Top Brass With Class
Photo By Paul R.
"Some musicians never quite make the big time. And, not always because they lack the chops or the necessary talent. I've seen more than a few performers who were essentially unknown outside of their home territory with more genuine artistry and flair than some of the biggest names in the business. Maybe they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Fads, after all, come and go. Others performers may have simply loved what they were doing, loved the neighborhood, the local bar and just never left. Some had families, with kids. There could be a thousand reasons. But, they played music and entertained the crowds on a nightly basis, week after week, year after year, without ever losing their enthusiasm. That may be rare, but you'll find a similar story in almost any town with a big enough music scene. Local legends of this sort, become legends for a reason. It's with this in mind, that we pay tribute to Frank Orsini singer, trumpet player, band leader and master showman who recently passed away. His band "Don't Cal Me Francis" was a mainstay on the New Jersey scene for a quarter century, proving on a nightly basis, that there was more than one legendary Francis from New Jersey. Here's a tribute written by a friend and fan who was there for Frank's going away party.'
"Some musicians never quite make the big time. And, not always because they lack the chops or the necessary talent. I've seen more than a few performers who were essentially unknown outside of their home territory with more genuine artistry and flair than some of the biggest names in the business. Maybe they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Fads, after all, come and go. Others performers may have simply loved what they were doing, loved the neighborhood, the local bar and just never left. Some had families, with kids. There could be a thousand reasons. But, they played music and entertained the crowds on a nightly basis, week after week, year after year, without ever losing their enthusiasm. That may be rare, but you'll find a similar story in almost any town with a big enough music scene. Local legends of this sort, become legends for a reason. It's with this in mind, that we pay tribute to Frank Orsini singer, trumpet player, band leader and master showman who recently passed away. His band "Don't Cal Me Francis" was a mainstay on the New Jersey scene for a quarter century, proving on a nightly basis, that there was more than one legendary Francis from New Jersey. Here's a tribute written by a friend and fan who was there for Frank's going away party.'
Top Brass With Class
tribute:[ ˈtribyo͞ot ]
NOUN
1.an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration:
Tonight I attended the "Don't Call Me Francis" band tribute for fallen member Francis Orsini.
With solemn spirit and heart felt gratitude band mate Candice Marie (and my choice for new front girl) delivered a fitting memorial followed by a moment of silence. Before she could finish, a tremble in her voice was evidence of her effort to hold back her sadness. In a show of professionalism she composed herself and went on with the set. What a show it was.
The band opened with the Chicago tune 'Make me smile'. Having only heard DCMF in an outdoor amphitheater setting I was pleasantly surprised by the precision horn section, much like when I saw Chicago in 1973 or Tower of Power in 1987 on a bill with Huey Lewis. I learned you can't really appreciate horns until you experience them live on stage. As the night progressed and the band played on they transitioned seamlessly from song to song and changed from various front-men and women with ease, each interacting with the audience, making them feel relaxed and welcomed. The stage set up was clean and lacked the raw look of a rock band. No light-man or sound-man was anywhere to be seen either. It was all about the music .
The thing that was most obvious, was how the crowd reacted. Having been a night club regular myself for many years, I have never seen such a mixed crowd, having so much fun. Young and old alike, from all walks of life, were on the dance floor, while party goers relaxed with drinks at their tables. A group came in from the main bar obviously drawn by the sweet beat of the band's across the board play list of songs. They asked me what the name of 'this' band was. Ten minutes later names didn't matter and a couple of them were on the dance floor having a good time.
What if any changes will be made in format, members or leadership, remains to be seen, but one thing is certain. The years of work put in building his band will be a tribute to Frank Orsini and his lasting gift to us all. Yes, the loss of band founder, front man and 1st trumpet Mr. Orsini is huge, but if tonight is any indication, no matter what the future of DCMF may hold, it seems they are on solid footing and hold the keys to many new doors and opportunities.
Vince Spataro
tribute:[ ˈtribyo͞ot ]
NOUN
1.an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration:
Tonight I attended the "Don't Call Me Francis" band tribute for fallen member Francis Orsini.
With solemn spirit and heart felt gratitude band mate Candice Marie (and my choice for new front girl) delivered a fitting memorial followed by a moment of silence. Before she could finish, a tremble in her voice was evidence of her effort to hold back her sadness. In a show of professionalism she composed herself and went on with the set. What a show it was.
The band opened with the Chicago tune 'Make me smile'. Having only heard DCMF in an outdoor amphitheater setting I was pleasantly surprised by the precision horn section, much like when I saw Chicago in 1973 or Tower of Power in 1987 on a bill with Huey Lewis. I learned you can't really appreciate horns until you experience them live on stage. As the night progressed and the band played on they transitioned seamlessly from song to song and changed from various front-men and women with ease, each interacting with the audience, making them feel relaxed and welcomed. The stage set up was clean and lacked the raw look of a rock band. No light-man or sound-man was anywhere to be seen either. It was all about the music .
The thing that was most obvious, was how the crowd reacted. Having been a night club regular myself for many years, I have never seen such a mixed crowd, having so much fun. Young and old alike, from all walks of life, were on the dance floor, while party goers relaxed with drinks at their tables. A group came in from the main bar obviously drawn by the sweet beat of the band's across the board play list of songs. They asked me what the name of 'this' band was. Ten minutes later names didn't matter and a couple of them were on the dance floor having a good time.
What if any changes will be made in format, members or leadership, remains to be seen, but one thing is certain. The years of work put in building his band will be a tribute to Frank Orsini and his lasting gift to us all. Yes, the loss of band founder, front man and 1st trumpet Mr. Orsini is huge, but if tonight is any indication, no matter what the future of DCMF may hold, it seems they are on solid footing and hold the keys to many new doors and opportunities.
Vince Spataro
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