Now THAT'S Amore – Frank Lamphere’s new vocal album
September 19, 2023 – Retro jazz crooner & occasional songwriter Frank Lamphere is set to release his fourth CD “Now, THAT'S Amore!” on September 19, 2023. The album contains fourteen songs, four of which are originals. Of these originals, Do You Like What You See? is an energetic bluesy pop ala 1967 as is I’d Like to Come Back to You, a song with lyrics about the Vietnam war. Both songs feature jazz organ accompaniment, adding to their authentic-to-the-period sound. Think Happy, most likely inspired by national talk show radio host Dennis Prager, is a "small group big band" swinger whose message speaks of thinking positively. Frank does another take on his baseball song, now with a new home team The Braves Go All the Way. Of the remaining covers, That’s Amore, originally from the 1953 Martin and Lewis movie “The Caddy” received a makeover and was made into a jazz waltz, but still with plenty of Italian flavorings. Frank's unique rendition of Speak Softly, Love (The Godfather Theme) now a full-bodied swinger, should turn some heads. Two Henry Mancini tunes: the very up-tempo Charade and the Latin flavored, vibe-tinged Slow Hot Wind found a place on the album. Another patriotic American song, found it's way onto a Lamphere album God Bless America, now a swinger. Surprise! Bacharach’s 1967 Look of Love, a huge Buddy Greco nod in Around the World and the 1934 ballad For All We Know round out the album. This album was recorded over two sessions in March 2020 and February 2021.
Frank Lamphere has been honing his swinging style during his 25 year singing career in the specialized genre nowadays referred to as traditional pop. A style which he learned or more like "absorbed" from the titans of popular music aka male vocalists prior to 1970: Ol’ Blue Eyes, Dino, Jack Jones, Buddy Greco, Tony Bennett, Elvis and others.
Frank's musical journey began at a young age, singing along to the records he played, on his "record player". He always had an ear for music recorded "before his time" a trait inherited from his dad. 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. In 1998 good fortune fell upon Lamphere as he was offered steady club work with the popular Johnny Gabor Trio. Shortly after, he began 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 attained 30 years in business in Autumn 2022.
In 2002, Lamphere released a thirteen-track tribute to the great American lyricist Sammy Cahn, who had been a friend and frequent collaborator of Frank Sinatra. 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 a big band.
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, even a couple of 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”. His bands are comprised of some of the creme-of-the-crop musicians in the world of jazz. Frank has been very active in the studio and has recorded an album full of Frank Sinatra songs and a 13 song tribute to Dean Martin, as well. Other projects are in the works. Lamphere is married and has two children.
