Sometimes, if you stop and listen, you can hear the sounds of Tony Frank and his jazz band ringing into the night. Catch the Detroit native at Elliott's on Congress on Mondays, Unplugged Wine Bar on Thursdays, The New Miss Saigon downtown on Fridays, Dante's Fire late-night on Saturdays and probably a few other places in between.
What was the first concert you attended?
I grew up in the theater ... The first was The King and I. My first actual concert was my grandfather's country/gospel/bluegrass band, the Crossmen.
What are you listening to these days?
Lately it's been some supertasty Antonio Carlos Jobim that I can't take out of my car CD player.
What was the first album you owned?
The first album I purchased for myself was Miles & Monk at Newport '58. Still have it on my wall.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
I'd be hard-pressed to down any artist or band, as there's so much in all genres that I like. The Duke said, "If it sounds good, it is good." That's kind of my motto when it comes to what I like. That being said, I really think smooth jazz sucks!
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I would love to have seen Chet Baker perform live in a club.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Metal! I got the great opportunity to hang out with some of the original Queensryche members two summers ago.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Ironically, I just said to my main pianist and best friend, Sly Slipetsky, the other day, "Sly, if I die before you, make sure they play Charlie Parker's 'Parker's Mood' at my funeral, the Eddie Jefferson version. I want to go out to 'the Bird.'"
What artist changed your life and how?
I heard something amazing come on, and I couldn't make it out but immediately loved the rhythm and the driving piano. I asked my Grams what it was. She said, "Oh that's Dave Brubeck's quartet, 'Take Five.'" It was jazz as the main from then on.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Miles Davis' Porgy and Bess.
