Uncle Frank

Event Has Passed

Last Show: Friday 15 th September 2017

PizzaExpress Live (Holborn)

Multi-instrumentalists and producers Frank Benbini & Naim Cortazzi are back with the explosive new album 'Love Lion'. With National Radio airplay from BBC6 Music and BBC Radio 2 and A-listed on Regional Radio throughout the UK, Uncle Frank's star is rising with thrilling live shows throughout the UK, in particular with Craig Charles' Funk and Soul nights. The albums lead single 'Love Lion' (which was a double A-side accompanied by the infectious 'Tokyo') follows on from 'Maximum Respect' and 'Fountains'. Touring with the legendary UB40 in America, Frank and Naim duetted with Ali Campbell and UB40 at New Jersey's Performing Arts Centre  singing a reggae version Prince's 'Purple Rain' which is on the Radio Riddler album 'Purple Reggae' (produced by Frank and Fast from FLC) and featuring vocals from Ali Cambell, Sinead O'Connor, Suggs from Madness, Citizen Cope and Beverley Knight as well as Frank Benbini and Naim Cortazzi.

Read more ...

"The world needs this kind of music - because it's real and self-made, feel-good and original.”

The Daily Express

Drummers turned charismatic, engaging singers are about as rare as humility at the Grammys. Frank Benbini is one of those uncommon musicians, who crosses over easily from percussionist to vocalist. Uncle Frank’s lightning rod, who has made a name for himself as the Fun Lovin’ Criminals’ drummer, explains how he made the transformation.

Benbini and his partner, Naim Cortazzi are on the way to wreaking sonic havoc with their latest album, the diverse, hook-laden “Smiles For Miles .” The initial single, “Dance Instructor” is a catchy and funky ear turner. It features a New Order-esque beat and synth line but with a dash of funk. Benbini adds a drum beat with a skippy shuffle disco beat and drop s a laidback vocal.

There’s also no contemporary act like Uncle Frank. The Leicester based duo doesn’t follow a template. The unique unit has no problem hitting with a groove-laden funk number, followed by a melancholy ballad to a pop tune filled with cheeky lyrics.

Benbini, who has essentially split time between his native England and New York since joining the Fun Lovin’ Criminals in 2003.

The album was mixed by Grammy Award winning mixer and producer Tim Latham (Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Rolling Stones and Erykah Badu). Benbini first met Latham during a Lou Reed session at Quad Studios in New York. They immediately hit it off, and when it came to mixing the Uncle Frank album, Latham believed in the project so much, he committed to it before Uncle Frank even secured a record deal.

Band Lineup

Frank Benbini (vocals)

Naim Cortazzi (guitar)

Jnr Benbini (drums)

Luke Bryan (bass)