Growing up in Long Island, New York, versatile trumpeter Frankie V chose his instrument after hearing a recording of legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. "It was Maynard's Live at Jimmy's album. After hearing that album, there was no doubt in my mind what career I wanted to pursue. I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said I had that album on my turntable for a whole year."
Trumpeter Frankie V's musical career began to take shape at an early age. FV spent his early years developing the craft of screaming lead trumpet by performing with countless numbers of big bands. In 1993, he came out with his first solo album entitled Funky Talk, which featured all FV's original jazz funk compositions. Two years later, FV recorded an album Live at the Regattabar in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His rendition of 'A Night In Tunisia' became the number one requested on many college radio stations throughout the Northeast. In 1998, Frankie V released his debut solo instrumental pop/smooth jazz album entitled Oceans of Dreams. The album highlighted his original compositions as well as refreshing new versions of tunes such as Amy Grant's "Arms of Love" and Elton John's "Your Song.
Frankie V has performed with such jazz greats as the late Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval, Bill Watrous, the late Nick Brignola, Ed Calle, Jon Faddis, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Bob Mintzer to name a few… Frankie V has toured in the trumpet section with Arturo Sandoval's Hot House Big Band. He has performed at such prestigious venues as the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, the Saratoga Springs Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival and Carnegie Hall. His musical compositions and arrangements have been performed by the San Francisco Symphony, and Boston Metropolitan Orchestra, to name a few. Frankie V is also the music director and trumpet soloist for the Ryles Jazz Orchestra (the house big band for Boston’s famed Ryles Jazz Club). FV founded the Ryles Jazz Orchestra in 1997, keeping in mind the great tradition of a house big band in a major jazz venue (i.e. the Village Vanguard Band, Thad Jones Mel Lewis, and Birdland Dream Band, to name a few)..
FV’s album Smooth Ride is produced by Grammy Award Winning Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and is a mix of Frankie V's Smooth Jazz, Jazz Funk and Latin Jazz originals. Smooth Ride features Arturo Sandoval on piano, saxophonist Ed Calle makes a special solo appearance; and Arturo Sandoval and Frankie V team up, both on flugelhorn, for two tracks.
Frankie V and his smooth trumpet sounds can be heard opposite Jim Carrey in the movie release "Fun with Dick and Jane", as well as in the previews in theaters and on TV. The movie hit the theaters in December 2005.
Frankie V’s latest release is “Hip for the Holidays” which is a collection of holiday favorites with a Frankie V Jazz Twist. For more information visit www.FrankieV.com
Frankie - It was a pleasure getting to know you. Thanks for a great interview. I know readers of the DeLand-Deltona Beacon Newspaper will appreciate the chance to get to know more about you and your music. I plan to be at the Deltona show this Saturday. I hope to bring some of my friends too!
Hi Frankie, Thank's for the add, really like your tribute to MF, he has been a favourite of mine since i first heard him in the 80:s. Will check out your page some more. Be Well // J@N
Hi Frankie! Thank you for the add! You sound great. What a beautiful tone... My dad plays trumpet, so I know an excellent player when I hear one! I'll have to come check out your big band at Ryles sometime... Do y'all have a regular gig there? -Cara
Whats up Frankie V? Haven't heard from you since our last chat on the phone. Remember? The one where I had consumed a few too many martinis? Just was thinking about you and wanted to say hello. Hope all is well for you brother. Page looks great! The gates are closed.....I put my staff to rest........ Jeff
