I love living in Chicago. The City has so much to offer in music, sports, the arts, and food that there is no need to look to the Coasts. In my mind there is no comparison to Chicago Blues, the Goodman and Steppenwolf Theaters, the Art Institute, or Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs. But life-long Chicagoans know Chicago also offers some special surprises to those who are willing to look.
Recently, I was fortunate to experience one of these Windy City treats during a show at The Beat Kitchen. Jazz/folk/soul songwriter and vocalist, Layla Frankel was providing opening support for the touring Irish singer/songwriter, Holly Macve. Frankel and her guitar player, Aaron Day, wowed the audience with an amazing acoustical set. The role of a supporting artist is to set the stage with the audience in anticipation of the headliner, and Frankel did her job well. With the able accompaniment of her guitarist Day (who because of technical issues played much of the set with a borrowed guitar), Frankel quickly engaged the audience with a stripped down, acoustic set of songs from her recently released EP, Tame the Fox. The teamwork of Frankel’s voice and Day’s guitar brought out the raw emotion of Frankel’s music.
Born in L.A., Frankel was raised in Chicago. She began singing and performing when she was four. Her father is Joel Frankel, a renowned children’s music performer. Frankel appeared on her father’s recordings and often joined him on stage. With formal training in choirs and various musical influences (including Bonnie Raitt, Amy Winehouse, The Beatles, and jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson), the teenaged Frankel began to comprise songs. She quickly developed her own musical style.
Frankel performs live as a solo artist but is often accompanied by her full band, Layla and the Fizz. She released her debut EP, Tame the Fox, in April 2017.
If you get the chance to hear this talented up and coming singer/songwriter, it will be well worth checking her out. You will be glad you did. To learn more about Layla Frankel, her music, and upcoming live performances, visit www.laylafrankel.com
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