The web is filled with Frank Sinatra impersonators, that sing the songs in the identical manner as Sinatra. First of all, you'll probably agree that about 1 in 10 actually have a satisfactory voice (perhaps we're being a bit harsh). Second, they are using pre-recorded tracks (no live 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. There can be little spontaneity by the vocalist when he is locked into this framework. Lastly, there are few professional singers out there. One becomes a professional with intensive study and from working regularly at his chosen profession. These days there are truly few performing opportunities for a singer to become proficient at commanding a band and captivating a crowd of attentive listeners, aside from the karaoke bars that dominate. For many, that just doesn't cut it!
The Bottom Line
If you hire a Frank Sinatra impersonator you generally wind up with a well-meaning, vocally talented or not-so-talented individual copying Sinatra's precise arrangements (Never equaling or superceding them). He does his best to exactly copy Frank Sinatra's phrasing, intentionally changes lyrics (as in "...That's why this chick is a champ"), hand gestures, and out-of-date humor (broads, ring a ding ding; that worked for FS) etc... But the voice? What about the quality of the voice? More often than not, it’s simply mediocre and leaves the listeners longing to hear the real Frank Sinatra.
Frank Songs, My Way
a live band
"karaoke-Sinatra" alternative
Veteran Rat Pack style crooner Frank Lamphere offers an exclusive Frank Sinatra tribute show (and future album) entitled Frank Songs, My Way.
Lamphere unlike many, doesn't attempt the very difficult Sinatra impersonation. Some, think he sounds quite similar to Sinatra, but Lamphere sings the tunes in his own, hard-earned swinging vocal style.
Performing the Sinatra repertoire with a group of 3-8 musicians, gives Lamphere's renditions a distinctive, slightly jazzier sound than Sinatra's recorded versions of those tunes. There's a very prominent and powerful rhythm section. The right players are needed. He's got 'em. Then with the groove clearly defined, there are lots of openings for impromptu lines, tasty accents and smile deserving solos by some of the top horn & reed players in the business. He's got them too! All the while, Lamphere swings hard, sometimes sings softly, holds crisp notes, sings a little behind the beat, but always at the right spots, to make the whole performance, finger snappingly extraordinary. Likely, Ol' Blue Eyes himself would have approved.
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