Jeff Frankel Biography

Born in New York, raised in Chicago via Miami, I started playing guitar when I was 8 years old. Mesmerized by the pre-British Invasion music of the 60's drifting through my transistor radio, I had to become a part of the sound. My cousin, already a great guitar player, got me started. It wasn't long before I dedicated myself to the instrument.
 

Becoming infatuated with rock, country, blues and soul - anything with "feeling", I spent a great deal of time listening to my favorite recordings, working hard to get the sound and emotion into my playing style. Discovering my favorite player's influences and studying their styles as well, ultimately led to a library of sounds in my head and a variety of playing styles at my fingertips.
 

After graduating with a business degree from the University of Denver, I attended the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. It was there that I received intensive training in music theory and harmony. While in California, I played in a wide variety of bands. Original rock, blues and country bands were integral training grounds in my becoming a versatile guitarist.
 

Returning to Chicago after my west-coast experience, I became absorbed in the blues. I joined Dion Payton and the 43rd Street Blues Band. We were the house band at the world-renowned Kingston Mines Blues Club. It was there that I had the privilege of sharing the stage with blues greats such as Otis Rush, Buddy Miles, Sugar Blue, and James Cotton to name a few. I also began playing in a variety of rock and blues/rock bands. My own band, Dr. Jones and the Double Customs became a hit on the club scene.
 

A big fan of traditional and 50's west-coast country, I began working in the bourgeoning country music resurgence of the 90's. The first band I joined was Red Arrow Highway. Later I played in the local super-group Rancho Deluxe. Soon I found myself working with a variety of singer-songwriters including Nancy Walker of the Sons of the Never Wrong, Kathy Younger and Alice Peacock.
 

A few years ago I began to focus on the art of recording. It was a natural path, utilizing all of my skill and experience. Eventually, I began writing my own songs and cut my first solo record. These songs became "Sometime In The AM."