FrankE

Welcome,Glad you stopped by. While you’re here won’t you sample my flavors for the ears and eyes. There’s a smooth fire for the grown and sexy. Hope spiked with “preach nah!” for times when you’re feeling a bit vexy. There’s even a jazz standard with which I took the chance, to put a jazzapella on it to see how it'll dance. Yeah, creativity can be such bittersweet fun, but ain't nothing like the feeling when it's being done. Now do check out the poetry under the blog. Some thoughts and feelings as the Light makes its way through the fog. And I hope you enjoy your visit here. Please feel free to leave a message or comment, feedback’s always appreciated here.Oh and here’s a bit of history about FrankE:Native New Yorker. First of four. Yes the experiment for two who’ve opened parenting’s door. Music was always playing in the house. My mother a serious dancer who could turn the Savoy Ballroom out and my father a crooner whose venues were the shower and the basement. Maybe he could’ve been more, maybe that’s why he’d sometimes pout.The first song I clearly remember is mama singing LaVerne Baker’s “Tweedle De”, rockin her baby boy in her arms, just lovin me. Pops was more into blues and jazz. He’d be down in the basement having a prayer meeting with Count Basie, Arnett Cobb, Gene Ammons, Ella and even Louis Jordan sippin Chivas Regal and tappin his toes.Fast forward:After many sold out concerts in my living room brush for a microphone accompanied by some A-list 45’s and LP’s, a fire started to burn to express the music growing in me. Tried piano lessons, but it really didn’t stick. Beat on some pots and pans, well they were closer to it. Taxed my back as a fourth grader carrying a cello home, but plucking them strings and hearing those root tones brought me closer to home. It was on for a while. Then of course life takes its turns and other things needed my attention, so I did what I had to do, nah, no need to mention. But out of those times another expression was born, poetry as a means to cope and turn my inner light on.Fast Forward:I’m about to make my public debut. Suave, handsome, young and nervous as a roach in elephant stampede. Went with my friend’s father to a local jazz jam. Sang before the elders who’ll call it spam or ham. “God Bless the Child” was my choice. It spoke best of my journey and suited my voice. I was well received much to my surprise. I couldn’t see there reactions through closed eyes. But after that breakthrough, the fire was lit and a path unfolded, which I’ve never quit. Detoured now and then, but always came back home to my closest friend.Fast Forward:Well here I am, having gone through more than a few rushes. Still learning to be confident and believe in what I’ve got. Won a couple of sing off’s. One time I didn’t even know I’d won, sitting in the basement of the club running my mouth when the announcement was made. Did several showcases and concerts and received accolades. Went on Showtime at the Apollo and got my face cracked by the mistake the band made. The process went on as I got on and off the ride. Then in May 2007 I got wind of the Jazzmobile Vocalist competition and decided to hit my stride. Made the audition and made it through the rounds to become 1 of 4 finalists. The competition was stiff, what with 3 awesome female vocalists on board. Well I must have done something right, because I ended up with an Outstanding Performance cash award!Now thanks to the guidance of a kind soul (Stephen Eugene), I’m here on MySpace as my journey continues to unfold. Well I hope I didn’t bore you with this sketch of my trip. Oh and let me add another little tid bit. I’m a produced playwright and an award winning published poet. I’m also an energy medicine practitioner whose abilities lie in relaxation therapies. I’ve just finished 2 short plays and I’m currently working on a screenplay. Ooo, ooo and guess what, I’ve just done my first music video! Ain’t that a blip! You can check that out too on this page. Okay, carpel’s is starting to set in, so I’m gonna stop here.Thank you for stopping by. Hope to see you again. And if you like, let’s be friends.Love is Light as Light is You – Peace - FrankE