SINATRA SPOKEN HERE - Sinatra Tribute Show

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 look-a-likes. 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 it's most profound!

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 Not that there was anything wrong with the live versions (in fact some live performances undoubtably superceded the studio versions of the same songs) they were simply different versions.

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 has the voice. Therefore, 970 in 1000 don’t. 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!"

Enter Chicago based vocalist Frank Lamphere and his new show entitled Sinatra Spoken Here. Lamphere is thought by many to be one of the best singers on the scene, has always been a huge fan of 'Ol Blue Eyes, understands the music like no one else, and captures the overall feel and vibe of Sinatra. Frank's massive repertoire of more than 2000 songs is put to good use, performing both the well known and the obscure. Frank doesn't try to imitate Ol' Blue Eyes but he sings 'em in his own unique style (that certainly borrows from Frank & company) Sinatra Spoken Here uses a live band of "top" musicians. For pricing and availability of Sinatra Spoken Here, phone Rat Pack Enterprises today at 630-202-4887. Sinatra Spoken Here is available for performance in all the U.S.