Frank Lamphere's New Album & Brand of "Blue-Collar Jazz" Promises Years of Listening Enjoyment, Especially for Rat Pack Devotees
CHICAGO, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frank Lamphere, swinging vocalist and hammer swinging deck contractor (Hence the name, Blue-Collar Jazz) has released another high-quality, culturally significant album with his latest project Now THAT'S Amore! The fourteen-song album contains ten covers of pop-jazz standards and four original compositions, all utilizing a core of a four-piece rhythm section and supplemented with additional instrumentation. This is the follow-up to his 2021 America the Beautiful, Swinging disc. The opening track Theme From the Godfather sets the album's tone and could become indispensable listening for Godfather fans. Frank made his version a hyper swinger and with the addition of clarinet, accordion and mandolin, the song's old Italian roots are on full display. Dan McIntyre, guitarist in Frank Sinatra Jr's band for years, plays on all the album's tracks, and has standout solos on Lamphere's self-penned Think Happy (inspired by national radio talk show host Dennis Prager) and the reverent God Bless America. The title track That's Amore, an early career hit for Dean Martin, received a jazz makeover. An alternate version of the song is also included and shows off Lamphere's near native fluency in the Italian language. He has headlined across the country at Italian fests. One of two Henry Mancini compositions, A Slow Hot Wind features a vibraphone weaving seamlessly between piano and guitar chords. The other, Charade, after its charming accordion intro, explodes with the energy of a hydrogen bomb. A Buddy Greco inspired take on Around the World, with memorable solos by pianist Larry Harris and former Basie band saxman, Eric Schneider, will more than accommodate swing dancers. Frank's original baseball song (formerly of the Cubs) is now dedicated to Atlanta's team in The Braves Go All the Way.
- The opening track Theme From the Godfather sets the album's tone and could become indispensable listening for Godfather fans.
- Frank made his version a hyper swinger and with the addition of clarinet, accordion and mandolin, the song's old Italian roots are on full display.
- An alternate version of the song is also included and shows off Lamphere's near native fluency in the Italian language.
- His fifteen song Frank Sinatra tribute Frank Songs, My Way could very well shake up the industry when it comes out in mid-2024.