WHO IS FRANK LAMPHERE?

Referring to his vocal performance on CD, Cadence Magazine said “Lamphere swings niftily, in tune, and makes the lyrics ring true”.  A well respected writer for several national jazz publications wrote “Although Frank Lamphere can closely emulate Dean Martin and put on a Frank Sinatra tribute with the best of them, he has an original voice, personality and conception within the crooner tradition”.  

Born and raised in the Chicago area, Frank the eldest of four siblings was always a good athlete who played baseball, fought in the Chicago Golden Gloves as soon as he was eligible at 16, intensely studied foreign languages (French, Italian and Greek), traveled to Europe many times while in his twenties (met his wife Daniela in Rome), worked as a cook, a skilled carpenter, and throughout his youth listened to and sang along with the record albums that he collected. Records that originated from the generation that preceded him. 

Always having a strong voice, Frank found many occasions to perform an Elvis or Dean Martin number in public. However, it was not until 1996 that he took his uncanny understanding and great appreciation of the older music from a mere pastime, to a serious career direction. Sitting-in and working with several society bands Frank, quickly developed his vocal style and audience working skills. He eventually gave his presentation the moniker Rat Pack Jazz. Frank describes Rat Pack Jazz as “Vocal and instrumental renditions of retro-pop and jazz standards, with an emphasis on melody”. Since it’s beginning several years ago, the Rat Pack Jazz brand, has blossomed into the authentic, exceptionally high caliber, unique to the market, “live” musical presentation that it is today.

As a headlining vocalist Frank, has appeared in shows such as the “Tribute to Jimmy Dorsey” at the Performing Arts Center at the College of DuPage, “A Salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes” at the Egyptian Theater in DeKalb and in January ’08 performed a concert in Milan, Italy. Lamphere has also held the vocal duties at many of Chicago’s top venues: the Peninsula Hotel, Jilly’s, Green Dolphin Street, The Flame of Countryside and currently works Thursday nights at Grape Restaurant in Westmont. Weekends are usually dedicated to non-club performances like: fundraisers, wedding receptions, corporate events and private parties.   

No stranger to the recording studio, Frank has recorded demos, radio commercials and released his own self-produced  CD  “Ain’t Love A Kick - The Unforgettable Songs of Sammy Cahn” in 2002. A songwriter as well, an upcoming CD project will feature his original songs with both big band and a small jazz combo.  

Rat Pack Enterprises L.L.C., Frank’s musical entertainment company offers his services and the services of other select artists and instrumental jazz groups to the entire U.S. and Europe. Phone (630) 202-4887 with inquiries.