at Villa Verone on the following dates: April 23, 30 & May 14, 21, 28 at 8PM.

Chicago Jazz Magazine published by Mike Jeffers, is regarded as "The" authority on the Chicago jazz scene, and comes out six times a year. Subscriptions are available at Chicago Jazz Magazine

Crooner Frank Lamphere at Villa Verone in Geneva Illinois

2009-03-15T18:29:00.003-05:00

Frank Lamphere has been performing at Villa Verone in Geneva since the first of the year. Every Thursday at 8PM Frank and his duo of Larry Harris (keyboard) and drummer Rusty Jones take the stage. In addition to the superb music, a fine Italian menu and and roomy dance floor await those that venture in.

Villa Verone 416 Hamilton Street.

Why the Venues, that Book Jazz Entertainment in the Chicago area, Have Lots of Empty Chairs and Zero Profitability

2008-12-09T16:43:00.010-06:00

This is the guy or gal in charge of the booking and promotion. The photo says it all. CLUELESS

With very few exceptions, you're not going to hear great jazz in the Chicago area. (Not in a club you're not!)

Frank Lamphere to Perform in Downtown Geneva IL. Dec. 11

2008-12-04T15:58:00.002-06:00

Frank Lamphere has reached an agreement to perform at Villa Verone in Geneva. (Owner Pietro Verone has two other locations in Elgin & Sycamore)
Villa Verone is a restaurant serving classic Italian food, that also has a large nightclub “The Upper Club” on it’s the second floor.
The restaurant/nightclub is located at 416 Hamilton Street in downtown Geneva. (one block North of Rte. 38). 630-232-2201

Frank will be accompanied by The Mystery Pianist on keyboard and Rusty Jones on drums. Music starts at 8PM.

In the video below, owner Pietro Verone is interviewed at his downtown Elgin location.

Chicago Crooner Frank Lamphere at the Nightclub

2008-11-09T16:33:00.002-06:00

Rat Pack Jazz means retro pop and jazz standards performed in the classic style. Frank Lamphere sings with his small groups (as in the video) and also with a twenty piece orchestra and everything in between. This video is a compilation from a typical night at the nightclub.

Five Reasons Not To Have Voted For Barack Obama

2008-11-07T18:41:00.001-06:00

1. Economy- Strangling businesses with over regulation and increasing taxes will slow and even reverse growth. This will cause growing unemployment and will put less money in the “pool”. This is Barack’s Anti-Stimulus Package. Economic ups and downs are cyclical. The federal government has never been able to solve the economic ills that appear from time to time in our society. They have attempted fixes in the 1930’s and 1970’s and history has proven that they only made the situation worse. With minimal oversight and traditional conservative economic policies that include low spending, and low taxes, the economy will recover and can thrive.

2. Dependence On Government- The rich will almost always be rich and unfortunately, the poor will almost always be poor. A check at the end of the month for the impoverished and the misguided won’t get them any closer to making the proper life choices that could improve their situation. Their leadership is rotten (especially inner-city). Family values and education are the keys to improving the plight of the nation’s poor. A Barack Obama administration can only worsen this situation by playing to these people’s sense of victimization and entitlement. The downside of “freebies” is total lack of appreciation for earning something through effort and hard work, making excuses for not being successful, and low self esteem. Sorry, government cannot solve poverty! Spread the wealth? No, Barack would spread the poverty.

3. Growing Government- It has always been democratic policy to increase the size of government. They want to try to “fix” things that don’t need fixing. Then enacting more fixes for the things that their fixes made worse. Government is wasteful and inefficient! The smaller the government the better for all. Barack wants to expand government exponentially.

4. Weakening the Military- Throughout our history the United States has enjoyed an isolationism from most of the world. This geographical buffer zone has insulated us from many of the world’s conflicts. Today, with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, chemical, biological) the U.S is no longer safe from these types of potential attacks. Attempts are ongoing and a success on the part of our enemies, inevitable. The democrats in comparison to republicans have always been ”soft” on national defense. George W. Bush inherited a severely weakened CIA from the Clinton administration to which the attacks on 9/11 can be significantly attributed. There is no truer statement than “Peace thru strength”. Peace is not awarded, it is won. Liberals never get that! Barack doesn’t get that! When there are no attacks, people tend to forget just how important it is to be the big tough guy on the globe. Fewer people mess with you. We must have the best intelligence agencies and the strongest military on the planet or nothing else would matter. It’s the law of the jungle and Barack is no Tarzan!

5. Social Meltdown- Can the decline of civility in this country get any worse? Yes! It is astounding the number of rude, selfish, and inconsiderate people in our society. For the so called “fifteen minutes of fame” our young people (both male and female) will say things, do things and put themselves in situations that, a generation ago were unthinkable. They have no shame! Many of the negative youthful trends today, can be attributed to the hip-hop culture. Music is one thing, but wearing one’s pants so low to expose the underwear is beyond tacky. A slow dance with two bodies against one another is one thing, mimicking animalistic sexual intercourse on a dance floor, in front of a room full of strangers is disgusting and goes to the heart of the problem. The cultural and social meltdown of our society. Where is the shock? Where is the disgust? Where is the respect for others? Where is the consideration for your hearing when after a long stressful day at the office, you are assaulted by the heart pounding, low frequencies from somebody’s subwoofer in the car next to yours? Where is the respect when Saturday night you are out to dinner at a new restaurant and a four year old child is running up and down the aisle; playing, yelling and interrupting the conversation with your spouse? This child’s liberal parents think it’s cute and will help his development. Imagine the indignation of these self-centered parents if someone made a comment about their cute little kid. How about rewriting all the textbooks in the public schools to illustrate that same sex marriage is a normal and acceptable choice? Liberal policy is “Anything goes”: sex, drugs, instant gratification, protecting sex offenders, leniency for criminals, and anything that can make money for lawyers. Anything goes except when it comes to dissent of liberal doctrine. The liberals become much less liberal when the subject turns to freedom of religion (unless the religion is non-Christian), freedom of speech, freedom to own firearms, morality, hard work, and that’s not even scratching the surface. Today’s liberal is by default, morally corrupt. The most liberal senator in congress is Barack Obama.

You Should Not Have Voted For Barack Obama!
Of course, I could be mistaken.