Blog: Frankie sways, Frankie says…

23rd September 2007

Chicago And Beyond is now On Tour!

Hiya! Just a quick note to say Chicago And Beyond is now on the road.

Working with Celena Cherry and Lewis Bradley is absolutely terrific. The members of the cast are also wonderful. Lewis might only be 18 but he has unbelievable stage presence and charisma. No wonder the girls follow him about.

In Celena, I think I have met a new lifelong friend. She is so warm and friendly and what a voice!

If you can make it to one of the shows, we'd love to see you there. Let me know if you're coming. See you soon.

16th July 2007

Frankie performs alongside Katherine Jenkins

Well, things are really starting to pick up and motor at the moment! After landing the theatre tour with Zoe Tyler, who never seems to be off the telly these days, I was asked to perform at Cheveley Stud in Newmarket for a very distinguished gathering of Lords, Ladies and the social elite. I was on the same bill at the delightful Katherine Jenkins and a very entertaining Scottish tenor, Nicky Spence. What a fancy bash. Katherine was delayed by freak weather so I got to belt out a few extra numbers. It was a fantastic evening.

Katherine was as charming and sweet as she is on TV. It was lovely to have a little chat with her. Hopefully, our paths will cross again. Would that be an interesting duet? Will Nessun Dorma swing? And, yes fellers, she is as stunning in real life.

The gigs are coming thick and fast at the moment, quite varied in terms of audience and setting. Some solo, some with bands. Just this weekend I was at the Henley Festival playing to 1000 people with my friend MD Toby Cruse (again) and, what a great band. I donned my 'Matt Monro' suit (see pic) and let rip. What fun!

Coming up this weekend (20th, 21st, 22nd July), it's a 3 gig return trip to the Cotswolds which I'm looking forward to. Such nice people who make us feel so welcome (that's me and my beautiful Scouse assistant Chris!). Really, really looking forward to it.

25th June 2007

Chicago And Beyond

Firstly I must apologise for not keeping this as up-to-date as I'd like! There's been a lot going on. As hinted at before, some big things in the offing. Nothing is easy or can ever be taken for granted. But I'm determined and persistent. In fact, I'm a driven monster! Ha, ha! Albeit a friendly one.

From a little email that I sent about a year ago, came a phonecall that could lead to one of my biggest breaks yet. I got a call from David Hahn and Julia England. They needed a singer for Julia's touring theatrical production Chicago And Beyond, someone who could do justice to the variety of songs that the production showcases. They thought of me and I am thrilled and excited.

So, between September and November, I will be part of a musical show touring around the UK. About 2o dates to begin with. I have the main male role in the show which stars Celena Cherry (Lead singer of the hit girl group The Honeyz) and Lewis Bradley who came third in the BBC hit show "Any Dream Will Do". The rehearsals start very soon.

I'm sure working with Celena and Lewis will be huge fun and a great experience for me.

18th April 2007

Frankie Novak - Hush, hush, excitement.

Hi everyone! Lots going on. Preparing for a busy Summer as usual.

I have one or two interesting things happening which I am not at liberty to divulge at the moment though, unfortunately. All part of the Novak master plan!

I'm pleased Swing is still really thriving. It shouldn't be a surprise, they are just great songs. It's particularly pleasing when younger people appreciate the songs. There is a rumour that Robbie Williams is doing another Swing album. Interesting that X Factor runner-up, Ray Quinn's album, seemed to disappear quickly. I wonder if he'll stick with Swing or move on to pop. We'll see. I'm not convinced that young 'uns can sing "My Way" or "That's Life" with a lot of cred.

Anyway, please keep those emails coming in and I'll get that news out as soon as I can. All I can say is, they're very exciting!

16th February 2007

Frankie's No Fool!

Hard to believe that it's February already. It's been a busy time for the Frankie Novak team with a lot of travelling round the country. At a Maritime Museum corporate event in London, I shared the stage with 'Elvis' and met up with some 'Fools' - the organiser praised us by saying that he "liked the way we just got on with things". Alan Dedicoat (the voice behind the Lotto), couldn't believe how long I could keep singing. Ha, ha! There was a Glasgow 'Rat Pack' show. A trip to the Lake District for another corporate event, this time Conlons Opticians delighted with a Frankie Novak show. In between there have been weddings, surprise birthday parties, and my Valentine's special. Busy, busy, but all good fun!

