Let Me Be Frank
© Copyright-Frank Senior
(616892931225)
Record Label: Frank Senior
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Frank Senior blind from birth, is a native New Yorker and was raised in Harlem, where jazz played a major role in his musical career. His style of music is jazz, blues, standards and gospel, ranging from the 1930s to the present. Early on, he was influenced by artists such as Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, and Aretha Franklin.
Prior to Frank’s musical career, he attended the High School of Music and Art, Lavelle School for the Blind and New York University as a voice major. Frank eventually followed the music a bit later in life. He chose to put voice and acting aside to operate a newsstand, marry and raise a family.
In the early 1980’s, after the birth of his daughter, he auditioned and received a small part in the movie “Turk 182.” As Frank said, “After earning this once in a life time opportunity to become a Screen Actors Guild member, I knew that this was the time to take advantage of my status and show my voice now.”
The Universal Jazz Center was the first of many venues throughout New York in which he performed. Frank Senior has also appeared in places such as Village Gate, Bryant Park, the Angry Squire, Sweetwater’s, the Bluenote and numerous others.
He has worked with many of the legends including, Frank Owens, Earl May, Barry Harris, Harold Maybern, Dakota Staton, Abbey Lincoln, Harry Witaker, George Coleman, Harold Ousley and many more.
During 2000 and 2004, his unique phrasing and smooth style of singing enables him to reach people of all ages. As a recipient of one of the most prestigious awards, the National Endowment for the Arts, Frank was able to produce and perform a series of concerts in the New York area and a featured vocalist on the CD “New Standards” produced by Robert Kelley.
Some of the more prominent festivals in which he performs are Montréal Jazz Festival and the Lighthouse Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other performances include jazz concerts in educational settings, session singing and jingles.
Line up:
Frank Senior: vocal
Bob Mover: alto, tenor and soprano saxophone
Richard Clements: piano
Saul Rubin: guitar and keyboards
Eric Lemon: bass
Hassan JJ Shakur: bass on "This Can't Be Love"
Jacob Melchior: drums
Efrat: violin and viola
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Let Me Be Frank
author: Peter Osborn
Highly recommended if you like good singing and musicianship, it really swings! Frank Senior has a lovely tone to his singing voice, it's very reminiscent of the late great Ray Charles.
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Fantastic CD
author: Lee
Great arrangements of great songs sung by Frank Senior's strong, soulful versatile voice backed by a fantastic group of musicians. I've already bought 3 as gifts.
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What can you expect?
author: Ed Kenlon
After reading the notes, you know you’re listening to serious actor and vocal artist. And this album does not disappoint. It is what one expects to hear when the genre is somewhere around the Jazz and Blues arena. It’s hard for me to find a “favorite” on this album because every piece is so well executed. Frank Senior is a practiced musician and has all the sound and richness that authenticates his natural vocal talent. The performers on this CD with him are topnotch and each cut is a well balanced blend of instrumentalists and vocalist. Frank sings an easy baritone but has good range which is well demonstrated on the Route 66 selection. The songs span the years yet do not bore. His rendition of “You Don’t Know Me” is refreshingly different from the original and infuses the piece with new soul; recognizable but totally personal. Could that be the reason behind the album title? Perhaps but it’s all the reason you need to give this work a listen. And for expectations, you can count on a fine musical experience that you’ll want to share with a friend.
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author: Marilee Kenlon
Frank, your typical wonderful job. I could listen to you sing all night! I am so glad that you finally got around to making this CD. Now when is the next one coming out?
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