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The Musical Artistry Of Frank DRone
The Musical Artistry Of Frank DRone
Date Posted: January 09 2009
Written By: Randy Freedman
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On an autumn Saturday evening at The Chambers Seafood Grille & Chop House in north suburban Niles, I waited in line at the reception area where owner Tony Maranto was personally welcoming his guests while my reservation was being carefully verified. Parking had been easy because the Chambers is located in a free-standing building with its own parking lot, offering a choice of both valet and self-parking options. That night, iconic jazz vocalist and guitarist Frank D’Rone was scheduled to make one of his much-anticipated appearances, and a large turnout was expected.
To the right, as you enter the building, a large U-shaped bar with hanging lights affords those seated at the bar a view into the section of dining room where the musicians perform. This dining room is lined with booths along its walls, with dark wood paneling at booth-height. Large framed Italian-language posters are artfully displayed over each booth. The hanging lights, posters, and dark wood give the bar and dining room a distinct, 1970s retro look.
Because of the popularity of Frank D’Rone, management and audience alike clearly expected a sell-out, and all that goes with it. Movable tables and chairs were ingeniously reconfigured to offer a view of the stage to the greatest number of audience members possible, though perhaps at the expense of some mobility for the serving staff.
I was quickly seated and a waitress appeared to take my order. I had the Linguini Pescatore—fresh shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari sauteed with garlic in a white wine marinara sauce on a bed of linguini. Not only was it delicious, but the seafood was artistically arranged on top of the pasta, making an exceptionally attractive presentation that evening.
Frank D’Rone was already seated in the dining room when I arrived at The Chambers. Gracious and hospitable as he could be, he personally greeted as many arriving audience members as he could, including myself, although I had spoken with him only once prior to this occasion. The mood he set was as though he were welcoming friends into his own living room.
Before he came on stage, D’Rone received a lengthy, heartfelt introduction from his long-time friend, Dominic, who referred to the “artistry” of Frank D’Rone. As the evening went on, and D’Rone dazzled the capacity audience with his multiple talents, I kept hearing that phrase again in my mind. It seemed so perfectly descriptive and accurate. Much like his personality, D’Rone’s voice is warm, comforting and powerful, but carefully controlled.
Playing with D’Rone that evening was a group of musicians who have their own jazz jam session every Thursday night at Chambers: bassist John Bany, pianist Don Stille, and drummer Charles Braugham. Frank and the trio sounded terrific together.
The musical highlights were many, and they included, “I Only Have Eyes for You,” which featured an introspective piano solo by Stille; “Pick Yourself Up,” on which D’Rone was afforded the chance to display his versatility by playing guitar as well as singing. It also featured great solos by Stille, Bany, and Braugham. My very favorite moment was an astounding instrumental performance of “Malegueña” by D’Rone that any of Chicago’s best jazz guitarists such as Andy Brown or Mike Allemana would have been proud to claim as their own.
With fans coming to this performance from as far away as California and Idaho, it is clear that Frank D’Rone is regarded as a national treasure. Some musical artists attempt to change their styles to remain relevant to the succeeding next generation that follows them (with widely varying degrees of success). But D’Rone’s artistry remains dignified and timeless, inviting the next generation of jazz performers to rise to meet his high personal standard.
The Chambers Seafood Grille and Chop House is located at 6881 N. Milwaukee, Niles, Ill. For more information contact at (847) 647-8282 (Chambers), or frankdarone.com.
nCJM
Chicago freelance writer Randy Freedman is a jazz connoisseur, photographer, food critic, humorist, and devoted music fan. He is a regular contributor to Chicago Jazz Magazine.
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