Thankfully, the diary is filling up nicely, with a few repeat bookings too. It's shaping up to be another good year. And even better, Spring and the warmer days are on their way - wicked!

18th January 2007

Rat Pack Show

A first for me. I recently performed in a Rat Park show at The Landmarc, one of the South Coast's prestigious venues. That was fun! Great guys to work with and a very warm, receptive audience. It made a change from the solo shows I do, the onstage banter and the role playing made me think what a hoot the real guys must have had all those years ago, and just how loved they were. It's awesome to be able to share my own love of the guys and their music with fans new and old.

I'm expecting to be back there in the not too distant future for a solo show, when I can add some Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett material to the Rat Pack songbook. I wouldn't say no either to more
Rat Pack Show events either. Bring it on!

5th January 2007

New Faces, New Friends

As you might expect December was a very busy month! I also got to meet some great people. Travelling up North to Lincolnshire to play at the renowned Sands venue in Gainsborough with Debbie Farrell from Stars in Their Eyes fame as Shirley Bassey, we were backed by the fabulous Mike Smith Orchestra. In London, at a corporate event, I got to work with Elvis Presley, well Mike McAlpine who'd flown in from Germany (I didn't realise Elvis was still conscripted). You notice how much effort people put in to organise these events - it's always great to see the smiles on their faces when they see it's all working out as planned!

New Year's Eve had me entertaining over 400 people at the celebrated The Greyhound Inn, near Coventry, a great venue with great staff. Lots of dancing! The huge marquee survived the winds! Glad I didn't have to clean up the next day!

Earlier, there was also a successful return to St. Leonard's in Ringwood for a Frankie Novak 'Dinner and Show' evening - hopefully these enjoyable Greene King Hotel events will feature more in my diary in 2007.

19th December 2006

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - from Frankie Novak and the team

As the year draws to a close it is usually time to take stock. 2006 has been an awesome year. I've been all over the country and beyond. I've met so many lovely people who have helped and encouraged me - and literally overwhelmed me with their appreciation.

I've sung solo, and sung with Orchestras and Swing bands and I've made countless new friends. I'm getting invited back to venues and by bands I've performed with. Can't get a better nod than that.

2007 will be an important year for me. I have some huge ideas and plans, I hope you'll stay in touch and maybe come back and see me again.

Have a great Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year. Frankie x

3rd November 2006

Hot off the Presses - the New Single

It's seems to have taken an age, but finally after all the work, the efforts of musicians and my team, we're there. The first official Frankie Novak CD is ready to help take me onto the next part of my journey. I'm so happy with it - how it sounds, how it looks, how well the songs go down with audiences when I perform them. The CD single contains three tracks - my Swing interpretations of songs from the 60s and 70s. There is 'Tell Me When' (The Applejacks), 1-2-3 (Len Barry) and Coz I Luv You (Slade). A bonus feature is the video of Coz I Luv You. Check out my new suit!

In reworking these songs, I think we've given them a new lease of life, and captured the essence of Frankie Novak. It's Swing with a twist; edgy and comtemporary. And there is a lot more to come - more songs in a similar vein and songs written by the team and myself… and hopefully, radio, TV and concert tours.

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Old News

To make room for the latest 2007 blog entries, last year's news and thoughts from Frankie have been moved.

Read about Frankie 'dealing' with Noel Edmonds, recording his new single 'Tell Me When', who has inspired Frankie, his adventures home and abroad, and more…

Details here: More News from 2006

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Looking Ahead

I've got big plans for 2007. I can't believe how much has been achieved over the last
12 months or so. Performing all over the country; solo, with bands and orchestras. There has been a lot of very positive feedback and support. I've been in the recording studio, on the radio. The next big challenge is to get on TV - and I'm working on that! The diary is filling quite nicely for the new year.

The ambition remains to be recognised as a world class singer and to be mentioned in the same breath as current Swingers and crooners, Tony Bennett, Micheal Bublé,
Paul Anka… whilst producing contempoarary Swing music. I've never doubted my ability. There is much to do, yet so much to come…

Until the next instalment…Keep Swingin'!