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Larry Harris
Frank Lamphere: Frank Songs, My Way: Frank Lamphere Sings Sinatra
by David Bondelevitch
"Now that's original... How'd he ever come up with that one?" These words open the press material for Frank Songs, My Way: Frank Lamphere Sings Sinatra, and it is a solid question, with so many albums of Frank Sinatra covers. It would be tough to top Tony Bennett's Perfectly Frank (Columbia Records, 1992). Performers who cover other performers tend to make two mistakes. First, they often pick the obvious songs, which have probably been covered many times, ...
Continue ReadingThe Pete Ellman Big Band: The Twelve Grooves of Christmas
by Nicholas F. Mondello
As we enter the Holidays, the airwaves and digital streams flow with seasonal fare of all types of genres. And, once we ring in the New Year, said music heads back into hibernation until the next Thanksgiving and December roll around. The Pete Ellman Big Band's The Twelve Grooves of Christmas is such a fine recording that it might not be surprising for listeners to listen to it year around. The effort is that good. This high-energy ...
Continue ReadingPete Ellman: For Pete's Ache
by Nicholas F. Mondello
Long a fixture throughout Chicagoland, the Ellman name is synonymous with all things musical. No “ache" at all, this album is a fun big-band romp. There is some outstanding ensemble and solo work and the various terrific arrangements bring the best out of a superb, engaged ensemble. The opener, “High Speed Pursuit," is a whirlwind burner which demonstrates the swing, muscle, and solo talent of this fine ensemble. Think “Naked Gun" on speed. The swing spirit is ...
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