Frankie V

Growing up in Long Island, New York, versatile flugelhornist/trumpeter Frankie V (Frank Vardaros) chose his instrument after hearing a recording of legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. "It was Maynard's Live at Jimmy's album. After hearing the 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."

Classically trained 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, including a two year stint at Disney World in Florida as a lead trumpet player in many park bands and recordings. Also his experiences included performances as a sideman with Don Menza, Frank Foster, Ann Margaret, Nick Brignola, and Clark Terry to name a few.

Later, while attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music (on a full tuition scholarship), he combined screaming lead trumpet and jazz soloing over the backdrop of his jazz funk group Future Reference. 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 1996, FV began to seriously think of the flugelhorn as a solo instrument. "I was always known for being the big bad high note trumpet player, but when I picked up the flugelhorn a different side of my playing immerged, focusing on more melodic and subtle playing. I still leap into the stratosphere on the flugelhorn but it seems to take on a different quality for myself and for the listener." The music scene today has no comparison to the melodious sounds of a flugelhorn the way Frankie V plays it. At live performances, Frankie V's original smooth jazz ballads have generated tremendous fan enthusiasm, which has inspired him to pursue a smooth jazz/contemporary pop album.

Frankie V's debut single, "My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from the Titanic)" is the perfect prelude to his debut instrumental pop/smooth jazz album entitled Oceans of Dreams. The album will highlight his original compositions as well as refreshing new versions of tunes such as Amy Grant's "Arms of Love", Elton John's "Your Song", and Toni Braxton's "Un-Break My Heart". Smooth Jazz radio stations across the country are welcoming the new Smooth Jazz Flugelhorn Sensation, Frankie V.

Most recently, Frankie V has toured as a trumpet player with Arturo Sandoval's Hot House Big Band beginning at the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, passing through the Saratoga Jazz Festival, JVC Jazz Festival at Carnegie Hall and eventually making its way to the Newport Jazz Festival.

Frankie V is also the musical director and trumpet soloist for the Ryles Jazz Orchestra, the house big band for Boston's famed Ryles Jazz Club. Throughout the year, the band performs with many national guest artists, most recently Bob Mintzer, Jon Faddis and Bill Watrous.