Mike Frank & Friends

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Mike Frank & Friends is a NJ/NY-based modern rock/jam band that incorporates a diverse blend of styles, to create a musical experience second to none. Mike Franks lyrics spotlight seemingly small, yet significant moments in life, while the full band generates a large musical presence that takes you by the hand and leads you into a familiar dance. Each live performance is personalized with several improvisational segments, which take each song to a higher level. Influences include:  Moe, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix.

Mike Frank has performed with a variety of bands, dabbling into a plethora of music genres and eventually developed an affinity for improvisation music and songs with meaningful lyrics.
"Music is a pool," Mike says of his writing process. "As you go through life, your pool fills. When its full, the music and lyrics create themselves. When the pool empties, you let life refill it with day-to-day experiences."

In 2009, Mike Frank released his first album, Yellow Rays, with his band Mike Frank & Friends. The band quickly built a solid fan base performing throughout the tri-state area. Yellow Rays is available for download on iTunes and Amazon.com.

Today, the band consists of a collection of amazing musicians with noteworthy musical backgrounds:

Steve Farrell - Formally of Clinton-based instrumental fusion band Ludlow Station, Doctor serves as drummer-extraordinaire. His funky, technical, and dynamically fluid style became an unmistakable audio characteristic of the band.

Mike Panella - Also formally of Ludlow Station, is known for his unique clavinet/Hammond organ setup, but perhaps more so for his energetic improvisation and composition. Working closely with such legendary organists like John Medeski, Grace Potter, and Bernie Worrell, Mike Panella adds an array of experience and flavor that is unparalleled.

Todd Lanka -  A premier bassist and a true master of his instrument, Todds vintage Gibson Thunderbirds sound is only intensified by his musical repertoire and improvisational skills. Todd has also worked with legendary artists such as Nasty Ned, and Tom Marshall (Phish).

Mike O'Brien -  Percussionist and longtime bandmate, Mike-O adds a dose rhythmical adrenaline to the group, playing a variety of percussion instruments, often simultaneously. His synergistic relationship with Farrell, and their ability to improvise as a unit, creates a rhythmical display that captures listeners.  These new rhythm devils will be sure to keep anyones feet moving.