An imitator, like an illusionist, attempts to trick the audience with a "sleight of hand". In the case of Dean Martin mimics, it's the constantly lit cigarette, the wig, off colored jokes, and the persona of a staggering drunk. The real Dean Martin, was oozing with natural talent. As a singer, Dean posessed a magnificently beautiful voice with it's tone that eminated as the familiar baritone on such ballads as You Belong To Me and Where Can I Go Without You. According to historians, Dean had a way of phrasing that borrowed from both Bing Crosby and Harry Mills (Mills Brothers) but, that was uniquely his own. Further more, Dean developed a seemingly carefree manner that said to the audience "Hey, I'm just like you, I just happen to be up here singing". There are few performers who really capture the intonation and subtle nuances of the style that made Dino such beloved singer.
"Frank Lamphere Presents Rat Pack Jazz" is a musical happening unlike most. Singer and band director Frank Lamphere has a knowledge and passion for the traditional pop and jazz music that is uncanny. This knowledge, passion and musical ability is translated into a one of a kind musical revue. Both a tribute to the glorious music of the past and a modern concert. Dean Martin being Frank's favorite singer, receives a special emphasis in Frank's shows. It sounds far fetched but Lamphere can perform hundreds of Dino tunes. Having a similar timbre to Dean's, probably developed from singing along to Dean's records as a kid, gives Frank Lamphere's renditions a realism. Listen for yourself!
Frank Lamphere Presents a Musical Tribute to Dean Martin. Though not an imitator, Frank Lamphere sings the majority of Dean's repertoire.
Two of the three songs contained in the video below are "DINO TUNES"
Here's Frank Lamphere performing a "loose" version of Dean Martin's great 1964 hit "Everybody Loves Somebody"
Frank Lamphere chats with Deana Martin at the Dean Martin Festival in Steubenville, Ohio. Click on the photo to go to Deana's website.
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