Growing up in the mid-west Frank is the product of a confluence of Irish, Scottish, English, and American Southern tradition. He was drawn early to the powerful storytelling traditions and intricate arrangements of American roots music and bluegrass. Stepping into Irish and Scottish traditional music, the musical forerunners of those American styles, was a natural progression. Now he brings the storytelling traditions together with historical background to paint nuanced, intimate panoramas of human experience with a matching soundtrack.
Between 1986 and 2004, Frank was a founding member of three Midwestern bands that forged a unique sound from a Celtic base and applied their myriad influences: Emerald Skye, Gabriel's Gate, and Cavan. Frank anchored each providing lead vocals, song research and arrangements, and masterful guitar and bouzouki accompaniment. Not confining themselves to just the Irish and Scottish genres, one could hear elements of Balkan, Scandinavian, Middle-Eastern, and European Classical traditions in their selections and arrangements. Each were favorites at festivals and concert settings through the Midwest and Southwest and known for their driving, wide-ranging, powerful arrangements of dance tunes and elegant arrangements of songs, featuring Frank’s vocals. Gabriel's Gate and Cavan also gave creative outlet to several composers, including Frank, who contributed many original songs and tunes to the repertoire.
Blessed with a voice of great richness and range, Frank is known for his deft vocal performances as well as his driving and creative work on bouzouki and guitar. Now transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, Frank performs both solo and in small ensembles bringing his formidable talents to bear on elegant settings of his favorites in the tradition as well as new, original work.
Discography:
Solo
Gabriel's Gate
Emerald Skye
Contributor
Selected past performances (both solo and ensemble):
(Please note: the time is PDT)
I'm hosting a short virtual house concert on StageIt (more to follow.). I'll cover as much material as I can - solo, Emerald Skye, Gabriel's Gate and everything in between and since.
All proceeds benefit jobbing, independent musicians displaced by the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic - gig cancelations, venue closures, and postponements.
Durant Vineyard Tasting Room, 5510 NE Breyman Orchards Rd., Dayton, OR