RAT PACK JAZZ BLOG - FRANK LAMPHERE

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 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. 630-232-2201