FRANK TARANTINO JR (COMPOSER, BASSIST, SINGER)

I'm Milwaukee born and bread, born to first generation Sicilian parents Anne Riccobuono and Frank Tarantino Sr. I was raised on the east side of Milwaukee where music was abundant, I was a very luck young man. Both parents where involved with music either through church mom and dad, or light opera my dad. We always had a piano in the house and singing was a must. Being in this setting my inspirations came at an early age.
The Kool Jazz festival came to Milwaukee back then and being the size town Milwaukee was it made it easy to take a bus or even ride your bike to see Ella with Oscar, or Dizzy with Sam Jones.
My dad was more "legit" in his musical taste...if it wasn't opera or Mario or some Italian Marching Band it really wasn't music. Oh yah, he REALLY liked that blue eyed Italian boy from Hoboken. Mom loved all the women singers like Sarah, Carmen, Ella, Ms. Washington, Rosie, June Christy. for the men singers it was ALWAYS Joe Williams, Arthur P. of course Mr. Sinatra...if he was left out that would have cost her a whole bunch of Novena's.
I did not start on an instrument until I was 8 or 9 and of course it had to be the accordion..."frankie, your cousin plays accordion...you will too" hated it...mom I want to play bass like that guy on The Mike Douglas and The Tonight Show...So needless to say I played accordion until my parents felt I needed to get a good factory job.
I did do a lot of singing in high school hanging out with buddies playing guitar and finding out about the electric bass guitar. Not until 30 years old did I finally pick up my "beloved" and found wonderful teachers so helpful, giving, encouraging and butt kicking to help me in my pursuit of the bass violin.
I've been lucky to have started as a singer rather than a bassist. It made singing and playing a lot easier. So now I'LL be 55 this June 6
I've been working in a factory for 30 years and I still have that same dream of being a competent bassist and I still ask to "let me be frank" I feel this music JAZZ is so much a part of our "American" way of life...not the negative we read in the papers, hear on the news...the part of go, express yourself. Live it right now. This is how I feel this moment in time. I am a neophyte a novice in this great world of wonderful truly original music and I only hope to pay homage to all who love this music.
 

FRANK TARANTINO JR  - LET ME BE FRANK (2005)

fine blend of vocal and instrumental jazz standards, R&B and original. The quartet brings new arrangments and flavors to some well known and new songs

Frank Tarantino Jr (Bass, Vocals)

Mike Murphy (drums)

Theo Meriwether (piano)

Gary Williams (guitar)

1 Fly Me to the Moon

2 Autumn Leaves

3 Kiara's Song

4 Moonlight in Vermont

5 Jeanine6 Nature Boy

7 Nostalgia in Time Square

8 Sunny

9 Nearness of You

10 Old Devil Moon

11 Sister Sadie

more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels

 

The title of my CD "Let Me be frank" is not only the title, it also symbolizes my feelings for the music I hold near and dear. Music can trigger emotions and memories. Music gives me the support I need to get through the hard times and to celebrate the good times. No matter what your mood, there is a song that expresses it. Music is always near.

Lyrics complete a song and tell a story. Each musician and each listener interprets the song in a unique way, bringing to it their own experiences, memories and emotions. In relationships, too, each person interprets, reacts and behaves according to their own history and background.

Music and relationships, they are inseparable. I do not know one without the other. The people we are close to and who influence us the most have the same interests. The actor, artist, dancer, musician and audience are drawn to one another in appreciation of the art and the artist's talent.

Music and dance are the only art forms that exist in a moment in time and then they are gone. No two performances are ever exactly the same. That makes music exciting, challenging, humbling and very rewarding.

I wanted the music on this CD to be spontaneous, to convey that "moment in time" feeling. I asked my musicians to come to the studio not knowing what tunes we were playing. We talked over each number before recording, and recorded the first take on all but two songs. The result is fresh, original and creative.

It is a privilege to play with my fellow musicians on this recording:

Mike Murphy (drums). I have known Mike as musician and friend for more than 25 years. He has taught me that rhythm and time hold the ensemble together. We support the group and we support each other.

Theo Meriwether (piano). We met on a gig 10 years ago when I was filling in for another bass player and since then I've tried to have Theo on as many gigs as I could. He listens and guides in and out of changes; he creates a sense of togetherness, security and trust.

Gary Williams (guitar). He is my teacher, mentor, friend, big brother. Sometimes I would have given up on this thing if it wasn't for his encouragements.

I have been inspired and reflective while putting this CD together. I hope it is as enjoyable to listen to as it was to record. So sit back, relax, and listen to musicians making music they love in the company of each other.

I dedicate this effort to David Sebastian Tarantino.

God Bless you all!!!

frankie t